7 Soothing Chicken Recipes for Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Up Days

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Diet

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It can affect the entire large intestine (colon) or just portions of it.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in stool, fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss. Periods of remission with mild or no symptoms alternate with flare ups of active symptoms.

While the exact causes are unknown, experts believe immune system dysfunction, genetics, environmental factors and intestinal microbiome imbalance may play a role.

There is no known cure yet for ulcerative colitis, but various medications and lifestyle changes can help control symptoms. Identifying and avoiding dietary triggers is an important part of managing the condition.

How Diet Impacts Ulcerative Colitis

No single food definitively causes or cures ulcerative colitis. However, certain foods may provoke symptoms in some people. Food intolerances and sensitivities vary greatly among individuals.

In general, an ulcerative colitis diet should be rich in nutrients, fiber and fluids. This helps counteract flare-up triggers like digestive impairment, gut inflammation, diarrhea and dehydration.

Working with a gastroenterologist and registered dietitian can help determine your personal trigger foods and an optimal ulcerative colitis diet.

Benefits of Chicken for Ulcerative Colitis

Chicken can be a great protein choice when living with ulcerative colitis. Here are some of its benefits:

• Highly digestible, low fat protein source
• Lower fiber content than other meats, easier on colon
• Versatile to prepare in different ways
• Rich in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, phosphorus
• Contains amino acids for tissue repair and muscle health

Tips for Preparing Chicken

Keep these tips in mind when cooking chicken for ulcerative colitis diet:

• Remove skin and visible fat to reduce saturated fat intake
• Bake, roast, grill, or poach instead of frying
• Avoid heavily spiced rubs or breading to limit GI irritation
• Make stews with boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Try ground chicken for patties, meatballs, loafs

7 Soothing Chicken Recipes for Ulcerative Colitis

Here are some delicious anti-inflammatory chicken recipes suitable for an ulcerative colitis diet:

1. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

This easy chicken soup is chock-full of vegetables like carrots, zucchini and spinach. The broth helps replenish fluids and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup baby spinach
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5 minutes until no longer pink.
2. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add broth, bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaf. Add zucchini and spinach and cook 5 more minutes.

2. Baked Chicken Tenders

These simple oven-baked chicken tenders use just a few seasoning ingredients for flavor. Kids love them too!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast tenders
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss chicken tenders with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Place in single layer on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake 15 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

3. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casseroles are a comforting dish any time. This version uses brown rice and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup frozen peas
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In skillet over medium heat, cook chicken, onion, carrots and celery in oil for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to casserole dish. Stir in rice, soup, broth and peas.
4. Bake uncovered 45 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Remove from oven and stir in parsley before serving.

4. Moist Lemon Chicken

Chicken stays juicy and full of flavor when roasted with lemon juice, garlic and herbs. Serve with roasted potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place chicken breasts in baking dish and brush with olive oil.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and sprinkle with garlic and herbs.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

5. Chicken Salad

Keep some of this protein-packed chicken salad on hand for quick lunches or light dinners. Customize with your choice of veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 tbsp pecans, chopped
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup scallions, sliced
• 1 tsp mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, pecans, yogurt, lemon juice, scallions and mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper.

FAQs

Is chicken good to eat for ulcerative colitis?

Yes, chicken is usually well-tolerated and a great lean protein choice for ulcerative colitis diets. Go for boneless, skinless options and avoid heavily spiced or fried versions.

What is the best way to cook chicken for UC?

The best cooking methods for ulcerative colitis are baking, broiling, grilling, poaching or stewing chicken. These allow you to control ingredients and limit fat content.

Can I eat chicken soup with UC?

Yes, homemade chicken soup is an excellent food for ulcerative colitis. It provides hydration, nutrients and protein for the GI tract without much fiber or fat.

Are chicken salads okay to eat with colitis?

Most chicken salads are fine for ulcerative colitis diets. Focus on recipes without nuts, seeds, or dried fruit which can be hard to digest. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Can I have chicken if I'm having an UC flare-up?

Usually you can continue to eat boneless, skinless chicken during a flare in moderation. Avoid spicy or fried versions. Stick to well-cooked, moist chicken dishes.

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.