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Healthy Gestational Diabetes Friendly Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner

gestational diabetes friendly sheet pan chicken dinner - featured image

A quick, easy, and nourishing sheet pan chicken dinner perfect for managing gestational diabetes, featuring juicy chicken breasts and roasted vegetables with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (about 150 grams / 5.3 ounces)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in the bowl with the marinade and rub evenly over each piece. Let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and broccoli florets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, then toss gently until coated.
  5. Arrange the chicken and veggies on a large rimmed baking sheet, spacing the chicken breasts so they are not touching and spreading the veggies around in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken and tossing the veggies halfway through (around 15 minutes). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Check doneness: chicken should be opaque and firm; veggies tender with slightly crisp edges. If veggies are too soft, remove chicken and roast veggies for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Once out of the oven, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over everything and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy veggies. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. If veggies cook faster, tent chicken with foil. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Customize veggies and herbs as desired. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: gestational diabetes, sheet pan dinner, chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, quick meals, roasted vegetables, diabetes friendly