Chicken 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!
34 Healthy Diabetic-Friendly Chicken Recipes
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
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Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Chunky Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
250 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Utah
Nutrition 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.
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Spicy Chicken Pumpkin Pizza
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
2 pizzas (4 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Pressure-Cooker Autumn Apple Chicken
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 Hampshire
Nutrition 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.
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Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Servings
2 servings
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Hearty Chicken Gyros
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Kentucky
Nutrition 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.
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Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Total Time
245 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
Total Time
290 mins
Servings
12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Garlicky Chicken Dinner
Total Time
70 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavorful bone-in chicken is enhanced by herbs, lemon and hearty vegetables in this savory meal-in-one entree. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition 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.
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Kabobless Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Pressure-Cooker Red Pepper Chicken
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Virginia
Nutrition 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.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
200 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Curried Chicken Skillet
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Connecticut
Nutrition 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.
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Feta Chicken Burgers
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 York
Nutrition 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.
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Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Colorado
Nutrition 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.
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Grecian Pasta & Chicken Skillet
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, California
Nutrition 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.
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Orange Chicken Spinach Salad
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Michigan
Nutrition 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.
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Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
Total Time
380 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Louisiana
Nutrition 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.
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Easy Caribbean Chicken
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Utah
Nutrition 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.
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Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs
Total Time
320 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Michigan
Nutrition 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.
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Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables
Total Time
255 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
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Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Louisiana
Nutrition 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.
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Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, California
Nutrition 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.
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Maple-Dijon Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
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.
32/34
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Manitoba
Nutrition 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.
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Crispy Asian Chicken Salad
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Asian flavor, crunchy almonds and crispy breaded chicken make this hearty salad something special. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 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.
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Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, California
Nutrition 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.
