Craving the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of barbecue without the guilt? We’ve gathered 12 delicious and healthy BBQ chicken recipes that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your nutritional goals on track. From juicy grilled thighs to convenient slow cooker meals and inventive salads, these recipes prove that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and exciting. Get ready to fire up your grill, oven, or air fryer and discover your new favorite way to enjoy BBQ chicken!
1. Pineapple Glazed BBQ Chicken
Grilled chicken thighs are basted with a sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh pineapple puree and tomato paste. The fruit enzymes help tenderize the meat while adding a natural sweetness that pairs well with char marks.
Get the Recipe2. Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders
These oven-baked tenders use a light coating of almond flour and spices before being dipped in a low-sugar barbecue sauce. They provide a crunchy, family-friendly meal that is significantly healthier than traditional fried options.
Get the Recipe3. Spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers
Cubed chicken breast is threaded onto skewers with bell peppers and onions, then glazed with a spicy chipotle pepper barbecue sauce. These kabobs are grilled for a charred, smoky flavor that packs a punch without added fats.
Get the Recipe4. Grilled Honey Lime BBQ Chicken
This recipe features marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and brushed with a homemade sauce made from honey, fresh lime juice, and smoky spices. It offers a zesty and light alternative to heavy, molasses-based barbecue sauces.
Get the Recipe5. Healthy Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Chicken
Lean chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a mixture of tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices until they shred easily. This tender meat is perfect for serving over whole grains or mixed into salads for a high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe6. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken legs are seasoned with a dry rub of paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then air-fried until crispy before being tossed in a light BBQ sauce. This method achieves a satisfying texture with a fraction of the oil used in deep frying.
Get the Recipe7. Avocado BBQ Chicken Salad
Sliced grilled barbecue chicken is placed atop a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and creamy avocado slices. A light drizzle of barbecue sauce mixed with Greek yogurt serves as a healthy dressing.
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A tropical twist on standard barbecue, this recipe uses a sauce blended with ripe mangoes and fresh jalapeños for a balance of sweet and heat. It is excellent served over brown rice or cauliflower rice.
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Baked sweet potatoes are split open and loaded with shredded barbecue chicken, black beans, and scallions. This dish combines complex carbohydrates with lean protein for a filling and nutrient-dense dinner.
Get the Recipe10. BBQ Chicken and Roasted Veggie Sheet Pan
Chicken breasts are roasted alongside broccoli, carrots, and red onions, all tossed in a minimal amount of olive oil and barbecue seasoning. This one-pan meal creates easy cleanup and ensures a serving of vegetables with the main course.
Get the Recipe11. BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Savory chopped chicken tossed in a savory sauce is spooned into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. Toppings like shredded carrots and cilantro add crunch and freshness to every bite.
Get the Recipe12. Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe utilizes a North Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce that is tangy and thin, rather than thick and sugary. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken thighs for a sharp, savory flavor profile.
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