AIP CHICKEN RECIPES

Living with an autoimmune disease doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious food. The AIP diet (Autoimmune Protocol) allows for flavorful, nutrient-dense meals that support healing.

Chicken, a versatile and widely loved protein, is perfect for creating satisfying AIP-friendly dishes.

In this article, I’ll share two of my go-to AIP chicken recipes—simple, quick, and ideal for those committed to healing through food.

AIP Chicken Stir Fry

When I need a quick and flavorful meal, this AIP chicken stir fry is my top choice. Packed with veggies and anti-inflammatory ingredients, it’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos (AIP soy sauce alternative)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
3. Toss in chicken strips, cooking until browned and fully cooked (5–7 minutes).
4. Add zucchini, carrots, and broccoli, stirring for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Stir in coconut aminos and turmeric. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Season with sea salt and garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Why It Works:

This stir fry has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor.

The garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos create a rich umami taste, making it hard to resist. Pair it with cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.

AIP Baked Chicken Tenders

Looking for something crunchy and kid-friendly? These baked chicken tenders are the perfect snack or main dish—crispy, flavorful, and AIP-approved.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup cassava flour
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix coconut flour, cassava flour, shredded coconut, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
3. Pour coconut milk into a separate bowl.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the coconut milk, then coat in the flour mixture.
5. Place coated tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve with an AIP-friendly dip, such as avocado sauce or coconut ranch dressing.

Why It Works:

These tenders satisfy cravings for crispy snacks without breaking AIP rules.

They’re also freezer-friendly, so I often make extra batches to keep on hand for quick meals or snacks. Simply reheat in the oven, and they’re as good as fresh!

AIP-Friendly Substitutions

Adapting traditional chicken recipes to fit the AIP diet can be simple with the right substitutes. Here are some of my go-to replacements:

Non-AIP Ingredient	AIP-Friendly Substitute
Soy sauce	Coconut aminos
Nightshade spices (paprika, chili)	Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon
Black pepper	Ground ginger or turmeric
Flour	Coconut flour, cassava flour
Eggs (for binding)	Coconut milk, gelatin egg

These swaps maintain flavor while keeping recipes compliant with AIP guidelines—perfect for those focused on healing without compromise.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken

Chicken is not only versatile but also packed with nutrients that align perfectly with the AIP diet. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a cornerstone of nutrient-dense, healing meals.

Key Nutrients and Health Benefits

Nutrient	Health Benefits
Protein	Supports muscle repair, immune function, and tissue health.
Vitamin B6	Vital for brain function and helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
Phosphorus	Promotes bone health and aids in energy production.
Selenium	Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Incorporating chicken into AIP-friendly recipes not only enhances flavor but also ensures your meals are packed with nutrients essential for healing and overall health.

Cooking Tips for AIP Chicken Recipes

Over the years, I’ve picked up several cooking tips that make preparing AIP chicken dishes easier, tastier, and more effective for meal planning.

1. Marinate for Flavor:
   • Marinate chicken in AIP-compliant ingredients like olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and coconut aminos.
   • Let it sit for several hours or overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
2. Use Bone Broth for Extra Nutrition:
   • When making soups or simmered dishes, add bone broth to enrich the flavor and boost the nutrient profile with collagen and minerals.
3. Batch Cooking for Convenience:
   • Prepare extra portions of recipes, like baked chicken tenders, for quick meals throughout the week.
   • Store leftovers in the freezer for easy reheating later.
4. Enhance with Herbs and Spices:
   • Use AIP-compliant spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon to add depth and complexity to your dishes without relying on nightshades or inflammatory ingredients.

These strategies make it easy to maintain flavor and nutrition while sticking to AIP guidelines, ensuring your meals stay both delicious and healing.