Introduction

These Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and simple dish perfect for a quick dinner. Tender chicken thighs smothered in flavorful barbecue sauce and melted cheese make a satisfying meal without the carbs.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish in a black pan. The dish has a mix of different layers and colors: light golden cooked chicken pieces, browned sliced mushrooms, and translucent cooked onions as the base. These are covered with melted cheese that is yellow and white in color, spreading unevenly over the ingredients. The textures are varied, with soft cooked chicken, slightly crispy mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese. The background around the pan is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Step 2: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet with the onions. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Uncover and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes).
Step 4: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the skillet, then stir in the BBQ sauce until well combined.
Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to vary the taste.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the onions for a smoky kick.
Serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad to keep the meal low carb.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist if needed.

How to Serve

The dish is a close-up of a cooked mixture in a black pan, showing one main layer of sautéed sliced chicken pieces, brown mushrooms, and light caramelized onion strips, all covered with melted white and yellow cheese drizzled unevenly on top. The textures vary from soft cooked chicken and onions to tender mushrooms, with the melted cheese appearing smooth and creamy over the ingredients. The pan sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding and mixing with BBQ sauce.

What’s the best type of BBQ sauce to use for low carb?

Look for BBQ sauces labeled “low sugar” or “low carb,” or make your own with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices to control the sugar content.

Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

This Low Carb BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked with sautéed onions and smothered in a flavorful low-carb BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick, easy, and ketogenic-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
⅓ cup lower carb BBQ sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

½ cup shredded cheese (your choice, e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions

Heat Oil and Cook Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
Cook Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet with the onions. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to start the cooking process and lock in moisture.
Finish Cooking Chicken: Remove the cover and continue cooking the chicken, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take about 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken and Combine with Sauce: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the skillet. Stir in the ⅓ cup of lower carb BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated.
Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese evenly over the sauced chicken. Cover the skillet again and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy BBQ chicken thighs hot, perfect on their own or alongside low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quick cooking and easy shredding.
Lower carb BBQ sauces vary in sugar content; choose one with minimal sugar for better low-carb results.
Feel free to substitute shredded cheese with your preferred type – cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your skillet and stove; use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep and tastes great reheated.

Keywords: low carb BBQ chicken, chicken thighs, keto BBQ chicken, low carb dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, cheesy BBQ chicken