If you're craving a delicious, juicy, and tender BBQ chicken that fits your low-carb lifestyle, then Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs are the perfect choice. These chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned, grilled to perfection, and glazed with a homemade low-carb BBQ sauce that’s both flavorful and guilt-free. With a balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors, these chicken thighs are a fantastic meal for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing taste.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a healthy dinner option, this recipe offers the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken and delicious, low-carb goodness. Serve it with a fresh salad or low-carb side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 kg)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (1 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (1 g)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (1 g)
For the Low Carb BBQ Sauce:
- 240 g sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (1 g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (0.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (0.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (0.5 g)
- Stevia or erythritol to taste (optional, if you like it sweeter)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Thighs:
- Season the chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili powder. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated. - Prepare the grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 190°C / 375°F). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. - Cook the chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill the thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the chicken is golden brown with crispy skin. Flip the chicken occasionally to avoid burning.
Making the Low Carb BBQ Sauce:
- Prepare the sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. - Simmer the sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you like your BBQ sauce sweeter, add a little stevia or erythritol to taste. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from heat.
Grilling the Chicken with BBQ Sauce:
- Glaze the chicken:
During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of the low-carb BBQ sauce onto the chicken thighs. Continue grilling, basting with more sauce as the chicken finishes cooking. You can also brush the sauce on the chicken in layers, adding more sauce with each flip to build up the flavor. - Rest the chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed with the BBQ sauce, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving:
- Serve:
Serve your Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs with a side of your favorite low-carb veggies or a fresh green salad. The smoky, tangy BBQ glaze pairs perfectly with roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or a simple coleslaw.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
(These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Crispy skin: For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes before lowering the temperature to finish cooking. This ensures a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Make ahead: You can prep the chicken and BBQ sauce in advance. Marinate the chicken with the seasoning mix for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor.
- BBQ sauce variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings for your BBQ sauce. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a splash of liquid smoke for an even smokier flavor.
- Oven method: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the chicken thighs in a 200°C (400°F) oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce halfway through.
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Why are Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs a perfect recipe for your readers?
This recipe is the ultimate blend of healthy eating and flavorful indulgence. The rich, smoky BBQ flavor without all the carbs makes it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. The beauty of this dish is that it's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying—great for a family meal or a quick weeknight dinner.
Consider creating variations of this recipe by adding different low-carb marinades or experimenting with grilled vegetable sides to complement the dish.
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