35 Healthy Diabetic-Friendly Chicken Recipes
Updated: Jul. 31, 2023Chicken is a lean, versatile protein that's perfect for people with diabetes. Our roundup of delicious dishes has been reviewed and approved by a dietitian, so you can rest easy knowing that these diabetic-friendly chicken recipes are good for you!
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Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Chunky Chicken Cacciatore
This healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, UtahNutrition Facts
1 serving: 285 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
This popular Italian chicken dish is loaded with protein and powerful plant compounds. The tomato sauce has the powerful antioxidant, lycopene, and vitamin C, so this dish offers a tons of protection for immune health. Low in carbs with moderate protein, this makes for a satisfying meal to keep your blood sugar in check all evening.
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Spicy Chicken Pumpkin Pizza
1 piece: 225 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Think pizza and pumpkin can’t go together? This chicken pumpkin pizza will change your mind. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired with the spice of the chipotle peppers makes for a delicious, balanced sauce. I love that this recipe incorporates healthy ingredients in a fun, family-friendly way. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pressure-Cooker Autumn Apple Chicken
Fill the whole house with the aroma of chicken with apples and barbecue sauce. This is a meal you won’t want to wait to enjoy. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New HampshireNutrition Facts
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 340 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
This pressure-cooker meal is made with skinless chicken thighs, which gives it tons of flavor without a lot of saturated fat or cholesterol. Apples give this dish a good dose of pectin, a soluble fiber that is great for heart health and keeping your blood sugar on an even keel.
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Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
1 stuffed chicken breast: 347 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 7 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Hearty Chicken Gyros
I love reinventing classic recipes to fit our taste and healthy lifestyle. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be served with oven fries or on its own. You can add Greek olives, omit the onion, or even use cubed pork tenderloin for a new taste. —Kayla Douthitt, Elizabethtown, KentuckyNutrition Facts
1 gyro: 248 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
The clever chicken substitute for lamb in these gyros is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which bodes well for heart health for people with diabetes. Plus, the whole grain pita and veggies offer healthy plant compounds and fiber.
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Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
1 serving: 274 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
I’ve had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don’t remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
2/3 cup: 223 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
This slow-cooker teriyaki chicken is a snap to whip up on a workday, and it tastes just like Chinese takeout! My kids love it, and they don’t even know it’s healthy. —Rachel Ruiz, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
1-1/3 cups: 203 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington
Garlicky Chicken Dinner
Flavorful bone-in chicken is enhanced by herbs, lemon and hearty vegetables in this savory meal-in-one entree. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, WisconsinNutrition Facts
1 piece chicken with 1 cup vegetables: 264 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Garlic fans unite for this tasty chicken dish! It’s jam-packed with this heart-healthy aromatic spice, as well as thyme, black pepper and paprika. Not only do these herbs and spices mean flavor, but they offer cell-healthy antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which is a bonus for people with diabetes.
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Kabobless Chicken and Vegetables
1 serving: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
As the primary caregiver for my grandma, I am trying to cook healthier for her. I am fascinated with Mediterranean cuisine. It is much easier to have chicken and vegetables off the kabob, which inspired this sheet-pan dinner. —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California
Chicken & Sweet Potato Potpie
Chicken potpie is a top 10 comfort food for me. To save time, we use ready-made phyllo dough and rotisserie chicken, then add sweet potatoes and red peppers. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Pressure-Cooker Red Pepper Chicken
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this southwestern supper. We love it served with rice cooked in chicken broth—and it would also make a great filling for tacos or burritos. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, VirginiaNutrition Facts
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup bean mixture: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Fiber-filled goodness in this chicken dish will keep your blood sugar humming along well throughout the evening. Low in saturated fat, this meal is made with lean chicken breast, beans, red peppers and tomatoes, so you get a ton of heart-healthy flavor.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
1 stuffed pepper: 267 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Utilize leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal or one you can put together quickly so you can run errands while it cooks. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup artichoke mixture: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
I’ve liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here’s my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Curried Chicken Skillet
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, ConnecticutNutrition Facts
2 cups: 367 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
This low-fat, high-fiber chicken dish packs a punch with curry powder—a blend of super spices, such as coriander, fenugreek, turmeric, red pepper and onion. Not only do you get great flavor, but anti-inflammatory benefits, which is vital for people with diabetes.
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Feta Chicken Burgers
1 burger with 1 tablespoon sauce: 356 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New YorkNutrition Facts
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This high-fiber chicken dish with an Asian flair makes a flavorful splash with ginger. With its active compound, gingerol, gingerroot is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, this dish is low in saturated fat, which is a smart, heart-healthy choice for people with diabetes.
