Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often stay even juicier on the grill. They have slightly more fat, which means more flavor and moisture. Adjust your cooking time accordingly as thighs typically take a few minutes longer than breasts to cook through.

Is there a substitute for coconut aminos if I can't find them?

If coconut aminos aren't available, you can use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit of unsweetened apple juice. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste, as these alternatives are saltier than coconut aminos.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight dinners even faster – just pull out your pre-made sauce and you're ready to grill!

How do I know when the chicken is done without cutting into it?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Without a thermometer, look for firm (but not hard) meat that springs back when pressed, clear (not pink) juices, and no visible pink in the center of the thickest part.

Sugar Free BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Sugar Free BBQ Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin); Salt & pepper, to taste; ½ cup ketchup; ⅓ cup coconut aminos; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground mustard; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder

Description

This Sugar-Free BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe is perfect for summer grilling or any time you crave a healthy and flavorful meal. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a tangy, smoky homemade BBQ sauce made without added sugars. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for a healthy dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

4–5 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
Salt & pepper, to taste

BBQ Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup coconut aminos
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a hot but manageable surface for perfect grilling.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed and smooth. Set aside for brushing over the chicken.
Season the Chicken
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil to prevent sticking, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they can easily be flipped without sticking. Flip the chicken.
Add the BBQ Sauce
Brush ⅓ of the prepared BBQ sauce onto the chicken after flipping, then reduce the heat to medium.
Cook and Coat Again
Grill the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes. Flip again and brush another ⅓ of the BBQ sauce over the top to intensify flavor.
Final Flip and Cook
Flip the chicken one last time and brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the top. Continue grilling for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Always use a clean brush or utensil when applying BBQ sauce to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked chicken. Do not reuse a utensil or sauce that has been in contact with raw chicken.
To reduce cooking time, slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets before grilling. Thin cutlets cook more evenly and quickly.
If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar flavor.
For extra smoky BBQ flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 210kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg