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Diabetes-Friendly Chicken, Veggies, and Quinoa Plate

Balanced, bakery-style inspired diabetes meal with lean protein, nonstarchy vegetables, and smart carbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups sliced bell peppers any color
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
  • 1 medium lemon cut in half
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt optional, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on one side of the sheet pan and brush them evenly with the seasoned oil mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, toss broccoli, bell peppers, and red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Spread the vegetables on the other side of the sheet pan in a single layer around the chicken.
  6. Roast the chicken and vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part and the vegetables are tender with lightly charred edges.
  7. While the sheet pan roasts, add quinoa and chicken broth to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer quinoa for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the juice from half the lemon and the chopped parsley.
  10. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and squeeze the remaining lemon half over the chicken and vegetables.
  11. To build each plate, fill half the plate with roasted vegetables, one quarter with sliced chicken, and one quarter with quinoa.
  12. Serve each portion with 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt on the side if using, and enjoy warm.

Notes

- Aim to keep half your plate nonstarchy vegetables, one quarter lean protein, and one quarter high fiber carbs to support steadier blood sugar.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water if needed.