Quick Summary: An indoor grill is the fastest way to get low carb protein on the table. This review covers the Cuisinart Griddler after five years of use, including pros, cons, and tips. Includes a simple recipe for seared chicken thighs. Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Serves: 2
Jump to: Recipe | Why Use an Indoor Grill? | Pros & Cons of Indoor Grilling | More Tools for Slow Carb Cooking | Making Chicken Thighs on Indoor Grill | FAQ
When I started coaching slow carb clients, the most common obstacle to success was time. People knew what to eat but struggled to cook it quickly on busy weeknights. An indoor grill changed that for me, and it’s the tool I recommend most often.
I’ve use the Cuisinart Griddler almost weekly for over five years, and it still delivers. You get a great sear, it cooks proteins from both sides at once (so dinner is ready in half the time), and cleanup is easy.
Here’s a recipe for seared chicken thighs to demonstrate what I have learned.
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Why an Indoor Grill Works for Slow Carb Cooking
I learned about the Griddler (my choice of an indoor grill) when I was first starting out on my slow carb journey. I used to be an avid fan of the foodie shows on TV and Hubert Keller was one of my favorites.
He always made such delectable looking dishes, and of course he made it look easy. One tool that he used pretty consistently was this Cuisinart Griddler Delux, so I thought I’d give it a go.
Years later and it is still one of my favorite appliances or tools that I use to get a low carb, tasty dinner on the table quickly and easily.
By the way, Hubert Keller is still one of my favorite chefs also. His food is so visually pleasing and so tasty with just enough flair to make it special.
He also seems like a really nice man that is not so arrogant. Always a plus.
Pro and Cons of making low carb dinners on an indoor grill
Pros
- You get a really nice sear on your proteins, complete with grill marks
- Because it cooks your proteins or vegetables from top and bottom at the same time, it is very quick (twice as quick as grilling outside or cooking in a skillet and turning
- It is large enough to cook for family and friends. Many of the panin makers are quite small. I am able to cook six chicken thighs in the Griddler no problem.
- There is a floating hinge that adjusts the heights for different foods. It can accomodate a thin filet of fish or a thick T-bone steak.
- There is a “trough in back to collect the grease so you don’t have to drain grease from a heavy pan (see the con on this however)
- You can grill indoors and avoid the mosquitoes and bugs (I live in Minnesota)
- You can open it up to lay flat and grill kebabs and veggies on it quite easily.
- Easy clean up with the removable plates. Just toss them in the sink or dishwasher
- I keep dinner really simple when my husband is on the road and I’m eating alone. The Griddler allows you to quickly grill up small portions of protein. Served with a green vegetable and dinner is done (see video for seared chicken tutorial)
Cons:
- the grease trap in the back doesn’t always catch the grease. It could be designed a little better
- If you try and cook really thin and thick food at the same time you might have to monitor more and you might not get the grill marks on some of the filets.
- Occasionally I have trouble getting the top plate to click in readily (I think that might be user error however and perhaps trying to go too quickly 🙂
More tools that lend themselves to quick and easy meals
I love the Griddler and have used it just about weekly for over five years. A few other tools that I think are indispensable to slow carb cooking include the following:
- a large dutch oven for soups, stews and batch cooking
- a cast iron skillet for one-pot skillet dinners (also batch cooking)
- a non-stick frying pan for scrambled eggs
- a vita-mix blender for protein smoothies
How to Make Seared Chicken Thighs on the Griddler
The ingredient and recipe details are listed in the recipe card below. In short, preheat the Griddler to 375°F. Trim chicken thighs, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. When the light turns green, place thighs on the grill and close the lid. Cook 13-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest briefly before serving.
More Quick Recipes for the Indoor Grill:
Salmon is one of the quickest things to cook with the Griddler. Chicken thighs (bone-in) and steak filets also work great, although not as quick as salmon.
Kebabs are also one of the more flexible dinners you can make with an indoor grill. Here are a few variations on some kebab recipes:
FAQ
Yes, if you cook proteins regularly. I’ve used mine weekly for five years and it’s still going strong. The time savings alone make it worth it for busy weeknights.
Salmon is the quickest. Chicken thighs, steaks, pork chops, and kebabs all work great. Thin fish fillets can be tricky because they cook so fast.
Yes. Open it flat and grill vegetables alongside proteins, or use it for kebabs with vegetables and meat on skewers.
The plates are removable and dishwasher safe. Let the unit cool, pop out the plates, and toss them in the dishwasher.
Yes. Chicken thighs with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are fully compliant. Serve with a green vegetable for a complete slow carb dinner.
Interested in the Slow Carb Diet? Check out this comprehensive E-Guide on Fat Loss through a Slow Carb Diet.
Seared Chicken Thighs on the Cuisinart Griddler
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn the Griddler on to 375° F (both knobs)
- Trim the skin on the chicken thighs. Wash hands thoroughly4 chicken thighs
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the chicken thighs and add salt and pepper to your desired amount2 Tbsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste
- When Griddler lights are green, use tongs to place the thighs on the bottom plate of Griddler and close the top. Allow chicken to cook 13-15 minutes. Cut one open with a knife to make sure it is done, or use a thermometer and test to 165°F
- Turn off Griddler and let it cool. Remove the plates and place in dishwasher.
Video
Notes
-
- You get a really nice sear on your proteins, complete with grill marks
-
- Because it cooks your proteins or vegetables from top and bottom at the same time, it is very quick (twice as quick as grilling outside or cooking in a skillet and turning
-
- It is large enough to cook for family and friends. Many of the panini makers are quite small. I am able to cook six chicken thighs in the Griddler no problem.
-
- There is a floating hinge that adjusts the heights for different foods. It can accomodate a thin filet of fish or a thick T-bone steak.
-
- There is a “trough in back to collect the grease so you don’t have to drain grease from a heavy pan (see the con on this however)
-
- You can grill indoors and avoid the mosquitoes and bugs (I live in Minnesota)
-
- You can open it up to lay flat and grill kebabs and veggies on it quite easily.
-
- Easy clean up with the removable plates. Just toss them in the sink or dishwasher
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