If you’re craving something smoky, tangy, and totally satisfying without the carb crash, this Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl is your answer. Packed with grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and drizzled in a zesty, sugar-free BBQ sauce, it’s the kind of meal that fuels your day and leaves you feeling good.
This bowl is perfect for lunch meal prep or a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but keeps things clean. It’s layered with flavor and texture—tender marinated chicken, crisp cabbage slaw, and creamy avocado make every bite count. Best part? You can have it ready in under 30 minutes.
What Kind of BBQ Sauce Works Best for Low Carb?
When choosing a BBQ sauce for this bowl, go for one that’s low in sugar or completely sugar-free. Many store-bought versions are packed with hidden carbs, so look for labels with clean ingredients or make your own. Keto-friendly BBQ sauces often use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit for sweetness without the spike.
Ingredients for the Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional, for minimal carbs)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for slaw)
- Optional: sliced jalapeño or pickled red onions for topping

How To Make the Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). Grill or pan-cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Rest, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Make the Slaw Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrots. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the slaw into two bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, avocado, cilantro, and any optional toppings. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl
This bowl is best served fresh, especially when the chicken is warm and the avocado is just sliced. However, you can prep the components in advance—store the cooked chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble when you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, just check for sugar-free or keto-friendly options. Brands like Primal Kitchen or G Hughes work well.
What protein can I substitute for chicken?
Try grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different flavor twist.
Is this bowl good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store the components separately and assemble fresh to keep everything crisp.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free mayo or olive oil-based dressing for the slaw.
How many carbs per serving?
Depending on your sauce and if you include carrots, this bowl clocks in at around 8-10g net carbs.
Can I serve it warm or cold?
Both work great! Warm chicken with cold slaw is a popular combo.
Want More Low Carb Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving the flavor-packed simplicity of this BBQ bowl, check out these other low carb recipes next:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, cozy dinner.
- Giant Zucchini Parmesan if you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.
- Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet for a spicy one-pan meal.
- Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for a light but bold option.
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bake perfect for low carb breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for low carb dinners and come back whenever the BBQ craving hits.
And if you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you go bold with jalapeños? Try a different protein? I’m always excited to hear your twists.
Want more low carb creations? Find my daily recipes over on Pinterest @NinaDishes!

Delicious Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Low Carb BBQ Chicken Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and guilt-free dish loaded with smoky grilled chicken, crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy avocado, and a tangy sugar-free BBQ drizzle. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
1 ripe avocado sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Optional: sliced jalapeño or pickled red onions
Instructions
1. Mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes (or overnight).
2. Grill or pan-cook chicken over medium heat until cooked through (6–7 minutes per side). Rest and slice.
3. In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over slaw and toss to coat.
5. Divide slaw into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, cilantro, and any optional toppings.
6. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
Use sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep this truly low carb.
Marinating longer will deepen flavor but isn’t required.
For a spicy kick, top with sliced jalapeños or pickled onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Low Carb Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Low Carb BBQ Bowl, Chicken Slaw Bowl, Keto Chicken Bowl
