Soothing Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Recipes for Ulcerative Colitis

Chicken Dishes Perfect for the Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ongoing inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. During symptom flares, proper nutrition is crucial for managing gastrointestinal distress. Luckily, there are many nourishing, anti-inflammatory chicken recipes suitable for the UC diet.

Benefits of Chicken for Ulcerative Colitis

Chicken is a lean, versatile protein source jam-packed with nutrients. Some perks of incorporating chicken into an ulcerative colitis meal plan include:

• Rich source of protein to repair intestinal lining
• Contains amino acids like glutamine for gut health
• Lower fat than red meat to improve digestion
• Provides nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, iron

When preparing chicken, remove the skin and cook until no longer pink to avoid fat and ensure proper food safety.

Tips for Preparing Anti-Inflammatory Chicken

To limit gastrointestinal irritation, pay special attention to preparation methods. Some suggestions include:

• Bake, grill, roast or poach instead of frying
• Avoid heavily processed chicken products like nuggets
• Skip marinades with acidic ingredients, spices, sugars
• Use clean utensils and wash hands thoroughly when handling raw meat

Soothing Chicken Soup Recipes

Gentle, nourishing bone broths and soups are highly recommended to calm inflammation during active flares. Try these gut-friendly chicken soup recipes:

Simple Shredded Chicken Soup

This easy chicken vegetable noodle soup recipe comes together quickly. Broth, meat and vegetables cook in the same pot for fuss-free prep.

Ingredients:

• 3 skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 8 oz gluten-free noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, broth, bay leaves and thyme to large pot
2. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through
3. Remove chicken and shred with two forks
4. Return shredded chicken to pot and discard bay leaves
5. Add noodles and simmer 8-10 minutes until tender
6. Adjust seasoning then serve soup garnished with parsley

Ginger Chicken & Rice Congee

Congee is a type of Chinese rice porridge that's easy on sensitive digestive systems. Ginger adds anti-inflammatory power to this savory chicken version.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shredded
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 2 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Add rice, broth and ginger to pot
2. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low
3. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes until thickened
4. Add chicken and scallions then cook 5 more minutes
5. Discard ginger slices before serving
6. Drizzle each bowl with tamari before eating

Simple Roasted & Baked Chicken Recipes

Roasted and baked chicken dishes make for easy, hydrating dinners. Since cooking from scratch is key, avoid any packaged flavor injectors or broths which may contain hidden irritants.

Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken

Chicken stays nice and moist baked with antioxidant-rich lemons and herbs in this one-pan recipe. Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete anti-inflammatory meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• kosher salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry
3. Loosen skin from both chicken breasts and stuff slices of lemon, rosemary sprigs underneath
4. Brush chicken exterior with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper
5. Bake for 60-75 minutes until completely cooked through

Baked Chicken Tenders

These crispy baked chicken strip recipes get flavor from Italian seasoning rather than breadcrumbs, which can aggravate intestinal issues. Bake a batch to keep handy for quick protein all week.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp each salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425F
2. Pat chicken dry and brush lightly with oil
3. Sprinkle seasonings evenly over both sides
4. Bake 15 minutes, flipping halfway
5. Rest 5 minutes before serving

Anti-Inflammatory Skillet & Stir-Fry Recipes

The right herbs, spices and produce additions make savory chicken skillet and stir-fry meals appropriate for the gut-friendly UC diet.

Greek Chicken Skillet

This 20 minute one pan meal brings Mediterranean flavors of olives, tomatoes, spinach together for a nutritious anti-inflammatory dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 c kalamata olives, chopped
• 3 c baby spinach
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In large skillet heat oil over medium-high
2. Cook chicken 5 minutes until no longer pink
3. Push chicken to sides and add onion and garlic, cooking 3 minutes
4. Mix in remaining ingredients and cook until spinach is wilted
5. Season with salt & pepper then serve

Ginger Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick-cooking stir-fries like this flavorful ginger chicken & veggie version make an easy one-dish ulcerative colitis friendly meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 carrots, bias sliced
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp tamari
• toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In wok or large skillet heat 1 tbsp oil over high heat
2. Stir fry chicken 5 minutes until cooked through
3. Remove chicken and set aside
4. Heat remaining oil then stir fry onion & garlic 1 minute
5. Add veggies and cook until tender crisp 5 minutes
6. Return chicken to pan then add tamari & ginger
7. Cook 1 minute to finish then serve over rice

Explore more anti-inflammatory UC diet recipes to find new favorite chicken dishes to add to your meal rotation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.