
Chicken sausage is a popular choice for those following the Weight Watchers diet plan. There are a variety of recipes available online that incorporate chicken sausage, such as chicken sausage skewers, Italian chicken sausage and pepper sandwiches, and chicken sausage with peppers and onions. The points for chicken sausage on Weight Watchers may vary depending on the specific plan being followed and the ingredients used in the recipe. For example, the Weight Watchers Turkey Sausage Recipe made with ground chicken instead of turkey is worth 0 points on the Blue and Purple plans and 1 point on the Green plan.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Chicken sausage type | Lean ground chicken, Italian chicken sausage, chicken apple sausage, garlic herb chicken sausage, fully cooked reduced-fat chicken sausage |
Other ingredients | Garlic, red onion, cumin, black pepper, bone broth, green apple, cinnamon, nutmeg |
Weight Watchers points | 0 2025 points, 0 2023 Points, 0 Blue Plan Points, 1 Green Plan Points, 0 Purple Plan Points, 6 Blue WW SmartPoints, 6 Green WW SmartPoints |
What You'll Learn
Lean chicken sausage options
Lean chicken sausage is a great option for those on the Weight Watchers program as it is lower in fat and calories than other types of sausage. Chicken sausage can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pasta dishes, sandwiches, and soups, and can be easily found in most supermarkets. Here are some lean chicken sausage options to consider:
- Trader Joe's Reduced-Fat Chicken Sausages: Trader Joe's offers a variety of reduced-fat chicken sausages, including garlic herb, chicken apple, spicy Italian, and spicy jalapeño. Each sausage contains only 7g of fat and 130 calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
- Aldi "Never Any" Italian Chicken Sausage: This chicken sausage from Aldi is a delicious option that tastes like traditional Italian sausage. It's a great way to enjoy the flavor of sausage while sticking to your Weight Watchers plan.
- Brat Han's Healthy Chicken Sausages: Sold at Whole Foods, Brat Han's line of fully cooked sausages offers a healthy option for those looking for lean chicken sausage.
- Jody Maroni's Smoked Chicken Apple Sausages: These chicken apple sausages are another tasty option that can be used in recipes such as sausages with peppers and onions.
When using chicken sausage in your recipes, you can further reduce the fat and calorie content by grilling or baking the sausages instead of frying them. This helps to keep your meals healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly while still enjoying the flavor and convenience of sausage.
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Points values for chicken sausage skewers
Weight Watchers offers a chicken sausage skewers recipe that is low in points. The recipe includes chicken sausage, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. The vegetables can be substituted or adjusted according to preference, and the recipe can be cooked on a grill or in the oven.
To make the skewers, alternate pieces of sausage, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes on eight skewers. If using wooden skewers, they should be soaked in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent charring. Lightly coat the skewers with nonstick spray, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender.
The exact point value of this dish will depend on the specific ingredients used and the quantities consumed. However, chicken sausage is a lean protein that can help keep the points value down. Choosing a reduced-fat variety can further reduce the points value of the dish.
For example, Trader Joe's offers a variety of reduced-fat chicken sausages, including garlic herb, chicken apple, spicy Italian, and spicy jalapeño. A 12 oz package of their garlic herb chicken sausage contains 130 calories, 7g fat, 17g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 510mg sodium, and 0g sugar. Using this sausage in the skewer recipe would result in a points value of 6 for the Blue and Green plans, according to the WW Freestyle SmartPoints system.
Another option for keeping the points value down is to use a combination of chicken and turkey in the sausage mixture, as long as low-fat varieties are used. A recipe for Weight Watchers turkey sausage patties made with fat-free ground turkey or chicken, apples, onions, and spices has a points value of 0 for the Blue plan and 1 for the Green plan.
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Using chicken sausage in sandwiches
Chicken sausages are a great, healthy alternative to regular sausages, and they can be used in a variety of sandwich recipes. Here are some ideas for using chicken sausage in sandwiches, as well as some shopping tips and a couple of recipes to get you started.
Shopping Tips
When shopping for chicken sausages, look for reduced-fat options at your local supermarket. Trader Joe's, for example, offers a variety of flavours, including garlic herb, chicken apple, spicy Italian, and spicy jalapeño. Each sausage has only 7g of fat and 130 calories. Other recommended brands include Brat Han's line of healthy sausages sold at Whole Foods, and Jody Maroni's Smoked Chicken Apple Sausages.
Recipe 1: Italian Chicken Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches
This recipe is a slimmed-down version of an Italian favourite. Start by sautéing peppers and onions, and add some fennel seeds or red pepper flakes for extra flavour. You can also use any colour of bell peppers you like, but keep in mind that they may need a little longer to cook due to their thicker skins.
