
Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken is a popular recipe that can be made in a variety of ways. The recipe typically involves coating chicken breasts with ranch seasoning, which can be made from scratch or using store-bought packets. While the exact amount of ranch powder used may vary, some recipes suggest using one tablespoon of loose ranch seasoning or a packet of ranch mix. The chicken can be cooked in an instant pot, slow cooker, or air fryer, and is often served with pasta, rice, or potatoes. This dish is a favourite among many Weight Watchers participants due to its flavourful taste and low point value.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of tbsp of ranch powder | 1 |
Other ingredients | Buttermilk powder, parsley, onion, chives, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, black pepper, Greek yogurt, milk, mayo, chicken broth, cream cheese, cheese, bacon |
Points per serving | 1 point for a 1/4 cup serving |
What You'll Learn
Ranch seasoning mix
The ranch seasoning mix can also be used to make a Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken Pasta. This recipe includes cooking pasta, bacon, milk, ranch dressing packet, and cheddar cheese. The sauce can be thinned out with fat-free chicken broth.
There are also recipes for Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken that use ranch seasoning mix. One recipe includes dipping chicken in melted butter or egg wash and coating it with the seasoning mix. Another recipe involves sprinkling a packet of ranch mix and loose bouillon seasoning over chicken breasts.
The ranch seasoning mix can be homemade. This can be done by combining buttermilk powder, parsley, onion, chives, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Alternatively, the mix can be made by blending fat-free cottage cheese with a tablespoon of water and a ranch packet.
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Ranch chicken recipe
This Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken recipe is a family favourite. It's easy to make and is perfect if you're on a Weight Watcher's plan as chicken breasts are 0 points.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Ranch seasoning (you can use a packet or dry ranch seasoning from a container, or make your own)
- Buttermilk powder
- Parsley
- Onion
- Chives
- Garlic powder
- Dill
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
Method:
- Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Brush one side of each piece with melted butter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Set aside.
- Combine sauce ingredients over medium heat and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken back to the skillet and spoon sauce on top.
- Cover partially and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with mashed or baked potatoes and vegetables.
Tips:
- You can also add bacon and cheese to this recipe for a fun twist.
- If you want to make your own ranch seasoning, combine buttermilk powder, parsley, onion, chives, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- If you want to reduce the point value of this recipe, use lower-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- You can also dip the chicken in melted butter or egg wash before coating in the ranch seasoning.
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Low-fat alternatives
While ranch seasoning is a popular addition to chicken recipes for those on the Weight Watchers plan, it can be high in fat. Here are some low-fat alternatives to consider:
Low-Fat Sour Cream
Using a lower-fat sour cream can reduce the point value of your Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken recipe. This is a simple swap that doesn't compromise on taste.
Greek Yogurt
Non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt is a great alternative to higher-fat options. It can be used as a base for a ranch dip or mixed with ranch seasoning for a lower-point, protein-rich snack.
Fat-Free Cottage Cheese
Blending fat-free cottage cheese with a tablespoon of water and a ranch seasoning packet creates a delicious, zero-point ranch dip.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Instead of using store-bought ranch seasoning, which may contain additives and preservatives, you can make your own. Combine buttermilk powder, parsley, onion, chives, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, and black pepper for a healthier option.
Low-Fat Milk and Mayo
For a creamy, low-fat ranch dressing, combine non-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, and low-fat mayonnaise with ranch seasoning. This option provides the same great taste with fewer points.
These low-fat alternatives to ranch powder in Weight Watchers chicken recipes can help you enjoy the flavors you love while staying on track with your health and fitness goals.
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Weight Watchers points
Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken is a popular recipe among those following the Weight Watchers plan. Chicken breasts are 0 points on the Weight Watchers plan, making them a perfect base for meals.
One recipe for Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken involves sprinkling a packet of ranch mix and 1 tablespoon of loose bouillon seasoning over chicken breasts. The recipe also includes pepperoncini and potatoes, and the whole dish is 3 points per serving.
Another recipe for creamy ranch chicken suggests using reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese, which saves 13 points and 5 points, respectively. The recipe also includes bacon, which is 2 Freestyle points, and ranch seasoning, which is 0 points. The whole dish is 7 points per serving.
There are also some tips for making a Weight Watchers-friendly ranch dressing. One suggestion is to blend fat-free cottage cheese with a tablespoon of water and a ranch packet, which is 0 points unless you use more than 1/2 cup. Another idea is to mix ranch seasoning with fat-free Greek yogurt or fat-free cottage cheese, which is also 0 points.
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Chicken preparation
Selecting the Chicken:
Start by choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they are a perfect source of lean protein for the Weight Watchers plan. You can also use chicken tenders, which cook quickly and are less likely to dry out.
Marinating the Chicken:
Marinating the chicken can enhance its flavour and moisture. You can try marinating it in buttermilk, egg wash, pickle juice, or even coat it with a ranch seasoning mix packet for a tangy twist. For a healthier option, consider using fat-free Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of buttermilk or egg wash.
Preparing the Ranch Seasoning:
To make your own ranch seasoning, combine buttermilk powder, parsley, onion, chives, garlic powder, dill, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. You can also add other spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano to suit your taste. Alternatively, you can use store-bought ranch seasoning packets or containers.
Cooking the Chicken:
There are various ways to cook the chicken:
- Slow cooker/Instant Pot: Place the chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot with chicken broth, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like corn, black beans, and salsa for extra flavour.
- Baking/Grilling: Prepare the chicken by coating it in the ranch seasoning mix and baking or grilling it until cooked through.
- Frying: For a crispy texture, dip the chicken in an egg wash or melted butter, then coat it in the ranch seasoning mix before frying.
Serving Suggestions:
Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken can be served in multiple ways:
- On its own: The chicken can be shredded and served as-is with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- With pasta: Prepare pasta according to the package directions. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp, then drain and chop. In a separate pan, add milk, ranch dressing, and stir. Cook until thick, then add cheddar cheese, bacon, and stir until blended. Serve the sauce over the pasta with the chicken and top with green onions.
- Over rice: Cook the chicken and serve it over a bed of rice with vegetables for a complete meal.
Remember, the key to successful Weight Watchers Ranch Chicken preparation is choosing healthy ingredients, experimenting with different cooking methods, and finding creative ways to serve it while staying within your daily points allowance.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of ranch powder to use depends on the recipe. For example, a recipe for Mississippi chicken includes 1 tablespoon of loose bouillon seasoning. Another recipe recommends blending 3 cups of fat-free cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 packet of ranch seasoning.
Ranch seasoning is 0 points, so you don't have to cut back on that at all.
There are several Weight Watchers chicken recipes that use ranch powder, including Mississippi chicken, creamy ranch chicken, and chicken bacon ranch pasta.
Some tips include using reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, blending ranch powder with fat-free cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and adding chicken broth to thin out the sauce.