Succulent Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe For Grill Lovers

Tender chicken thighs bursting with smoky low carb bbq flavor promise a mouthwatering meal that satisfies without the carb guilt.

Grilling brings out rich, deep notes in these succulent cuts of meat.

Summer barbecues just got an incredible upgrade with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet barbecue goodness.

The marinades and spices combine to create a seriously addictive dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No one will believe how easy these juicy chicken thighs are to prepare.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and make this recipe your new weekend staple.

Sugar-Free Sauce Ideas and Spice Options

• Marinate chicken thighs in the spice mixture for 2-3 hours before cooking to intensify the flavor profile and tenderize the meat.
• Prepare the seasoned chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep.
• Replace oven baking with outdoor grilling for a smoky flavor. Grill chicken thighs over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
• For keto enthusiasts, use homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce or choose store-bought versions with zero net carbs to maintain low-carb goals. Dairy-free and gluten-free diners can easily enjoy this recipe without modifications.

Serve With Low-Carb Sides for a Full Meal

• Zesty Sidekick Salad: Whip up a crisp mixed greens salad with cucumber, radishes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich, smoky chicken flavors.
• Cauliflower Comfort Companion: Roast cauliflower florets with garlic and herbs as a low-carb alternative to traditional side dishes, perfectly matching the chicken's bold seasoning.
• Tangy Dipping Delight: Create a quick dipping sauce using mayo, hot sauce, and fresh herbs to add an extra layer of flavor that enhances the BBQ chicken's spice profile.
• Veggie Crunch Platter: Arrange fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers, celery, and jicama alongside the chicken for a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment that balances the meal's richness.

Store Chicken Thighs with Juicy Results

• Store cooked chicken thighs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals, maintaining delicious taste and texture.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven keeps that crispy exterior intact.
• Batch cook chicken thighs on weekends, dividing into portion-sized containers. Perfect for quick lunches, protein-packed salad toppers, or speedy dinner solutions throughout the week.

FAQs

• Are these BBQ chicken thighs suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, these chicken thighs are perfect for keto diet followers because they use sugar-free BBQ sauce and have zero carbohydrate ingredients that would disrupt ketosis.

• Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs work great. Bone-in thighs typically provide more flavor and moisture, while boneless thighs offer easier eating.

• What makes the spice rub special in this recipe?

The spice blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper creates a deep, complex flavor profile that enhances the chicken’s natural taste without adding unnecessary carbs.

• How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

BBQ Chicken Thigh Ingredient Set

• Chicken Thighs: Hearty base protein with rich flavor, choose bone-in and skin-on for maximum juiciness and crispy texture.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Powerful flavor enhancers that create deep, smoky taste profile without adding carbs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential classic seasonings that amplify chicken's natural taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers, adds subtle warmth and complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to chicken and promotes beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: Low-carb alternative that provides tangy, sweet coating without compromising diet goals.

• Parsley, Green Onions, Lemon Wedges: Fresh finishing touches that brighten overall dish and add vibrant visual appeal.

Tools That Make Grilling or Baking Easier

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken evenly and catching drips.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps with quick cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for drying chicken and ensuring crispy skin.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing spices and creating seasoning blend.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spice quantities.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying BBQ sauce evenly on chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Sharp Knife: Optional for garnishing with herbs or lemon wedges.

Instructions for Low-Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees and slide a foil-lined tray inside to catch any drips.

• Prep the Chicken

Gently dry those juicy chicken thighs with a paper towel to help them get super crispy and golden.

• Season with Flavor

Create a zesty spice blend mixing smoky paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle the spice mixture generously, massaging it into every delicious inch.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned thighs on the baking sheet with the skin facing upward. Slide into the oven and let them cook for 25-30 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.

• Sauce it Up

Brush on your favorite low-carb BBQ sauce, coating each thigh with a glossy layer. Pop back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and create a mouthwatering glaze.

• Final Crisp (Optional)

For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil and let the chicken sizzle for 2-3 minutes – just watch closely to prevent burning.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy your flavor-packed low-carb delight!

Juicy Low Carb Bbq Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent low carb BBQ chicken thighs showcase a perfect blend of smoky flavors and tender meat. Grilled to perfection, these protein-packed delights will satisfy health-conscious eaters seeking a delicious and nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar-free BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 400F (200C). Line baking sheet with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup.
2. Chicken Prep: Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to guarantee maximum skin crispness. Combine spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a mixing bowl.
3. Seasoning Technique: Massage olive oil across chicken thighs, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Generously distribute spice mixture, thoroughly coating each piece to maximize flavor profile.
4. Roasting Process: Position seasoned thighs skin-side up on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing for uniform heat circulation. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tracking internal temperature until precisely reaching 165F (74C).
5. Sauce Application: Brush sugar-free BBQ sauce over fully cooked chicken, returning to oven for 5-10 minutes to develop caramelized, glossy exterior with intensified flavor complexity.
6. Finishing Touch: Optional broiling step creates ultimate crispy skin by positioning chicken close to heat source for 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and temperature to stabilize.
7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or complementary lemon wedges to enhance visual appeal and provide bright, zesty accent to the dish.

Notes

Ensure Crispy Skin: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to remove moisture, guaranteeing a perfectly crisp exterior during roasting.

Check Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165F internal temperature, preventing undercooking or dryness.

Customize Spice Blend: Adjust spice mixture according to personal preference, reducing or increasing heat levels by modifying cayenne pepper quantity for personalized flavor profile.

Low-Carb Sauce Swap: Select sugar-free BBQ sauce or create homemade version using low-carb ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and approved sweeteners to maintain ketogenic compatibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg