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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) When picking chicken thighs, look for ones that are plump and have a good amount of fat under the skin. This fat helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor. The spices in this recipe are key to a great taste. Garlic powder and onion powder give it a savory base. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, making it feel like summer, even in winter. Cumin brings warmth, while cayenne pepper adds a kick. Adjust the cayenne to match your spice level. Using sugar-free BBQ sauce helps keep the carbs low while still providing that sweet, tangy flavor we love. You can find many brands that offer this option. Always check the label to ensure it fits your needs. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only looks great but adds a fresh taste to the dish. It makes your meal pop with color and flavor. This recipe is simple, tasty, and low-carb. You can find the full recipe to make these delicious BBQ chicken thighs and enjoy a satisfying meal. - Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). - Clean and oil grill grates or prepare a baking tray. To start, you want to get your grill or oven nice and hot. This helps to cook the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy. If you are using a grill, make sure the grates are clean and oiled. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes flipping easier. If baking, line your tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Whisk until smooth. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Add olive oil and all the spices. This includes garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth. This seasoning blend will give your chicken amazing flavor. - Grilling instructions: skin-side down for 10 minutes, flip and baste. - Baking instructions: 20-25 minutes with BBQ sauce glaze during the last 5 minutes. For grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Grill for about 10 minutes until the skin is crispy. Then flip the thighs and baste them with your sugar-free BBQ sauce. Cook for another 10-15 minutes. If baking, put the chicken on the prepared tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes. After 20 minutes, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce. This adds a sweet and tangy glaze that makes the dish even better. Check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C) before taking it out. After cooking, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This helps keep all the juicy goodness inside. For a great finish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. You can find the full recipe [here]. To make your low carb BBQ chicken thighs even tastier, marinate them in the spice mixture. I recommend letting the chicken soak for at least one hour. This helps the flavors seep deep into the meat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and tender. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite a delight. For a beautiful presentation, I like to serve the chicken on a rustic wooden cutting board. It adds charm and warmth to the dish. After plating, drizzle some extra sugar-free BBQ sauce over the chicken. This final touch makes it look appealing and adds extra flavor. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables or a green salad. This creates a colorful and healthy meal. {{image_4}} You can easily change the heat in your BBQ chicken thighs. To adjust the spice, focus on the cayenne pepper. If you want more heat, add more cayenne. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount or leave it out. This way, you can make the dish fit your taste. Remember, you can always add hot sauce later if you want more kick. You can cook these chicken thighs in different ways to enjoy them even more. - Air Fryer Method: This is a quick way to cook chicken thighs. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Coat the chicken as usual and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin will get crispy, and the meat will stay juicy. - Slow Cooker Option: If you want tender chicken with less work, use a slow cooker. Just season the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. Add a bit of water or chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be very tender and full of flavor. Experimenting with these variations can make your low carb BBQ chicken thighs even more fun to cook and eat! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftovers, place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well to keep the chicken fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them, just reheat in the oven or microwave. This way, you will enjoy that juicy flavor again. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing works great. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap first. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. This BBQ chicken thighs recipe is low carb due to the use of sugar-free BBQ sauce. Regular sauces often contain added sugars that increase carb counts. By opting for sugar-free versions, you keep the carbs low while still enjoying flavor. The other ingredients, like spices, are naturally low in carbs too. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal without the extra carbs. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Skinless thighs can cook faster and still taste great. They may not be as juicy as skin-on thighs, but you can still make them flavorful. Just be sure to coat them well with the spice mix. If you choose skinless, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying them out. Leftovers from this dish can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. This way, you can enjoy your low carb BBQ chicken thighs again! We explored a simple recipe for delicious BBQ chicken thighs. You learned the key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to enhance flavor. Adjust the spice to fit your taste and try different cooking techniques like air frying. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy a tasty, low-carb meal. Happy cooking!

Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

Indulge in delicious Savory Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs that are perfect for your next meal! With a blend of spices and sugar-free BBQ sauce, these juicy chicken thighs are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Grilled or baked, they’ll be a hit with everyone at the table. Click through to discover the full recipe, cooking tips, and presentation ideas that will elevate your dinner tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your grill or oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). If grilling, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together until you achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture.

      Take each chicken thigh and coat it thoroughly with the spice mixture, making sure to cover both sides and under the skin for maximum flavor.

        For Grilling: Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for approximately 10 minutes or until the skin turns crispy and golden brown. Flip them over and continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes. During the final 5 minutes, generously baste the thighs with the sugar-free BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

          For Baking: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). Brush each thigh with sugar-free BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a delicious glaze.

            Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven, allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices within the meat.

              Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden cutting board or a wide platter. Drizzle extra sugar-free BBQ sauce over the top and accompany with a side of grilled seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad to complete your low-carb meal beautifully.