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21 Delicious Weight Watchers Chicken Breast Recipes | Healthy & Low-Point Meals You’ll Love

One of the most nutritious foods in the Weight Watchers program is chicken breast, which you can serve as a staple in many meals. It is a powerhouse of lean protein and low in fat and calories to keep you full for longer without any extra WW points. However, you need to follow some cooking guidelines to make the recipes so that the chicken breast recipes are nutritious as well as balanced within your points budget. Here I gathered some delicious Weight Watchers Chicken Breast Recipes for you.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Breast:

  • Chicken breast can provide you with roughly 31 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. It is very important for muscle repair and keeping the metabolism running.
  • Skinless chicken breast provides 165 calories as well as 3.6 grams of fat per 100-gram serving. Due to its low-fat content, you can consume it daily and reduce fat intake to keep you full and energized.
  • Also, chicken breast is an excellent source of essential vitamins, and minerals including B6, B12, niacin, and phosphorus.

But we need to understand the difference between chicken breast and red meat and plant-based protein to understand why we tend to prefer chicken breast.


Chicken Breast vs. Red Meat

Chicken Breast vs. Plant-Based Proteins

Red meat options include beef, pork, and mutton, which are packed with protein but also high in fat and calories. However, chicken breast, especially when cooked without the skin, is a lean option, which means fewer Weight Watchers points.

If you compare beans or tofu to a plant-based protein, chicken breast provides more protein and is much lower in carbohydrates. However, plant-based proteins are very low in fat.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The most important step in making a healthy Weight Watchers Chicken Dish is choosing the right ingredients. Not all chicken breasts are created equal, and depending on how you cook or season them all can make a huge difference in your final point count.

  • Skinless Chicken Breast: Chicken skin can add unnecessary dots and points to your DC. So always use skinless and boneless chicken breast to make this WW recipe. If you buy skinned chicken, be sure to remove the skin before cooking.
  • WW-Approved Seasonings: Always use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro, as well as spices like paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Try to avoid oil-based marinades or sugary sauces as they can unnecessarily increase your point count. In that case, you can use 0-point ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and soy sauce that can pack a punch of flavor in your food without any extra calories.
  • Zero-Point Ingredients: You can use zero-point ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini to make recipes. Also, fat-free and low-sodium broths and stocks are great options.

Cooking Methods for Weight Loss

Exactly how you cook the chicken breast can also affect the nutritional profile and point count of your meal. With healthy cooking methods, you don’t have to compromise on the quality as well as the taste of your food.

  • Grilling: In my opinion, grilling is the perfect way to cook chicken breast because it requires very little oil or sometimes even without oil at all, which helps keep your meal points low. Grilling also adds a nice smoky flavor to your food that enhances the natural flavor of your chicken.
  • Baking: Another easy and healthy method is baking. You can also bake chicken with very little oil. Baked chicken is beautifully moist without adding any extra fat.
  • Poaching & Steaming: Poaching and steaming are two other great ways to cook chicken that don’t add any extra points. In poaching, your chicken is cooked in water or in a broth, just like in steaming, no oil is used. So these are both good ways to cook your chicken juicy without adding any extra points.

Just as you can or should cook Weight Watchers chicken in these ways, there are other methods that you should avoid.

  • Frying: We know fried chicken is delicious but it adds a lot of extra calories and fat from the oil, which greatly increases the point value of your recipe. In that case, if you want to eat crispy chicken, use an air fryer which is an ideal alternative to deep frying.
  • Cooking with Butter or Heavy Oils: WW-friendly recipes should never be done with too much oil, be it frying or sauteing. Alternatively, you can use olive oil which adds relatively fewer points, but in my opinion, it is better to avoid this method.

Tips and Tricks for Making Weight Watchers Chicken Breast Recipes

If you want to keep these recipes as meal prep, then definitely follow the tips given here.

Batch-Cooking for the Week:

  • Make multiple chicken breast recipes at once to save time. Whether grilled, baked, or poached, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  • Also try to store in a good airtight container and try to store each meal separately. But avoid pre-chopped veggies and sides to create complete, ready-to-eat meals here because they should be used ready-made.

Storing Chicken Properly:

  • Cooks can store chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you seal it properly, it can be stored for up to 4 days.
  • If there is a fear of the chicken becoming too dry, add a little broth or sauce to the container.

Low-Point Sauces and Dressings:

  • Experiment with low-calorie or no-point sauces such as salsa, hot sauce, mustard, or yogurt-based dressings.
  • Try mixing Greek yogurt with herbs, garlic, or a splash of lemon juice as a flavorful topping or dip.

FAQ

What are the best zero-point sides to pair with chicken breast?

Chicken breast is very versatile and can be paired with many types of zero-point side dishes, such as steamed or roasted vegetables, garden salad, cauliflower rice, or sautéed kale and spinach.

How can I make chicken breasts tastier without adding points?

There are many ways to increase the flavor of chicken breast without increasing the point count:

  • Herbs and Spice Mixes: Use fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and cilantro, paired with spices like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Citrus marinades: Marinate in lemon, lime, or orange juice, which adds brightness and a hint of sweetness without adding a punch.
  • Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar make great marinades or add flavor as a drizzle after cooking.
  • Mustard: Plain mustard (without added sugar) has zero points and can be used in marinades or as a glaze before cooking.

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts and still keep the points low?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but it’s best to remove the skin after cooking to keep points low. Cooking skin-on can help retain moisture and add flavor, especially when grilling or baking. After cooking, simply remove the skin before serving, which helps reduce fat content and points. For a truly WW-friendly option, stick to skinless chicken breasts.

How do I avoid overcooking chicken breasts?

Chicken breasts are lean and can dry out if overcooked. Here are some tips to keep it tender and juicy:

  • A chicken breast is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature in the breast.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps it retain its juices. Cover it loosely with foil and let sit for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Methods like poaching, slow cooking, and baking at low temperatures (about 350°F/175°C) can help prevent overcooking. If grilling, sear the chicken over high heat, then finish cooking over indirect heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in these recipes?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, although they usually have a higher point value due to their higher fat content. To keep points low:

  • Choose skinless, boneless thighs. They are usually lower in points than the thighs with the skin.
  • If using thighs, you may want to use smaller pieces to keep points like chicken breasts.
  • Chicken thighs often require slightly longer cooking time to reach the correct internal temperature (165°F), so adjust cooking times accordingly.

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