This Gestational Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry is a nutritious, low-carb meal designed to help manage blood sugar while delivering vibrant flavor and satisfying texture. Featuring lean chicken breast and a rainbow of fiber-rich vegetables, this stir-fry is a balanced, wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tailored for those managing gestational diabetes, this stir-fry prioritizes low glycemic ingredients and lean protein without sacrificing taste. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and loaded with crunchy vegetables that help maintain satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. Perfect for meal prep or a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe is a go-to for healthy eating with ease.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- olive oil
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- broccoli florets
- red bell pepper, julienned
- green bell pepper, julienned
- carrot sticks
- snap peas
- white onion, thinly sliced
- garlic, minced
- low-sodium soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- ground ginger
- salt and pepper
- sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli, red and green bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and onion. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Add minced garlic and ground ginger to the vegetables. Return cooked chicken to the pan.
- Stir in soy sauce and rice vinegar, tossing to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 270 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a base to increase volume without carbs.
- Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Add mushrooms or cabbage for extra fiber and texture.
- Include a splash of sesame oil for a richer, nutty flavor (added at the end).
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vegetables’ texture. Not recommended for freezing due to potential vegetable sogginess upon thawing.
FAQs
Is this stir-fry suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it stores well for a few days and maintains flavor and texture when reheated properly.
Can I add rice or noodles to this dish?
Yes, but opt for whole grain or cauliflower rice if managing blood sugar levels.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce to increase the heat.
Is soy sauce safe for gestational diabetes?
Low-sodium soy sauce is generally safe in moderation. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal dietary advice.
Can I substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos is a great low-glycemic, gluten-free alternative.
What is the best pan for stir-frying?
A large skillet or wok provides the best heat distribution and room for stirring.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use tofu or tempeh and skip the chicken while keeping the rest of the recipe intact.
Are all the vegetables low in carbs?
Most are low to moderate in carbs and high in fiber, which helps blunt blood sugar spikes.
How do I prevent overcooking the vegetables?
Stir-fry on medium-high heat and avoid covering the pan, which steams rather than sears.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, chopping them ahead saves time and makes the cooking process quicker.
Conclusion
This Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry is a smart, satisfying choice for anyone managing gestational diabetes or simply looking for a wholesome, flavorful meal. Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, it’s a quick, balanced dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition—perfect for any healthy eating plan.
Print
Gestational Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A vibrant, low-carb stir-fry loaded with lean chicken breast and fiber-rich vegetables—perfectly balanced for blood sugar stability and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrot sticks
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 1/4 cup white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and onions. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- Add garlic, ginger, and cooked chicken back to the pan.
- Stir in soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss to coat evenly and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm, optionally garnished with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet to reduce the need for extra oil.
- Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Great for meal prepping—store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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