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Day 5 - Lunch: Grilled Chicken Thighs + Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables

Prep Time:

10 Minutes

Cook Time:

25 Minutes

Serves:

1

Level:

Intermediate

About the Recipe

Tender, flavorful grilled chicken thighs served alongside a warm medley of oven-roasted eggplant, zucchini, and colorful bell peppers. This hearty, low-carb Mediterranean lunch is bursting with comforting, savory flavors, perfect for a satisfying midday meal.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Grilled Chicken Thighs:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 5-6 oz total)

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Warm Roasted Vegetable Medley:

  • ½ small eggplant, diced evenly

  • ½ medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

  • ½ bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Roasted Vegetable Medley (Start First):

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prep & Roast Veggies: Toss diced eggplant, zucchini slices, and bell peppers lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

    Cooking Tip: Cut vegetables into similarly-sized pieces for even roasting and caramelization.


Grilled Chicken Thighs:

  1. Prepare Chicken: Drizzle olive oil evenly over chicken thighs, then season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Grill Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

    Cooking Tip: Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after grilling to keep meat tender and juicy.


Serve Together:Plate grilled chicken thighs alongside the warm roasted vegetable medley.


Low-Carb Flavor Boost Options:

  • Smoked Paprika Rub: Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika before grilling for added smoky flavor.

  • Garlic-Lemon Sauce: Mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic, then drizzle over veggies and chicken before serving.

  • Fresh Basil or Oregano: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano leaves over roasted veggies for herbal brightness.

  • Spicy Harissa Paste: Lightly brush grilled chicken thighs with a small amount of harissa paste for warmth and complexity.


Recipes Created by BloodSugarChef.com

Meal Plan by American Diabetes Society

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