4 Kidney-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes to Try at Home

Many comfort foods are high in sodium, saturated fat, or processed ingredients. Small changes can help make favorite meals more kidney-friendly.

Try these easy swaps

• Use herbs, garlic, onion powder, lemon juice, and spices instead of seasoning salt
• Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added broth
• Bake foods instead of frying when possible
• Use fresh ingredients more often than packaged or processed foods
• Watch portion sizes, especially with desserts and higher sodium foods

Everyone’s kidney diet is different depending on lab values, stage of kidney disease, dialysis status, and other health conditions. Talk with your healthcare team or kidney dietitian about which foods and recipes may work best for you.

Learn more about healthy eating for kidney disease. 

Instead of salt, this easy chicken dinner is packed with flavor from garlic, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Cabbage is a kidney-friendlier vegetable option that pairs well with rice and tender baked chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
• ½ medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken in the baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. While the chicken bakes, add cabbage, onion, and broth to a large skillet.
5. Cover and cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
7. Warm the rice if needed.
8. Serve chicken over rice with cabbage on the side.

Helpful tip: If you are watching sodium closely, look for chicken broth labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added.” Fresh lemon juice and herbs can help boost flavor without adding extra salt.

Get nutritional information for Herb Baked Chicken and Cabbage. 

Coo coo is a traditional cornmeal and okra dish enjoyed in Caribbean cuisine. This simple comfort food has a soft texture similar to polenta and can be served alongside fish or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups water
• 6 okra pods, washed and sliced
• 5 ounces cornmeal
• Butter, for greasing dish
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Wash and slice the okra, then add it to the boiling water.
3. Cook the okra for about 20 minutes, or until very soft.
4. Drain the okra, reserving about 5 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
5. Return the okra and reserved liquid to the pan.
6. Gradually add the cornmeal, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
7. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thick.
8. Spoon into a lightly buttered dish, season with pepper, and serve warm.

Helpful tip: Use only a small amount of butter to grease the dish if you are trying to reduce saturated fat. If serving with fish, choose a lightly seasoned preparation to keep the full meal lower in sodium.

Get nutritional information for Coo Coo.

These baked grits squares are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Baking instead of frying helps lower added fat while still creating a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked plain grits
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup flour, seasoned with 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil for brushing the pan or tops

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pour the cooked grits into a shallow pan that has been rinsed with cold water.
3. Let the grits cool until firm and set, then cut into squares.
4. Place the beaten egg in a shallow bowl.
5. Place the seasoned flour in another shallow bowl.
6. Dip each grit square into the egg, then coat lightly with the seasoned flour.
7. Place the coated grit squares on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with oil.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and lightly crisp.
9. Serve warm.

Helpful tip: You can pair baked grits squares with eggs, roasted vegetables, or a kidney-friendly dipping sauce for a filling meal or snack.

Get nutritional information for Baked Grits Squares.

Dessert can still be part of a balanced, kidney-friendly eating plan. This creamy parfait uses silken tofu to create a rich chocolate texture, while cherries add sweetness and flavor.

Ingredients

• 14 oz silken tofu, drained
• 3 oz unsweetened baking dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 1 oz cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ¾ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
• Black Forest Cherry Topping
• 3 cups frozen cherries, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup, if needed
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Chocolate Mousse

1. Drain excess liquid from silken tofu using a fine mesh strainer for a few minutes.
2. Melt the dark chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine drained tofu, melted dark chocolate, maple syrup, liquid smoke (if using), and salt.
4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours to chill and set.

Black Forest Cherry Topping

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cornstarch over medium heat.
2. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until thickened.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Transfer the compote to a bowl and let cool completely.
5. Add the cherry topping to a cup.
6. Top with the chocolate silk mixture.
7. Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Helpful tip: For smaller portions, serve the parfait in mini cups or jars. This can help manage portion sizes while still enjoying a rich dessert.

Get nutritional information for Cherry Chocolate Velvet Parfait.

Go to NKF’s Nutrition Hub for more CKD recipes and guides.