10 Best Diabetic Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way for a diabetic to eat chicken? ›

When following a healthy diabetes-friendly meal plan, fat should be eaten in moderation with a focus on lean meats. Eating skinless chicken breast is one of the best ways to enjoy meat that's not super high in fat. Also, using cooking methods to make your food that doesn't add fat is a good idea.

Chicken is one of the most budget-friendly and diabetes-friendly meats available. It's also easy to prepare and tasty, too! Having cooked chicken on hand makes preparing protein-packed meals a cinch. Precooked rotisserie chickens are widely available, but the sodium content is usually very high.

Meat, fish, eggs, pulses, beans and nuts

One portion is: Cooked lean meat (eg chicken, beef or pork) = deck of playing cards (60–90g) Beans and pulses (eg red kidney beans, butter beans, chickpeas or lentils) = 4 tablespoons.

Chicken is a perfect protein to make a fantastic low-glycemic meal. Because chicken doesn't contain any carbohydrates, it has little effect on blood sugar levels. However, be sure that the chicken recipes you make contain foods that are also low-GI!

If you have diabetes, eating a balanced breakfast that's low in carbohydrates can help you manage your blood sugar levels. Your meal should include lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and non-starchy vegetables.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to help lower blood sugar in the short term, and regular exercise can help control blood sugar in the long term. Dr. Redmond explains that “exercise is the best way to instantly lower blood sugar, combined with drinking water.

Some lean protein choices include chicken, lean ground pork and fish. These proteins are often used in Chinese main dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken with Bell Peppers. Plant-based proteins, such as tofu, are also found in Chinese dishes. Tofu may be used as a meat alternative, providing protein from soybeans.

Chicken is rich in nutrients and protein and low in calories, making it ideal for people with diabetes trying to maintain a moderate weight and stay full for longer. Many people with diabetes aim to eat more healthily by eating protein-rich food. This makes chicken an ideal diet for diabetes as it is high in protein.

You want to fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter of the plate of protein foods, and the last quarter of the plate with carbohydrate foods. Top it off with a glass of water or another zero-calorie drink and you've got yourself a well-balanced plate!

Which pasta is better for diabetics? ›

Whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice for diabetics as it contains whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta having a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta, whole wheat pasta also contains more fiber which can help to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Processed or fatty meats

A 2020 study showed that eating just 50 g red meat or fish each day can raise diabetes risk by 11%. Also, people with diabetes should consider avoiding or limiting the intake of: breaded, fried, and high-sodium meats. processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats.

Refined oils are best avoided as they are stripped of all vitamins and natural fibre and also promote the formation of trans fats. Cold-pressed oils are a better choice, so avoid oils that have used heat treatment during oil extraction.

Chicken is rich in nutrients and protein and low in calories, making it ideal for people with diabetes trying to maintain a moderate weight and stay full for longer. Many people with diabetes aim to eat more healthily by eating protein-rich food. This makes chicken an ideal diet for diabetes as it is high in protein.

Is it possible to make fried chicken diabetes-friendly? Absolutely! Especially if you have an air fryer. This small appliance "fries" food with hot circulating air, so you can create the crispy, crunchy exterior or frying with a fraction of the fat and calories from traditional deep frying.

Deep-fried food such as French fries and fried chicken are not healthy choices. The food absorbs fat during the frying process, which isn't good for your cholesterol, heart health or weight while trying to manage diabetes. Try baking or broiling your food instead, recommends Cotey.