2026 is the Year of the Horse, and it just began on February 17th. The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new zodiac cycle based on the lunar cycle. Because it coincides with the phases of the moon, the date shifts every year.
According to the zodiac, the Year of the Horse is marked with enthusiastic and fiery energy representative of vitality, adventure and momentum. Hopefully, this is the year to find your path if you have been struggling, to try more things if you have been in a rut and reach more of your goals!
Today, we are sharing four low-carb versions of Chinese chicken dishes so you can celebrate the Lunar New Year without worrying about your blood sugar.
This is an excellent salad for lunch, dinner or a buffet table. As it is made with a variety of shredded cabbage instead of lettuce, it won’t get soggy as it sits. Allowing it to sit actually allows the flavors to marry and deepen! If you have leftover chicken, instead of cooking raw chicken, you can skip those steps and just shred the chicken you have and dress it with soy sauce for an even easier meal. As written, a serving has 263 calories, three grams of net carbs and 16 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
General Tso chicken is delicious. It is also covered in a high-carb batter and a sugary sauce. As tasty as it is, it’s not always a great option for folks with blood sugar concerns. This version takes just over 30 minutes to get on the table and is healthier. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you want the taste of take-out without any of the drawbacks. A serving has 339 calories, four grams of carbs, one gram of fiber and 14 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
Another great option if you are looking for take-out without the cost or health drawbacks is this great kung pow chicken served with cauliflower rice. It’s ready in 20 minutes, and it has the classic flavors of onions, bell peppers and peanuts in the sweet and salty sauce. Note that using chicken thigh is a must for both its fattiness and the deeper flavor. A serving has 264 calories, five grams of carbs, one gram of fiber and 23.3 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
This keto stir-fry dish has all the flavors and textures of chicken chop suey without the carbs. It is packed with veggies and chicken. But, because of the sauce, it doesn’t feel healthy. You don’t feel like you are eating a diet meal while enjoying this dish. You’re just having a tasty Chinese dinner. The recipe includes a lot of chopping. There’s more prep time than cook time! But dinner will still be ready in 25 minutes! A serving has 327 calories, 15 grams of carbs, four grams of fiber and 10 grams of fat. Get the recipe.
We hope these recipes help you celebrate and that the Year of the Horse treats you well!