Grill the chicken sausages or cook them in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until browned. Spread a teaspoon of mustard on each bun, add the sausage, and top with about 1/3 cup of the pepper-onion mixture.
Recipe 2: Greek Chicken Sausage Sandwiches
This Greek-inspired recipe is perfect for grilling. Start by combining yogurt, cucumber, dill or mint, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Grill the sausages over medium-high heat until grill marks appear and they are heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also grill the buns for about 1 minute until they are lightly toasted.
Place the sausages in the buns and top each with 3 tablespoons of the yogurt mixture. You can also spread some of the sauce inside the bun, add the sausage, and then top with more yogurt sauce. Serve these sandwiches with a Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a delicious and healthy meal.
Bonus Recipe: Chicken Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
For a hearty breakfast sandwich, try this recipe using chicken sausage patties. Mix ground chicken with apple, onions, sugar, sage, thyme, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into 5 patties, making sure they are larger than the sandwich thins as they will shrink when cooked.
Cook the patties in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Spread reduced-fat butter on toasted sandwich thins, place a sausage patty on each, and top with a fried egg white and a tomato slice. Serve open-faced for a delicious and healthy breakfast.
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Chicken sausage breakfast recipes
Chicken sausages are a great breakfast option, especially if you're watching your weight. While I couldn't find the exact Weight Watchers points value for chicken sausage, there are some great chicken sausage breakfast recipes out there that can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
One tasty recipe is for chicken breakfast sausage patties, which you can make with ground chicken and a variety of spices. To make these, simply mix your chosen spices with ground chicken, form the mixture into patties, and fry them in a pan. You can experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend, but some suggestions include sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. You can also add maple syrup to your mixture for a touch of sweetness and to keep the patties moist. If you want to get creative, you can add diced apples to your mixture for chicken apple sausages.
These chicken breakfast sausages are very versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them as a side with eggs and avocado, or get creative and make a breakfast sandwich, burrito, or taco. They also go well with fried breakfast potatoes and peppers, or you can crumble them into an egg casserole or omelette.
If you're making a big batch, these sausages freeze well. Simply let them cool, then place them in an airtight container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in an air fryer or microwave.
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Chicken sausage brands
Chicken sausages are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages, with a lower fat content. Many popular brands offer chicken sausages, including premium products and store-brand options.
One popular brand is Whole Foods, which offers a line of chicken sausages with various flavour profiles. Their mild Italian sausage, made with organic red and green bell peppers, basil, fennel, paprika, vinegar, garlic, chile pepper, black pepper, and sunflower oil, received positive reviews for its taste and texture. At $7.29 for a 12-ounce package, it is a reasonably priced option.
Another well-known brand is Applegate, which offers a wide variety of organic chicken sausages. Their Spinach & Feta Chicken Sausage received mixed reviews, with praise for the balance of earthy spinach and savory spice but criticism for the faintness of the feta flavour. Applegate's line of chicken sausages is a tasty option for those seeking an organic brand, although their products tend to be pricey.
Nature's Promise also offers USDA-certified organic chicken sausages made with antibiotic-free chicken and seasoned with fennel, paprika, black pepper, and dried onions. Their sweet Italian sausage received positive reviews for its subtle kick of spice and authentic chicken flavour. A 12-ounce package costs $7.99, making it a relatively affordable choice.
For those seeking a fruit-flavoured chicken sausage, Applegate Farms offers a unique option with their organic sausages made with dried apples and seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and apple juice concentrate. These sausages had more sodium and sugar than other products but delivered on moisture and sweetness. A 12-ounce package costs $6.64 at Whole Foods Market.
Other brands worth mentioning include Target, which offers chicken sausages with a real jalapeño flavour, and Amylu, which promises to use chickens raised without antibiotics or hormones in their chicken sausages.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken sausage is not given a specific point value by Weight Watchers, but a recipe for chicken sausage skewers can be calculated as 6 Blue WW SmartPoints or 6 Green WW SmartPoints.
Lean ground turkey or chicken has less fat than pork sausages, which helps to keep Weight Watchers personal points down.
Trader Joe's offers a selection of reduced-fat chicken sausages, including garlic herb, chicken apple, spicy Italian, and spicy jalapeño varieties. Another recommended brand is Aldi's "Never Any" Italian Chicken sausage.
Chicken sausage can be used in recipes such as Italian chicken sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken sausage skewers, and chicken sausage with sautéed peppers and onions.