Heart-Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Savor the smoky, tangy goodness of *Heart-Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs*, a guilt-free twist on a classic barbecue favorite. This recipe features tender, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a heart-smart blend of olive oil and apple cider vinegar before being grilled to perfection. The star of the dish is the homemade low-sodium BBQ sauce made with rich tomato paste, a hint of natural sweetness from honey, and a medley of bold spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. The result is a vibrant combination of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, this easy and nutritious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual outdoor gatherings. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or whole-grain rice for a wholesome, heart-healthy meal the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine tomato paste, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and water.

Step 4

Stir the sauce mixture regularly for about 10 minutes until well combined and smooth.

Step 5

Rub the chicken thighs with the oil and vinegar mixture, ensuring each piece is coated on both sides.

Step 6

Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill.

Step 7

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush with the prepared BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Serve the BBQ chicken thighs with extra sauce on the side and enjoy a heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	928.2 grams (928.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1397

Total Fat 67.70g	87%
Saturated Fat 15.60g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 445mg	148%
Sodium 1530mg	67%
Total Carbohydrate 95.30g	35%
Dietary Fiber 13.80g	49%
Total Sugars 67.20g
Protein 117.20g	234%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 196mg	15%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 3975mg	85%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.8%

Protein: 32.1%

Carbs: 26.1%