Based on PubMed | Does eating chicken increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease?

Eating chicken, by itself, is not known to increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Instead, the overall amount and type of protein in your diet, and the broader dietary pattern (for example, plant‑forward vs. “Western”), appear to matter more for long‑term kidney health. ^[1] Diets high in total animal protein have been linked in observational research to a higher risk of CKD, but these studies typically consider animal protein as a group (red meat, poultry, fish, dairy) and do not single out chicken as a unique risk. ^[2]

What the evidence suggests

• Large population studies associate “Western” dietary patterns higher in red and processed meats, saturated fat, and sweets with a higher chance of albumin in the urine (a marker of kidney damage) and faster kidney function decline; by contrast, DASH‑style or plant‑forward patterns are linked with slower decline. ^{[3] [4]}
• In a cross‑sectional study of adults without diabetes, higher total animal‑protein intake was associated with greater odds of CKD, while higher plant‑protein intake was associated with lower odds; “animal protein” here included multiple sources, not just chicken. ^[2]
• Public health guidance for CKD prevention emphasizes controlling blood pressure, diabetes, weight, and choosing heart‑healthy eating patterns rather than restricting a specific lean meat like poultry. ^{[5] [6]}

How chicken fits within healthy patterns

• Poultry is a lean protein when skinless and prepared with minimal added salt and saturated fat, and it is often listed among proteins that can fit into kidney‑friendly eating for people living with CKD, particularly compared with fatty or processed red meats. ^[7]
• For individuals already diagnosed with CKD (not on dialysis), clinicians often recommend moderating total protein to reduce kidney workload; in that context, shifting toward plant proteins may be beneficial. ^[1]
• For those on dialysis, protein needs increase and high‑quality proteins such as fish, poultry, pork, or eggs are commonly recommended to meet needs safely. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical takeaways

• Focus on your overall pattern: more plants (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes), healthy fats, and lower sodium; less processed and fried foods and fewer processed meats. This pattern is associated with better kidney and heart outcomes. ^{[3] [10]}
• Keep animal protein portions moderate and consider replacing some servings with plant proteins (beans, lentils, tofu, nuts) to tilt the balance toward plant‑based protein, which has been linked with lower CKD risk and favorable mineral metabolism in CKD. ^{[2] [11]}
• Prioritize how chicken is prepared: choose skinless cuts, bake/grill instead of frying, and limit salty marinades or sauces to avoid excess sodium, which is tied to faster kidney function decline. ^[4]

Bottom line

Current evidence does not show that eating chicken specifically increases CKD risk; rather, higher total animal‑protein intake and a Western‑style diet are associated with worse kidney markers, while plant‑forward patterns are linked with better kidney outcomes. ^{[2] [3]} Choosing lean poultry in sensible portions within a plant‑forward, lower‑sodium diet is a reasonable approach for kidney health, especially when balanced with more plant proteins. ^{[7] [1]}

If you already have CKD, the “right” protein amount and mix should be individualized with your care team or a renal dietitian, since needs differ by CKD stage and whether you are on dialysis. ^{[12] [13]}