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Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken

diabetes-friendly sheet pan lemon chicken - featured image
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A quick, easy, and diabetes-friendly sheet pan recipe featuring juicy lemon-herb chicken breasts roasted with crisp broccoli. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that balances flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to make the marinade.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade and toss well to coat all sides. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes if time allows.
  4. Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Toss broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Arrange the chicken breasts in the center of a large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange broccoli florets evenly around the chicken, ensuring pieces are not touching.
  6. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Halfway through, use tongs to flip the chicken and stir the broccoli for even cooking and caramelization.
  7. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and broccoli is tender with slightly crispy edges. Roast an additional 5 minutes if needed.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted broccoli and spoon any pan juices over the top.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy broccoli. Lemon zest before juicing for freshest flavor. Rosemary can be substituted for thyme. For gluten-free crunch, sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs before roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: diabetes-friendly, sheet pan, lemon chicken, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten-free, easy recipe, roasted broccoli

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/healthy-diabetes-friendly-sheet-pan-lemon-chicken-recipe-to-try-today/