8 Delicious Kidney Friendly Chicken Recipes

When your kidneys aren’t working as efficiently as they should, they can’t effectively remove excess fluid and minerals from your body, like potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. These are important minerals the body needs to function, but if kidney function is impaired, levels can become too high.

High potassium and phosphorus levels can negatively impact kidney and heart health, making it important to pay attention to what you eat. Most people with kidney disease can have around 2,000 to 3,000 mg potassium and 1,000 to 1,500 mg phosphorus daily. People on dialysis should stick to the lower ends of these ranges.

It’s also recommended that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) follow low sodium dietary guidelines. The National Kidney Foundation® recommends limiting sodium to 1,500 mg daily for all stages of CKD.

Kidney friendly recipes, sometimes referred to as renal diet recipes, help protect your kidneys and prevent waste from building up in your body by keeping these minerals in check.

Protein is another nutrient to pay attention to in renal diets. The amount of protein each person needs varies, but 20 to 35 g of protein at each meal is safe for most people. If you have CKD and are not on dialysis, it’s best to aim for the lower end of that range, because too much protein can put extra stress on the kidneys.

Chicken is a great source of protein for people with kidney disease because it contains moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus, is usually low in sodium and free of phosphate additives, and is low in saturated fat, which is good for your heart. Skinless chicken breasts and thighs are both great options, as long as you prepare them in ways that limit added salt or high-sodium sauces and don’t include ingredients too high in the minerals you need to limit.

• Kidney friendly chicken breast recipes are perfect when you want something lean, light, and high in quality protein.
• Kidney friendly chicken thigh recipes offer a bit more flavor and tenderness, which makes them great for slow-cooking or baking.

No matter which cut you choose, chicken is an excellent base for building balanced meals that support kidney health. And if convenience is key, you’ll find that kidney friendly chicken crock-pot recipes are an easy way to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals with minimal effort.

Following a renal diet doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. It just means you’ll need to be more mindful of what you eat and how it’s prepared. Using fresh ingredients instead of processed ones, seasoning with herbs instead of salt, limiting certain foods that are high in potassium or phosphorus, and watching portion sizes can all help keep your kidneys healthier.

When following a renal diet, pay attention to these nutrients that can be hard for your kidneys to process:

• Sodium: Too much sodium can make your body hold onto water and raise blood pressure, putting extra strain on your kidneys. It’s best to limit table salt and sodium-filled condiments and sauces.
• Potassium: High levels can build up in your blood if your kidneys can’t remove it efficiently. Limit foods like bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and oranges if your doctor recommends it.
• Phosphorus: Because it is used as an additive, phosphorus is often found in highly processed foods, which are a common cause of high phosphorus levels in kidney patients. Also found in dairy, nuts, beans, and dark sodas, excess phosphorus can weaken bones and cause heart problems.
• Protein: You still need protein, but sticking to moderate portions helps you get enough without overdoing it, which can be taxing on your kidneys. You do need more protein when you are on dialysis, however. 

It’s a good idea to periodically get blood tests done to check the levels of these minerals in your body. This helps you better determine how much you need to limit or add to your diet to keep your kidneys at their healthiest. Our kidney friendly chicken recipes are just one way to eat healthy, delicious food while being good to your kidneys. There are also other foods you may want to eat, limit, or avoid, depending on your kidney function and recommendations from your doctor.