For people managing diabetes or trying to lose weight through a low-carb diet, chicken is a delicious choice. As a versatile and lean protein, chicken can be a cornerstone of diabetes-friendly chicken recipes, especially when prepared thoughtfully. Looking for some inspiration on how to balance chicken against your dietary requirements? From quick weeknight meals to comforting classics, read on to discover a variety of options to incorporate into your healthy eating plan, and learn the answer to many commonly asked questions.

What makes a chicken recipe diabetes-friendly?

• Low in carbohydrates – Limits blood sugar spikes by avoiding high-carb ingredients like breading, sugar, or starchy sides.
• High in protein – Helps with satiety and blood sugar control.
• Healthy fats included – Supports stable energy and slows glucose absorption.
• Minimal added sugars – Uses natural spices or low-carb sweeteners instead of sugar-based sauces.
• Balanced portions – Keeps serving sizes consistent to avoid overeating.
• Whole, unprocessed ingredients – Avoids additives that may affect insulin sensitivity.

10 Best Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Recipes

1. Lime-Glazed Chicken

The taste of lime and chicken together is incredibly refreshing on a spring or summer day. So next time you want to make something, turn to this scrumptious recipe for low carb lime glazed chicken. With just a few ingredients, you can shake up your normal routine with this delicious low carb lime glazed chicken. It is a ideal choice for a keto lifestyle.

Get Virta’s 10-minute lime-glazed chicken recipe here.

2. Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie, just like Mom used to make. Even if you're counting carbs and on a diet, you can still indulge with this low carb Chicken Pot Pie recipe. With a crisp, golden crust and savory filling, this low carb Chicken Pot Pie recipe is a hearty and comforting meal that anyone can make.

Get Virta’s Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie recipe here.

3. Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Casserole

When you need to revamp your menu, opt for this scrumptious recipe for low carb chicken enchilada casserole. With just a few ingredients, you can spice up your normal routine with this scrumptious chicken enchilada casserole. It’s the perfect choice for a keto menu.

Get Virta’s low carb Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe here.

4. Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders

These Keto Baked Chicken Tenders are a deliciously simple and satisfying low‑carb twist on a classic comfort favorite. Perfect for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle or cutting carbs without sacrificing flavor, these tenders use almond flour and a crispy spice blend to deliver golden, crunchy goodness without the heavy breading. Baked—not fried—they’re lighter, easier to prepare, and ideal for meal prep, dipping into low‑carb sauces like sugar‑free mustard or aioli. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and no added sugars or gluten, they’re a crowd‑pleasing recipe that makes sticking to keto feel effortless—whether as a hearty snack, appetizer, or protein-rich family dinner.

Get Virta’s recipe for Low Carb Baked Chicken Tenders here.

5. Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak

Indulge your comfort-food cravings without derailing your keto goals with this rich and satisfying Low-Carb Chicken Fried Steak. Tenderized cube steaks are coated in a flavorful blend of almond flour, Parmesan, and spices, then pan-fried to a golden crisp — and yes, that includes a decadent cream-and-egg wash, all without traditional wheat flour. What you get is a juicy, flavorful steak with just 10 g net carbs per serving (and over 40 g of protein!), complete with a creamy, rich sausage-style gravy to bring it all together. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is an effortless, indulgent way to enjoy a comfort classic while staying firmly on track with low-carb living.

Get Virta’s recipe for Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak here.

6. Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Soup

Warm, creamy, and boldly flavored, this Low‑Carb Buffalo Chicken Soup offers all the spicy satisfaction of buffalo wings in a comforting, keto-friendly bowl. Featuring sautéed onions, celery, and carrots simmered in chicken broth, shredded chicken, and a punch of Frank’s Red Hot, it’s thickened with cream cheese and finished with optional blue cheese and scallions for an indulgent touch—all while keeping net carbs around 10 g per serving and packing in over 50 g of protein and 38 g of healthy fats per bowl. Quick to prepare (ready in about 35 minutes), it’s a perfect, hands‑off family dinner or satisfying meal-prep option for anyone staying on track with a low‑carb or ketogenic lifestyle.

Get Virta’s Buffalo Chicken Soup recipe here.

