Low carb bbq chicken thighs make a delicious entree ready in about 30 minutes. Serve this diabetic friendly bbq bowl over sautéed peppers and onions for a satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Here's another low carb bowl that makes a delicious week night supper! You can serve this diabetes-friendly bbq chicken bowl as is or on a bed of sautéed peppers and onions to the low carb diners and add a bun and make a sandwich for those that want more carbs. Try to use a lower carb barbecue sauce or make your own lower carb sauce.
One of the key reasons this bbq bowl is so flavorful is the onions. You may use any type onion you like, here I have used a yellow onions. Sometimes I will add mushrooms also if I have them.
Be sure to slice the onions thinly and feel free to cook them even longer than the time listed in the recipe. This will add even more flavor to the finished dish. The picture below shows the cooked shredded chicken thighs combined with the onions. Using the dark meat thighs adds so much flavor to the dish as does allowing the chicken to brown some.
Next, we turn our attention to the bbq sauce! Everyone has their favorite sauce, but do be aware that some sauces are very high in carbs due to added sugar. To make this recipe diabetes friendly, consider choosing a lower carb sauce or make your own sauce using low sugar ketchup, brown sugar substitute etc.
How to make this recipe:
Step 1 and 2: Saute onions then add boneless chicken thighs add brown/cook until temp reaches 165 degrees. Shred chicken then add bbq sauce.
Step 3: Sprinkle cheese over all and allow to melt.
Steps 1,2
One of the key ways to increase flavor is browning. Consider using an iron skillet which can really help this process along. Here I used a medium size iron skillet.
Step 3
Add a sprinkle of cheese if you would like. Good choices include cheddar, mozzarella or colby jack.
Pro tips:
- Slice onion thinly for best results. Saute until brown for best flavor.
- Add a few mushrooms if you like.
- Allow chicken to brown for best flavor.
- Choose a lower sugar bbq sauce to keep carb counts in line.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
The photo below shows the finished recipe with the addition of flavorful mushrooms. I have used both white and portabello mushrooms with good results.
If you like this low carb bbq chicken bowl, be sure to check out Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Bowl and Low Carb Steak Taco Bowl!
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave your rating and comments below!
Recipe
Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup lower carb BBQ sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add onions and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Salt and pepper thighs then place in skillet with onions. Cover and cook on medium/low 2-3 minutes. Uncover and cook until chicken temp reaches 165 degrees F- about 10 minutes.
- Using 2 forks, shred chicken then stir in BBQ sauce. Top with cheese and cover 1-2 minutes to melt cheese
Notes
Pro Tips
- Slice onion thinly for best results. Saute until brown for best flavor.
- Add a few mushrooms if you like.
- Allow chicken to brown for best flavor.
- Choose a lower sugar bbq sauce to keep carb counts in line.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Julie says
Do you recommend any certain BBQ sauce?
Charlotte says
No certain one, I have tried Ray's no added sugar and Hughes sugar free which were both good.
Deidra says
What would you serve as sides?
Charlotte says
You can serve this bbq chicken bowl on a bed of sautéed peppers and onions to the low carb diners or add a bun and make a sandwich for those that want more carbs. Other ideas include slaw, salad, or use a low carb tortilla and make into a wrap. Thanks for visiting!
Sarah says
I think it would also pair well with Brussel sprouts!
Erin says
This was pretty tasty. I added sweet bell peppers and put it in a low carb wrap and drizzled it with a little ranch. The only other modifications was adding 2tbs of butter to the olive oil a d garlic powder on the chicken. Used Sweet Baby Ray's sugar free Sweet and Smokey. Will definitely make this again.
karen reeder says
This was a hit with my family. We didn't add bbq sauce, felt it had great flavor.
Kellie says
I like Woodstock brand BBQ sauce. My favorite one is the hickory flavor! Clean ingredients, and no sugar.
Victoria "Tori" Haynes says
can this made for meal prep lunches?
Charlotte says
I’ve never made this recipe for meal prep but I’m sure it would work. Let me know how it goes!
Sheila Hodges says
Do you recommend a certain type of cheese?
Charlotte says
Cheddar, mozzarella and Colby jack would be good choices.
Ruby says
Can you substitute chicken breast? I'm not a fan of dark meat.
Charlotte says
I have never made this recipe with chicken breast but I am sure it could work. Cooking time will be less. Hope that helps!
Jenn Pennell says
Guess I know what I’ll be making for dinner tomorrow night! Thanks for the inspiration!
Cheers,
Jenn / https://www.shawave.com
Jenn G says
Can you use chicken breasts?
Charlotte says
I’ve never made this recipe using chicken breast, but I think it would work. I would use boneless chicken breast and adjust the cooking time back some. This will keep the chicken breast from getting over cooked and dry. Good luck and thanks for visiting!
Mary says
Hi, my son just had a stoke recently and the doctor has diagnosed him with diabetes too. Do we have to watch his blood pressure as well as his blood sugar. All I know is low carbs. No one has really said much. My husband and I are concerned with WHAT CAN HE EAT? Its been crazy trying to fix food for meals and snacks. Do you have a suggestion on a book I can get for meals? Thank you.....
Charlotte says
I would suggest you call your local hospital and speak to the Registered Dietitian on staff. They can offer you guidance on the proper diet for your son based on his medical history.
Diane says
I did this over green peppers and sautéed rainbow cauliflower rice. Very good, I’m not a big thigh person so I mixed thighs and breast.
Krista says
Loved this for a quick healthy dinner. My son made and boyfriend made sandwiches with it and I served it with a green salad! Delicious!
Andrea says
Absolutely delightful , easy to make and vey tasty. We used wrap's . I wish we made a larger portion😃. Lettuce roll would work perfect too. Thank you for sharin.
Dawn says
Could you make this in a crockpot?
Charlotte says
I have never made this recipe in the crock pot. I think it would need extra liquid (extra bbq sauce or chicken broth) in order to cook properly. Hope that helps!
Gail W says
thoughts on how long in the crock pot? 3-4 hrs? Longer?
Karen B says
One word. EXCELLENT! Will definetely be will be bi-weekly.
GailW says
can this be done in the Crock Pot? I would assume so but just curious on how long.
Charlotte says
I have never made this recipe in the crock pot so I am not sure on time. I would estimate probably 3-4 hours on high would be sufficient to fully cook the chicken. I recommend using a thermometer to check and make sure temp is above 165 degrees. Hope that helps!
Melissa Allison says
So easy and quick. Great for work week dinner. I think I'll make some and take camping next time and just heat up.