Diabetic Chinese Chicken Spaghetti
Full Recipe:
This Chinese Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful, healthier take on a comfort food classic. It’s packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light soy-based sauce, making it perfect for those managing diabetes or looking for a nutritious yet comforting dish.
Ingredients:
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1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
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8 oz whole wheat or zucchini spaghetti (for a low-carb option)
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1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 medium carrot, julienned
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3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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1 tbsp honey (optional, or use a sugar substitute)
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1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
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Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the spaghetti: Cook the whole wheat or zucchini spaghetti according to package instructions, then set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, honey (or sugar substitute), and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-fry the veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Stir-fry the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for about 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
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Combine and cook: Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Description: This Diabetic Chinese Chicken Spaghetti is light, packed with protein, and rich in fiber from the whole wheat spaghetti and fresh vegetables. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout dishes, with balanced ingredients designed to support blood sugar management.
Notes:
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For a lower-carb option, you can replace the spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
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If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, you can add a small amount of low-sodium hoisin sauce or peanut butter to the sauce mix.
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Be sure to use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you’re avoiding sugar, especially for those managing diabetes.
Tips:
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If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker.
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For extra crunch, top with a few roasted sunflower or sesame seeds.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
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Calories: 300
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Protein: 30g
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Carbs: 25g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sugars: 5g (if using honey or a sugar substitute)
Benefits:
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High in lean protein to help maintain muscle mass and support satiety.
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Contains fiber from whole wheat or zucchini noodles, which helps in blood sugar regulation.
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Low in unhealthy fats, promoting heart health.
Q/A for the Recipe:
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. -
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
It’s better to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium levels in check, which is important for managing blood pressure along with diabetes.