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Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower "Rice"
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, ColoradoNutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Swapping white rice for cauliflower rice is a heart smart choice for people with diabetes. Cauliflower is loaded with plant-based compounds that support brain, heart and immune health, plus it’s low in calories, carbs and saturated fat. And the herbs and spices in this dish offer tons of flavor and antioxidants!
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Grecian Pasta & Chicken Skillet
We love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, CaliforniaNutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 373 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Here’s a Greek-inspired pasta dish that’s full of protein and fiber, which bodes well for blood sugar control. It’s a healthy meal that’s simple to whip up, too—it takes only 30 minutes to prep. Be sure to use reduced-sodium chicken broth!
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Orange Chicken Spinach Salad
For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. —Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, MichiganNutrition Facts
2-1/2 cups: 270 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
This spicy chicken dish takes on refreshing flair topped with accents of grapefruit, lemon and orange, which add flavor as well as antioxidants and fiber. This low-carb, high-protein meal is perfect for keeping blood sugar stable, as well as satisfying your appetite. Add a side salad or roasted broccoli for a low-calorie, fiber-filled side.
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Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, LouisianaNutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Loaded with fiber and protein, this chicken dish is the perfect meal for keeping blood sugar in check. With heart-healthy lima beans and a myriad of disease-preventing spices, this makes for a nourishing dinner.
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Easy Caribbean Chicken
1 cup chicken mixture: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish
2 chicken tenders with 1/4 cup relish: 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
We eat a lot of chicken for dinner, so I’m always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this chicken, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can’t go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup
1 cup: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
When someone at our house gets sick, I whip up this quick and easy chicken soup. It resembles chicken noodle, but uses a variety of veggies instead of noodles for even more nutrition. Plus, if you use a pressure cooker or slow cooker, it makes meal prep even simpler! — Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, UtahNutrition Facts
2 filled lettuce wraps: 257 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
These colorful low-carb wraps make a good light dinner. Packed with natural sweetness from the cherries, they offer a myriad of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are essential for people with diabetes. Savor this fiber-filled dinner and know that you are taking a healthy step toward your diabetes management.
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Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs
Here's a quick-prep recipe for tender, flavorful chicken in a tangy tomato-based sauce. You can easily double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your slow cooker. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, MichiganNutrition Facts
1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup sauce: 248 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
This dish couldn’t be easier to make, as it all goes into the slow cooker. It’s the ideal weeknight meal! You can’t go wrong with canned tomatoes and oodles of herbs and spices simmered for hours to impart flavor, vitamins and minerals into chicken.
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Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables
1-1/4 cups: 334 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes
it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Simple Sesame Chicken with Couscous
I created this dish after my three kids tried Chinese takeout and asked for more. To make things easy for myself, I typically use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, FloridaNutrition Facts
1 cup couscous with 1/2 cup chicken mixture (calculated without peanuts): 320 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
This whole grain meal offers a good dose of protein plus heart-healthy fats for balanced nutrition. It’s the best combination for blood sugar control and keeping your waistline in check. Make this simple chicken dish part of your diabetes-friendly meal plan.
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Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, LouisianaNutrition Facts
1-2/3 cups: 252 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
This chicken and veggie-packed dish is a tasty and simple low-carb option. It makes for a great diabetes-friendly meal as it has a good amount of fiber and lean protein to keep blood sugar stable.
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Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, CaliforniaNutrition Facts
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
Who doesn’t love chicken tacos? These are loaded with diabetes-friendly ingredients, from chicken breast to avocado and herbs and spices. Tacos aren’t just for Tuesday—make them part of your meal plan any day.
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Maple-Dijon Chicken
1 serving: 221 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Eating dinner as a family every night is really important to us, and this recipe is one that we all love. It’s our favorite skillet chicken dish. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the best way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve this dish with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, ManitobaNutrition Facts
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This recipe is perfect in a time pinch. It’s low in calories and saturated fat, plus contains a decent amount of fiber. It’s a convenient diabetes-friendly meal that you can pull out of your hat any night of the week. Remember, frozen vegetables can be just as good as fresh and can round out a meal with plant-based goodness!
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Crispy Asian Chicken Salad
Asian flavor, crunchy almonds and crispy breaded chicken make this hearty salad something special. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, ColoradoNutrition Facts
1 salad: 386 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
This simple Asian salad has plenty of protein (30g!) to make a filling diabetes-friendly meal. Since protein stabilizes blood sugar, this dish will offer a steady stream of energy. It’s also low in saturated fat and calories to help keep your insulin levels in check.
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Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, CaliforniaNutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
You’ve got to love skillet meals! This lean protein-packed mixture combines chicken and vitamin C-rich tomatoes for a powerful punch of antioxidants. It’s also a good source of fiber.
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