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It’s here—your new favorite weeknight chicken dish.
Super simple and diabetes friendly, Lori Zanini’s chipotle chicken recipe had us as soon as its rich spiciness began wafting from the oven. It got even better when we added the creamy avocado-lime sauce and took our first bite. The best part? It only has five grams of carbs.
As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, Lori has developed hundreds of diabetes-friendly recipes over the last 10 years. She helps people living with diabetes manage their blood sugar, lose weight, and maybe most important, enjoy their food: “When we eat meals that we enjoy (and make us feel good), we’re much more willing to continue repeating that over and over again…and this is the key to long-term, life-changing, healthy eating habits.”
Living with diabetes or another chronic condition shouldn’t mean that you can’t look forward to eating and enjoying every bite. Her chipotle chicken recipe is a case in point, proving that it’s possible to incorporate mouth-watering flavors into your diet in a way that helps you stay on track and reach your health goals.
If you love this chipotle chicken recipe, try Lori’s baked chicken with lemon roasted vegetables. Be sure to check out her free 7-day meal plan and her cookbook, Diabetes Cookbook and Meal Plan for the Newly Diagnosed. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to the low-carb lifestyle.
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What to Eat with Lori’s Chipotle Chicken
The smoky flavor of chipotle pairs well with side dishes that are light and refreshing or have a hint of sweetness. For a balanced meal, consider one of these ideas.
Black beans. By adding a half cup of black beans, you’ll be getting an extra eight grams of protein, seven grams of fiber, and 20 grams of carbs, but don’t let that high number fool you—black beans may not impact blood sugars as much as you’d expect, and that’s because they’re high in fiber.
Cauliflower. Lori recommends pairing her chipotle chicken recipe with a side of Mexi cauli rice, which “maximizes Mexican flavor while minimizing carbs.” If you’re looking for a creamier cauliflower option, you could try our cauliflower mash that also happens to be dairy-free.
Zucchini noodles. An alternative to pasta, zucchini noodles are a classic low-carb side dish. You can make them by spiralizing zucchini and sautéing with some garlic and a little olive oil.
Avocado and cucumber salad. The refreshing combination of avocado and cucumber complements the smokiness of the chipotle chicken perfectly. To make this simple salad, chop up some avocado and cucumber and then toss them in a basic vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Roasted Brussels sprouts. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and makes them nice and crispy. Add some bacon or parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor.
