Making diabetic-friendly dinners has never been easier. Here are our favorite chicken dishes that everyone at the table can enjoy.
30 Diabetic-Friendly Chicken Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Flavorful Chicken Fajitas
This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
1/30
2/30
Chicken Marsala
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite dishes to order in restaurants, so I created a version that I could make in a flash on a weeknight at home. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 493 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 40g protein.
3/30
Spicy Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spicy chicken sausage in this quick skillet dish gives it a kick, and the sliced apples are a pleasant, tart surprise. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 285 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
4/30
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
5/30
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/30
Chicken Foil Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 175 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
7/30
One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It’s a one-pan meal that’s become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
8/30
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim 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.
9/30
Lemon Mushroom Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn’t seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 213 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/30
Cobb Salad Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. —Lynne Van Wagenen of Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 372 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/30
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic and fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
12/30
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
13/30
14/30
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
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.
15/30
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/30
Asian-Inspired Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
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.
17/30
Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 369 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
18/30
Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 394 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
19/30
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spent time in India and love reminders of this vibrant culture, so this tandoori chicken makes me happy. Served with warmed naan bread and a cool tomato and cucumber salad, it’s a whole meal. —Claire Elston, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 193 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/30
Grecian-Style Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The caper, tomato and olive flavors whisk you away to the Greek isles in an easy skillet dish that’s perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/30
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 182 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
22/30
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
23/30
Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful Lo Mein is a lighter version of the classic Chinese dish that everyone at our table loves. Try it with a squirt of Sriracha. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
24/30
Bulgur Jambalaya
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like making this dish because it allows me to stay on track for my weight loss without giving up foods I love. —Nicholas Monfre, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/30
Creamy Chicken and Thyme
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thyme gives this simple chicken dish its unique flavor. I lightened up the original recipe by using reduced-fat sour cream, but you’d never guess based on its rich, creamy flavor. —Harriet Johnson, Champlin, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 167 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
26/30
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup stir-fry: 249 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
27/30
Honey Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This balsamic chicken is a recipe I adapted from a cookbook that featured quick and easy recipes. I adjusted the seasonings somewhat and added a bit more honey to better suit my tastes. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 233 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 0.500 starch.
28/30
Pressure-Cooker Indian-Style Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Indian-influenced dish is one just about everyone will love. Feel free to add more or less tikka masala sauce according to your 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.
29/30
Poached Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can’t beat poaching for chicken that is moist and tender. Once it’s cooled, store extra in the freezer for quick meals.—James Schend, Taste of Home Food Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 192 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
30/30
Air-Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son loves this air-fryer chicken cordon bleu. My recipe has all the yummy flavors in a 30-minute meal. Leftovers freeze well, too. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 272 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 519mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
