Roasted Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken with Parsnip “Fries”
This Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken with Parsnip "Fries" is a diabetes-friendly meal that brings the bold flavours of a BBQ to your table with a nutritious twist. This easy-to-prepare recipe pairs succulently seasoned chicken with crispy parsnip fries, all baked to perfection on a single sheet pan for a wholesome dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or health.

- Suitable for diets:
- Dairy-Free
- High-Protein
- Nut-Free
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Controlled Sugar Content: The recipe offers a healthier BBQ sauce variant, "The Mop," which uses maple syrup for sweetness instead of high amounts of refined sugar, providing a more stable effect on blood sugar levels.
- High in Protein and Nutrients: The chicken provides a high-quality protein source, while the parsnips offer dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health and managing hunger.
- Low in Unhealthy Fats: Using healthier oil options like sunflower or grapeseed oil and baking instead of frying minimizes unhealthy fat content, beneficial for heart health and blood sugar control.
Advertisement
Ingredients
- chicken (cut into 8 pieces) 1 whole
The Dry Rub
- sugar 1 tbsp
- chili powder 1 tbsp
- dry mustard 2 tsp
- salt 1/4 tsp
The Mop (sauce)
- tomato paste 1/4 cup
- balsamic vinegar 6 tbsp
- apple cider vinegar ¼ cup
- maple syrup ¼ cup
- tamari (or soy sauce, low sodium) 1 tbsp
- garlic (minced) 2 cloves
- onion powder 2 tsp
- chili powder 1 tsp
- dry mustard 1 tsp
- chili powder (more or less to taste) 1 tsp
- parsnip (peeled and cut into matchsticks) 1 pound
- sunflower oil (or grapeseed oil) 1 tbsp
- salt 1/4 tsp
Advertisement
Cooking Tips
- Ensuring Even Cooking: Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking promotes more even baking and juicier meat.
- Parsnip Preparation: Cutting parsnips into matchsticks ensures they cook thoroughly and get a slight crispness, similar to traditional fries.
- Sauce Storage: The recipe makes extra sauce, which can be refrigerated or frozen for future use, adding versatility and convenience to your meal planning.
Advertisement
Instructions
- Make the Dry Rub: Mix all the rub ingredients in a small bowl, set aside.1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp dry mustard, 1/4 tsp salt
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
- Bring the chicken to room temperature for 30 min-1 hour (depending on the temp in your kitchen) before cooking.1 whole chicken
- Place the chicken on the sheet (towards one end, leaving room for the parsnips). Sprinkle the chicken all over with The Dry Rub.
- Place the parsnips on the other end of the sheet, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, toss and arrange so that they are relatively flat.1 pound parsnip, 1 tbsp sunflower oil, 1/4 tsp salt
- Place in the oven for 35 minutes.
- In the meantime, make The Mop: Mix all The Mop ingredients together in medium sized bowl. Remove half of The Mop for another use (store in the fridge for 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months), you will only need half this time. Set aside.1/4 cup tomato paste, 6 tbsp balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp tamari, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1 tsp chili powder
- After 35 minutes, remove the tray from the oven, brush the chicken with the reserved ½ of The Mop.
- Place the sheet back in the oven for another 20 minutes or so.
- Serve immediately.
Advertisement
FAQ
- Can I substitute chicken thighs or breasts only in this recipe?
Yes, you can use specific cuts of chicken if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as boneless cuts may cook faster. - Is the BBQ sauce really diabetes-friendly with maple syrup as an ingredient?
While maple syrup is a natural sweetener, it's used in moderation here. For those strictly managing blood sugar levels, consider adjusting the amount or substituting with a lower glycemic index sweetener. - Can I use other vegetables instead of parsnips for the "fries"
Absolutely, other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even zucchini can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly. - How can I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Advertisement
Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 396.4kcal
Carbohydrates: 31.8g
Fiber: 5.1g
Sugar: 17.7g
Fat: 19.7g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Protein: 22.6g
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken with Parsnip “Fries”
Amount per Serving
Calories
396.4
% Daily Value*
Fat
19.7
g
30
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Cholesterol
81.6
mg
27
%
Sodium
498.8
mg
22
%
Potassium
721.7
mg
21
%
Carbohydrates
31.8
g
11
%
Fiber
5.1
g
21
%
Sugar
17.7
g
20
%
Protein
22.6
g
45
%
Vitamin C
17.5
mg
21
%
Vitamin D
0.2
µg
1
%
Calcium
77.3
mg
8
%
Iron
2.4
mg
13
%
Magnesium
63
mg
16
%
Zinc
2.3
mg
15
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.