Indulge in the smoky, tangy delight of Sugar-Free Baked BBQ Chicken, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly roasted chicken thighs are coated in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce crafted from tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of liquid smoke, delivering bold flavors without any added sugar. Spiced with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, this dish offers a deliciously balanced kick while keeping things light and healthy. Ready in just 50 minutes, this easy one-dish recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, pairing beautifully with fresh salads, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy the guilt-free pleasure of barbecue goodness thatβs as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
In a small bowl, combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and sea salt to form a smooth sauce.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, tossing to coat each piece evenly.
Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Transfer the coated chicken thighs to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C).
For a slightly crisp top, turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes only, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Calories |
1495 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.9 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.6 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 564 mg | 188% | |
| Sodium | 1730 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 161.5 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2574 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.