Experience bold, smoky flavor without the guilt with these irresistibly juicy Sugar-Free Delicious BBQ Chicken Thighs. Perfectly seasoned with a zesty blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, these bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seared to crispy perfection before being bathed in a homemade sugar-free barbecue sauce made with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of liquid smoke. With only 15 minutes of prep time, this healthy, no-sugar barbecue recipe is a breeze to make yet packed with rich, tangy flavor. Ideal for keto, low-carb, or sugar-conscious foodies, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice for an effortlessly satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, these tender, oven-finished chicken thighs will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mix, ensuring that the mixture gets under the skin for better flavor infusion.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, and water until smooth. This is your sugar-free barbecue sauce.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, into the skillet.
Sear the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side until they are browned and the skin is crispy.
Pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Serve hot and enjoy your sugar-free delicious BBQ chicken thighs with your choice of side dishes.
Calories |
3099 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 215.9 g | 277% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.2 g | 281% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1128 mg | 376% | |
| Sodium | 3400 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.8 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 270.9 g | 542% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 3672 mg | 78% | |
*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.