Can I eat chicken with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually OKIn remission: Usually OK
Skinless, lean chicken is low in fat and has no fibrous plant material to digest, so it's frequently named as one of the easiest proteins to tolerate in IBD, and protein needs go up during active disease. Skin-on or heavily fried chicken adds fat that can be harder to absorb during a flare.
During a flare
Lean, skinless, shredded, or ground chicken is a commonly recommended flare protein; tough or dry pieces with gristle are harder to manage.
In remission
Chicken in any preparation is generally well tolerated in remission as part of a varied diet.
Ways to make it gentler
- Remove the skin
- Shred, mince, or slow-cook until very tender
- Bake, grill, poach, or steam instead of frying
Sources
- What Should I Eat with Crohn's or Colitis? IBD Diet Guide — Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nutrition Tips (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) — Gastrointestinal Society (badgut.org)
Last checked 2026-08-12
