31 Diabetic-Friendly Chicken Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Updated: Nov. 24, 2023
Making diabetic-friendly dinners has never been easier. Here are our favorite chicken dishes that everyone at the table can enjoy.
1
/
32
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
2
/
32
White Wine Garlic Chicken
This garlic chicken is great over cooked brown rice or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, too. —Heather Esposito, Rome, New York
3
/
32
Spicy Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet
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
4
/
32
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
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
5
/
32
Chicken Nuggets
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
6
/
32
Chicken Ole Foil Supper
These Mexi-style chicken packets can be assembled ahead and frozen if you like. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. I like to serve them with warm tortillas and fresh fruit on the side. —Mary Peck, Salina, Kansas
7
/
32
One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
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
8
/
32
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
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
9
/
32
Lemon Mushroom Chicken
There’s a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn’t seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
10
/
32
Cobb Salad Wraps
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
11
/
32
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
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
12
/
32
Whole Grain Chow Mein
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
13
/
32
14
/
32
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
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
15
/
32
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
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
16
/
32
Asian-Inspired Chicken Rice Bowl
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
17
/
32
Sassy Chicken & Peppers
This quick and healthy chicken and peppers recipe tastes like a naked taco and is bursting with fresh flavors. And it can all be prepared in the same pan for easy cleanup—it’s a win-win! —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
18
/
32
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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
19
/
32
Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
20
/
32
Tandoori Chicken Thighs
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
21
/
32
Grecian-Style Chicken
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
22
/
32
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey
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
23
/
32
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
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
24
/
32
Garlic Chicken with Herbs
Pan-roasting garlic cloves turns them into rich, creamy deliciousness. This chicken is fantastic with crusty Italian bread or mashed potatoes on the side. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
25
/
32
Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein
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
26
/
32
Bulgur Jambalaya
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
27
/
32
Creamy Chicken and Thyme
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
28
/
32
Honey Chicken Stir-Fry
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
29
/
32
Honey Balsamic Chicken
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
30
/
32
Pressure-Cooker Indian-Style Chicken and Vegetables
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
31
/
32
Poached Chicken
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
32
/
32
Air-Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
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 CarolinaOriginally Published: February 16, 2021
