Savory Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

$To make delicious low carb BBQ chicken thighs, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a savory and satisfying dish. The bone-in thighs keep the meat juicy, while the sugar-free BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy touch. The spices bring out the flavors and make each bite exciting. I love to use fresh parsley for garnish; it adds a nice pop of color and freshness. This simple list makes it easy for anyone to dive into this tasty recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If you use the oven, line a baking sheet with foil. This makes cleanup easy. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This blend will be your dry rub. 1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps the rub stick. 2. Rub each thigh with olive oil. Make sure they are well coated. 3. Generously apply the dry rub all over the chicken thighs. Cover both sides for great flavor. 1. Grilling: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them over and brush with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Grill for another 10-12 minutes while basting with more BBQ sauce. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). 2. Baking: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. After that, brush with sugar-free BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Again, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch. Enjoy your flavorful low carb BBQ chicken thighs! Marinating your chicken thighs is key for great taste. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to soak in. You can also marinate overnight for a deeper flavor. To cook evenly, ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook through without drying out. Flip the thighs halfway through cooking for even results. Control the grill's heat well for the best grill marks. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This gives you those perfect charred lines. Watch for flare-ups caused by fat dripping. Move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if flames get high. This prevents burning and keeps your chicken juicy. For a beautiful presentation, serve the BBQ chicken on a rustic wooden board. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. You can also serve with grilled veggies for a lovely low-carb meal. Try zucchini or bell peppers for a vibrant side. Pro Tips Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken thighs dry before applying the rub helps achieve a crispy skin when cooking. Let it Marinate: For enhanced flavor, let the seasoned chicken thighs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the BBQ sauce for a fresh twist. Look for low-carb options like mustard or hot sauce. You can even make your own! Here’s a simple homemade BBQ sauce recipe: - 1 cup tomato sauce - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon sweetener (like erythritol) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients in a bowl, and you have a tasty sauce without the carbs. Spice is key to flavor. You can use different blends to change up the taste. Try a mix of chili powder, cumin, and oregano for a Mexican flair. If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, go for it! They cook faster, so check them at 20 minutes. Chicken breasts also work well but need careful cooking to stay juicy. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C). To keep cooked chicken thighs fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the container in your fridge. They can last about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the thighs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This will help avoid freezer burn. Frozen chicken thighs can last up to 3 months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat chicken thighs is in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thighs on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you prefer using a microwave, that’s fine too! Just heat on medium power to avoid drying them out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when reheating. This will keep your chicken juicy and flavorful. Most BBQ sauces are high in sugar. However, you can find great sugar-free options. These sauces use natural sweeteners or no sweeteners at all. Brands like G Hughes or Primal Kitchen offer tasty choices. Always check the label to be sure. Sugar-free BBQ sauce gives you flavor without the carbs. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Marinate the chicken thighs overnight for extra flavor. Simply mix the spices and rub them on the chicken. Then, cover it and place it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just take it out and grill or bake. This saves time during busy days. You can enjoy many low carb sides with BBQ chicken. Here are some ideas: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus - Cauliflower rice as a tasty alternative - A fresh salad with greens and a light dressing - Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli These sides add color and flavor while keeping your meal low in carbs. This guide on making low-carb BBQ chicken thighs is packed with tips. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering cooking techniques, you've learned how to elevate your dish. Remember that marinating well and controlling heat are keys to success. Don't hesitate to explore sauce and spice variations. Enjoy flavorful meals while sticking to your low-carb goals. With these tips in hand, you’re ready to impress at your next gathering. Happy grilling and cooking!$

Savory Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

Delicious and flavorful BBQ chicken thighs that are low in carbs and perfect for grilling or baking.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
0.5 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This will be your dry rub.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub each thigh with olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to evenly cover both sides.
If grilling: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, then flip and brush with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 10-12 minutes, basting with more BBQ sauce halfway through or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
If baking: Place marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then brush with sugar-free BBQ sauce and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove from grill/oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh parsley and a side of grilled vegetables.

Keyword BBQ, chicken thighs, low carb