Smoky Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

$- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients are the stars of your low carb BBQ chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They stay tender when cooked, making them perfect for this recipe. The sugar-free BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick without the carbs. Olive oil helps the spices stick and adds richness. For seasoning, smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory notes. Cayenne pepper brings heat, but it’s optional. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It makes your dish look great and tastes bright. This simple list makes a delicious meal. Enjoy the process as you prepare these tasty thighs! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the oven First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and crispy skin. - Preparing the marinade In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. This mix gives your chicken a smoky and savory flavor. - Applying the marinade Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to coat both sides well. This step is key for juicy, flavorful meat. - Placing chicken in the baking dish Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. This will help the skin get crispy while baking. - Baking time and temperature Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done. The skin should look crispy and caramelized. - Glazing with BBQ sauce In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with sugar-free BBQ sauce. Save some sauce for this step to add more flavor and create a nice glaze. Using skin-on chicken thighs gives you great flavor and texture. The skin helps keep the meat juicy. It also becomes crispy when cooked right. To achieve that perfect crispiness, bake the thighs at a high temperature. This method renders the fat and crisps the skin. Make sure to place the thighs skin side up in the baking dish. This allows the heat to circulate evenly. To amp up the flavor, consider adding more spices. You can mix in onion powder, garlic powder, or even dried herbs. Try adding some cumin or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a nice touch, too. For sides, think about serving with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Both complement the chicken well and keep it low-carb. If you prefer a quick sugar-free BBQ sauce, here’s a simple recipe. Mix 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and your favorite spices. This gives you a sweet and tangy taste without added sugars. Using homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients. You can adjust flavors to suit your taste. Plus, it feels great to make your own! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Skin Crispy Tip: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete low-carb meal. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken thighs for turkey or pork. Turkey thighs work great and have a similar texture. They are juicy and soak up flavors well. For pork, try using pork chops or ribs. Adjust the cooking time based on the size. Always check the internal temperature. Turkey should reach 165°F (75°C). Pork needs to hit 145°F (63°C). Pair your BBQ chicken with tasty veggie sides. Grilled zucchini or asparagus add crunch and flavor. Roasted broccoli or cauliflower are also great options. They keep the meal low in carbs. Salads are another excellent choice. A simple mixed green salad balances the rich chicken. Add cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for freshness. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light dressing. Grilling brings out a smoky flavor in the chicken. To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. This will give you a nice char and keep the meat juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Adjust time if your chicken thighs are larger or smaller. Enjoy this smoky treat outdoors! After cooking, let the chicken cool down for a bit. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to four days. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly to avoid spills and smells. If you want to save your chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the bag in cold water. When you're ready to eat, reheat the thighs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are warm throughout. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Leftover chicken is very versatile. You can shred it and add it to salads or wraps. It also makes a great topping for pizzas or flatbreads. Mix it with some cheese and veggies for a tasty quesadilla. Another idea is to chop it into bite-sized pieces and stir it into a soup. The options are endless! You can use several tasty options. Try mixing tomato paste with vinegar and spices. This gives a tangy flavor. Another choice is mustard mixed with sweeteners like erythritol. You can also use hot sauce for a spicy kick. Just ensure your choices fit your low-carb plan. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part. It should read 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness as before, using a thermometer. Boneless thighs absorb flavors well, so you’ll still enjoy great taste! In this post, I covered how to make tasty chicken thighs using simple ingredients. You learned about the marinade, baking methods, and tips for perfect crispiness. Remember, skin-on thighs give great texture. You can even switch proteins or try a grill. Keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. Enjoy exploring flavors and new meals with this recipe!$

Smoky Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs

Delicious and flavorful chicken thighs coated in a smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for a low-carb meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up.
Brush a generous portion of the sugar-free BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs. Reserve some sauce for glazing later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the chicken thighs with the reserved BBQ sauce for added flavor and glaze.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For added heat, include cayenne pepper.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, low carb, smoky