Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Low-Carb Friendly: Designed with low-carb and diabetic diets in mind.
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Flavor-Packed: The combination of sautéed onions, savory chicken, and tangy BBQ sauce creates a deliciously rich taste.
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Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as is, over sautéed peppers and onions, or wrapped in a low-carb tortilla.
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Family-Friendly: A dish that satisfies both low-carb eaters and those not watching their carb intake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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⅓ cup lower-carb BBQ sauce
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the onions. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
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Uncover and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes).
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Using two forks, shred the chicken in the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Serve hot, optionally over sautéed peppers and onions or wrapped in a low-carb tortilla.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add Mushrooms: Incorporate sliced mushrooms with the onions for added texture and flavor.
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Spice It Up: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
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Different Proteins: Substitute chicken thighs with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey.
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Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
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Vegetable Base: Serve over a bed of sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice for extra veggies.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
FAQs
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Opt for a lower-carb BBQ sauce to keep the dish diabetic-friendly. Check the nutrition label for added sugars.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish ahead of time and store in individual portions for easy reheating.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack are excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Always check labels to be sure.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume.
Conclusion
This Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for those following a low-carb or diabetic-friendly diet. With its rich combination of tender chicken, sautéed onions, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, it's a meal that satisfies cravings without compromising dietary goals. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal combining tender shredded chicken thighs with sautéed onions, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for low-carb or diabetic diets, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
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 (cheddar, mozzarella, or colby jack)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the onions. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Uncover and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken in the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve hot, optionally over sautéed peppers and onions or wrapped in a low-carb tortilla.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F.
- Choose a BBQ sauce with no added sugars for a true low-carb option.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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