Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, satisfying meal that won’t derail your low-carb diet, these Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs are an excellent choice. Chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy, making them perfect for grilling. The addition of a low-carb BBQ sauce allows you to enjoy that sweet and smoky flavor without the extra carbs. It’s a great option for family dinners, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and will keep you feeling full without the guilt!
How to Make Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-carb BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your grill. Start by setting your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice char on the outside.
Prepare the seasoning mixture. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will flavor your chicken thighs, making them tasty and aromatic.
Coat the chicken. Take each chicken thigh and coat it thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. Make sure to rub it into the meat so that it gets good flavor.
Grill the chicken. Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Add the BBQ sauce. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on the low-carb BBQ sauce. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Let it rest. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices inside the chicken, making it more succulent.
How to Serve Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
These Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs can be served in various ways. You can plate them whole and serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or a low-carb coleslaw for a complete meal. You might also shred the chicken and use it in low-carb wraps or lettuce wraps for a fun twist. A drizzle of extra low-carb BBQ sauce on top adds even more flavor!
How to Store Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
Choose the Right Chicken: Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs tend to keep the meat juicy—don’t be afraid of the skin, as it adds flavor and moisture.
Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight before grilling.
Watch the Grill: Every grill is different, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent any charring or burning.
Use High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Look for a low-carb BBQ sauce that has minimal sugar and a flavor you enjoy. This can make a huge difference in the final taste.
Add Extra Toppings: Consider topping the chicken with some diced green onions or fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
Variation
You can switch up the flavor profile of this recipe by using different seasonings. For instance, try using smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of low-carb BBQ sauces available in stores or even make your own at home with sugar-free ingredients.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily. Ensure you don’t overcook them and consider marinating longer for moisture.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of chicken thighs. It should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
3. Can I make this in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. Brush on the BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking for best results.
4. Is the BBQ sauce really low-carb?
Be sure to check the nutritional information on the BBQ sauce label. Many brands offer low-carb options that contain no added sugars.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mixture or use spicy barbecue sauce to kick things up a notch.
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its simplicity and scrumptious flavor, Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs are perfect for any meal. Enjoy!
Print
Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Delicious and satisfying low-carb BBQ chicken thighs that are juicy and full of flavor, perfect for grilling.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-carb BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on the low-carb BBQ sauce.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for a few hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: low carb, BBQ, chicken thighs, grilling, family dinner