Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Barbecue Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy barbecue flavors without the carbs, you’ll love this Low Carb Barbecue Chicken recipe. It’s packed with smoky goodness, yet it won’t derail your healthy eating plan.
The simplicity of marinating chicken in a mesquite flavor makes it a breeze to prepare. I appreciate how quickly it cooks up, too! In just 20 minutes, I can have a satisfying meal on the table.
Plus, it’s versatile; I often pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your rotation!
Ingredients of Low Carb Barbecue Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a flavorful meal that doesn’t take ages in the kitchen, this Low Carb Barbecue Chicken recipe is a total winner. The best part? You don’t need a grill or a fancy barbecue sauce to achieve that smoky, savory goodness.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent but keeps your carb count in check. Plus, if you’re like me and often forget to soak your chicken in marinade until the last minute, fear not! This recipe is forgiving and still delivers on taste.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
- 1 packet of mesquite marinade
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast
Now, when it comes to choosing your ingredients, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit! For instance, if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile, you could try a different marinade.
There are so many options out there, from teriyaki to lemon herb, that can give your chicken a unique twist. And if you’re watching your oil intake, you could cut back on the vegetable oil or swap it out for something lighter.
How to Make Low Carb Barbecue Chicken
To make this Low Carb Barbecue Chicken, you’ll want to start by prepping your marinade. Grab that 1 packet of mesquite marinade and mix it in a bowl with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of water. Stir it up until everything is blended nicely. This is where the magic begins.
Now, take your 1 lb of skinless chicken breast and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. If you can, let it sit for two hours. I know, I know, sometimes life gets in the way, and you might forget about it for a little longer. But hey, it’s forgiving—more flavor can only be a good thing, right?
Once your chicken has marinated to perfection, it’s time to cook. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan; it’s like a warm welcome home.
When the oil is shimmering, carefully lay the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal here is to get them golden brown and cooked through—no one wants to bite into a rubbery chicken nugget, am I right? You can use a meat thermometer if you’re feeling fancy; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once done, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. And there you have it—delicious, low carb barbecue chicken that’s sure to impress!
Low Carb Barbecue Chicken Substitutions & Variations
After mastering the basic recipe for Low Carb Barbecue Chicken, you might want to mix things up a bit.
You can swap the mesquite marinade for a spicy chipotle or a tangy lemon herb blend to change the flavor profile. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too!
For added crunch, toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions while cooking. You could even grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a keto-friendly barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to give it that barbecue taste without the carbs.
Enjoy experimenting!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Low Carb Barbecue Chicken, keep in mind a few additional tips to enhance the dish.
First, don’t skip the marinating step; it makes a huge difference in flavor. If you want a little heat, add some chili powder or cayenne to the marinade.
I also recommend using a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
For extra smokiness, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying.
Finally, serve it with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies to keep it low carb and delicious. Enjoy your meal!