These diabetic-friendly copycat recipes let you indulge guilt-free! You'll find delicious, dietitian-approved recipes for your favorite items from restaurants and takeout joints.
24 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Copycat Recipes
Updated on Jun. 14, 2024
Inspired by: Wendy’s Chili
This hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It’s so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
1/24
2/24
Inspired by: Chipotle Barbacoa
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. It’s an amazing alternative to ground beef tacos or even pulled pork carnitas. For a low-carb option, skip the tortillas and pile high in a bowl with lettuce, cheese and other toppings. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled tortillas: 361 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch.
3/24
Inspired by: McDonald's Chicken McNuggets
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. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing 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.
4/24
Inspired by: PF Chang's House-Made Chicken Egg Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/24
Lemon Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 500 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
6/24
Inspired by: Maggiano's Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 crab cakes: 239 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
7/24
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
8/24
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel Grilled Pork Chop
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom gave me the recipe for these savory chops with a sweet and tangy marinade. The apple juice and Dijon mustard complement the pork nicely. With a vegetable and some rice or pasta, you have a meal. —Babette Watterson, Atglen, Pennsylvania. Looking for more? Try this copycat of Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 295 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
9/24
Inspired by: Kentucky Fried Chicken Original Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
10/24
Inspired By: Olive Garden Lasagna Classico
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It’s absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 432 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
11/24
Avgolemono Soup
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While avgolemono may be tricky to pronounce if you didn’t grow up eating traditional Greek food, the recipe itself couldn’t be simpler. A quintessential Greek dish, this avgolemono soup is made using pantry staples and results in a meal that’s pure comfort food. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 392 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 245mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
12/24
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Learn how to make the copycat of The Cheesecake Factory’s chocolate mousse cheesecake.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
13/24
Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/24
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings plus 1 cup leftover dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Juicy berries, crisp sugar snap peas and crunchy pecans complement the lime-marinated chicken in this pretty salad. The homemade sweet-sour dressing is simply delicious. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 479 calories, 35g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
15/24
Inspired by: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/24
Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
17/24
Inspired by: Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 66 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
18/24
Inspired by: Chipotle Guacamole and Chips
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
19/24
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I work full time, this slow cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1/2 cup gravy: 380 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
20/24
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
21/24
Inspired By: Olive Garden Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
22/24
Inspired by: Chili’s Steak Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 309 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
23/24
Inspired by: McCormick & Schmick’s Seared Sea Scallops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll want to slip this recipe into the front of your last-minute guests file. Pasta and mixed greens nicely complement the tender, citrusy shellfish. —Margaret E. Lowenberg, Kingman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 249 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
24/24
Weeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is now my family's most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 144 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