7. Low Carb Chicken and Dumplings

Cozy up with a warm, satisfying twist on a classic comfort dish—this Low‑Carb Chicken and Dumplings swaps traditional flour dumplings for a lighter, gluten‑free version made with almond flour, egg, xanthan gum, and heavy cream. Loaded with 3 pounds of shredded chicken simmered in savory broth with garlic, onions, and butter, each 1¼‑cup serving delivers around 36 g of protein, 27 g of fat, and just 13 g of carbs—keeping it firmly within keto‑friendly territory. The result is a rich, creamy, and deeply comforting bowl that hits all the nostalgic notes while keeping your low‑carb goals on track—perfect for chilly evenings or hearty meal prep.

Get Virta’s Low Carb Chicken and Dumplings recipe here.

8. Low Carb Pad Thai

Craving the irresistible flavors of authentic Pad Thai without the carb overload? This Low‑Carb Chicken Pad Thai is your answer: tender shredded chicken and crisp cabbage are stir-fried in a tangy-sweet sauce made from erythritol, soy and fish sauces, lime, and peanut butter, then tossed with eggs, bell pepper, garlic, green onions, and peanuts for a satisfying crunch. At just 10 g carbs, 40 g protein, and 14 g fat per serving, it delivers bold Thai taste in a keto-friendly format that’s quick enough for busy weeknights and balanced enough to support low‑carb goals,

Get Virta’s Low Carb Pad Thai recipe here.

9. Low Carb Chicken Pozole

Experience all the rich, comforting flavors of classic pozole without the carb overload—this Low‑Carb Chicken Pozole brings tender shredded chicken simmered in a deeply spiced broth with poblano peppers, garlic, and oregano for authentic taste. Ready in just over 8 hours in your slow cooker, it delivers hearty warmth and effortless prep, while keeping net carbs astonishingly low at just 5 g per 1½‑cup serving, along with 18 g of protein and only 6 g of fat—a smart choice for keto, low‑carb, or diabetes‑friendly meal plans. Serve it hot with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or crisp cheese crisps for a flavor-packed bowl that fits seamlessly into a healthy, low-carb lifestyle.

Get Virta’s Low Carb Chicken Pozole recipe here.

10. Low Carb Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Say goodbye to greasy fast-food nuggets—these Low‑Carb Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are a crispy, flavorful, and keto-friendly alternative that’s ready in under 25 minutes. Made by coating tender chicken breast pieces in coconut flour, egg whites, and a sesame seed crust, they air-fry to golden perfection with just a light spray of oil. Each 4‑ounce serving delivers about 30 g of protein, 8 g of fat, and only 5 g total carbs, making it an ideal snack or meal component for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or diabetes-conscious diet . With minimal prep and bold texture, they’re perfect for quick family dinners or make‑ahead lunches—and pair beautifully with sugar‑free dipping sauces for even more flavor. 

Get Virta’s Low Carb Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets recipe here.

Diabetes Chicken FAQs

What is the best way for a person with diabetes to eat chicken?

For people with diabetes, the best way to eat chicken is grilled, baked, roasted, or air-fried without breading or sugary sauces. Skinless cuts are often preferred to reduce saturated fat intake, though moderate amounts of healthy fats—like olive oil or avocado oil—can be included to promote satiety and better blood sugar control. Seasonings like herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices add flavor without adding carbs, making chicken a versatile and blood sugar–friendly protein source.

Can people with diabetes eat chicken every day?

Yes, people with diabetes can eat chicken every day, as long as it's prepared in a healthy way and balanced with other nutrient-rich foods. Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports blood sugar stability and muscle maintenance. To ensure variety and prevent nutrient gaps, it’s ideal to rotate between different cuts (like thighs, breasts, or ground chicken) and combine it with a mix of vegetables, healthy fats, and occasional plant-based proteins or seafood.

What are good low-carb side dishes for a person with diabetes that go well with chicken?

Great low-carb side dishes for people with diabetes include non-starchy vegetables like roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or cauliflower rice. Zucchini noodles, mashed cauliflower, and green beans with almonds are also popular, blood sugar–friendly choices. These sides are high in fiber and nutrients while keeping carbs low, making them ideal companions to chicken dishes for balanced, diabetes-supportive meals.

The Takeaway

Just because you are trying to lose weight or have been diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a satisfying array of dietary options. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and want to live a healthier lifestyle, Virta Health may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.