Elevate your mealtime with the smoky, savory goodness of Sugar-Free BBQ Chicken Thighs! Perfectly roasted and basted with a homemade barbecue sauce thatβs entirely free of refined sugars, this recipe strikes the ideal balance of bold flavors and healthier cooking. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with a zesty dry rub featuring paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then brushed in a tangy blend of tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and Worcestershire sauce. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with a mouthwatering caramelized glaze thatβs sure to impress at any dinner table. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a foolproof bake-and-baste method, these sugar-free barbecue chicken thighs are a hit for busy weeknights or backyard gatherings alike. Pair them with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad to complete your wholesome feast! Keywords: sugar-free BBQ chicken thighs, healthy barbecue recipe, sugar-free sauce, baked chicken thighs.
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir these spices together to create a dry rub.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil to coat all sides evenly.
Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are completely covered with the spice mixture.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Stir the BBQ sauce mixture together and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly, then set aside.
Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet skin-side up.
Brush a generous amount of the sugar-free BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, reserving some for later basting.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, baste the chicken again with the reserved BBQ sauce.
Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve your sugar-free BBQ chicken thighs with your choice of sides like grilled vegetables or a mixed salad.
Calories |
2947 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 215.8 g | 277% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.5 g | 288% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 3698 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.8 g | ||
| Protein | 223.7 g | 447% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 237 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 3954 mg | 84% | |
*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.