This Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect, quick, and tasty dish ready in just 30 minutes! It’s a diabetes-friendly, flavorful BBQ bowl that can be served over sautéed peppers and onions for a satisfying meal everyone will love. You can easily make this into a sandwich for those who prefer a little more carbs by adding a bun, or keep it low carb with the veggies.
The secret to the deep, rich flavor in this dish lies in the caramelized onions and tender, juicy chicken thighs. Using dark meat chicken helps amplify the taste, while a low-carb BBQ sauce keeps it light and friendly for anyone watching their carbs. Add a sprinkle of cheese to finish it off, and you have a delicious, hearty meal!
How to Make Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs:
- Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet and sauté thinly sliced onions until they turn golden and caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, then uncover and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (about 10 minutes). Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese: Stir in the low-carb BBQ sauce and top the chicken with shredded cheese. Cover for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning and flavor.
- Slice the onions thinly for better texture and flavor. You can sauté them longer for a deeper caramelized taste.
- If you like mushrooms, toss in some sliced mushrooms for added flavor.
- Choose a lower-sugar BBQ sauce to keep the carb count in check.
- Cheese options like cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack work well.
For a complete meal, serve this BBQ chicken over sautéed veggies, or make it into a sandwich by adding a bun! This recipe is easy, adaptable, and full of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of fresh veggies or a light salad for an even more filling low-carb meal.
Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup low-carb BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet with the onions. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Uncover and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken in the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot over sautéed vegetables or enjoy as is.
Tips:
- Caramelize onions longer for extra flavor.
- Add mushrooms for variety.
- Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to keep carbs in check.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack.