Chicken Chili Points: Weight Watchers Guide

White chicken chili is a popular dish among Weight Watchers members, with many recipes available online. The dish is described as delicious, healthy, and filling, with a smoky flavor and a nice texture. While the number of points can vary depending on the specific plan and ingredients used, it is often considered a zero-point or low-point option on Weight Watchers. Some recipes suggest adding ingredients like cheese, avocado, or sour cream, which can increase the point value, while others focus on keeping the recipe simple and low in points. Overall, white chicken chili is a versatile and tasty option for those following the Weight Watchers program.

Weight Watchers white chicken chili recipe ingredients

A warm and hearty Weight Watchers-inspired white chicken chili recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. This recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family, whether they're on Weight Watchers or not. It's also a great option if you're looking for a zero-point meal.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and salt (you can also add extra spices like cumin and oregano for a smokier, slightly spicier flavor)
• Oil (olive oil is recommended)
• Chicken (you can use shredded chicken or chicken pieces)
• Beans (white beans or any variety of your choice)
• Additional vegetables: green peppers, kale, or spinach (optional)
• Toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, avocado, cheese, cilantro or green onions

Optional Ingredients

Some optional ingredients you can consider adding to enhance the flavor or texture of your chili include:

• Lime juice
• Tomatoes
• Pumpkin (for extra fiber)
• Cornstarch (to thicken the chili)

Substitutions

You can also make some substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese: This substitution is mentioned by several sources and is a zero-point option that adds creaminess to the dish.
• Cooking spray instead of olive oil: If you're concerned about counting fractional points, you can use cooking spray and a nonstick pan instead of olive oil.

Storage and Leftovers

Weight Watchers white chicken chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the chili to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for quick and convenient lunches.

Storing Weight Watchers white chicken chili leftovers

Storing leftovers of Weight Watchers white chicken chili is easy. First, allow your chili to cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container with a lid. After that, place it in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze any leftovers in 1-cup containers for easy, portion-controlled lunches for another time.

Weight Watchers white chicken chili is a delicious and healthy meal option. It is a great alternative to traditional red bean chili and is easy to make. The recipe typically involves sautéing onions, garlic, and spices, then adding in chicken, white beans, chicken broth, and other ingredients. It is a flexible recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences and can be made in a slow cooker, instant pot, or on the stovetop.

To make Weight Watchers white chicken chili, start by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until tender. Then, add your spices, such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. If you want to add extra vegetables, this is the time to do so. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes.

Next, add your broth and beans, and bring the mixture to a simmer. If using a slow cooker or instant pot, you can add all the ingredients at once and cook on low heat for several hours. For the stovetop method, simply bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred or chop it before returning it to the pot.

Finally, add any desired toppings or extras, such as shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Stir everything together and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Weight Watchers white chicken chili!

Weight Watchers white chicken chili cooking methods

There are several ways to cook Weight Watchers white chicken chili, including on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Here are some detailed instructions for each method, along with some tips and variations.

Stovetop Method:

This method involves using a large soup pot or Dutch oven. First, heat some olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become transparent or tender, which should take around 5-8 minutes. Then, add your spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic. Give it a good stir and cook for another 2 minutes.

Next, add the beans and stir again. You can use white beans such as navy beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans. If you're using larger beans, they may need a bit more time to cook. After adding the beans, pour in the chicken broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let this mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove 2 cups of the bean and broth mixture and blend it until smooth, then return it to the pot. Now, add your chicken, which should be either shredded or chopped, and tomatoes, and cook for another 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Finally, add some cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and your chili is ready to serve!

Slow Cooker Method:

For a slow cooker, simply add all your ingredients, except for the chicken, and stir. You can add chicken broth, unsweetened almond milk, spices, and vegetables like onions, garlic, green chili peppers, and bell peppers. Let this cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, remove the chicken, shred or chop it, and return it to the pot.

Instant Pot Method:

The Instant Pot method is similar to the slow cooker approach. Add all your ingredients, except the chicken, and give it a good stir. You can add more broth after cooking if needed. Set the Instant Pot to manual for around 8 minutes and let it naturally release. Remove the chicken, shred or chop it, then return it to the pot.

Tips and Variations:

Some people like to add extra vegetables, like green peppers, or a can of pumpkin for extra fiber. You can also sprinkle a little reduced-fat cheddar cheese on top or add avocado, sour cream, and cheese for a heartier meal. To store leftovers, let the chili cool, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Weight Watchers zero-point alternatives

Weight Watchers has a list of zero-point foods that are nutrient-, vitamin-, and mineral-packed. These foods are the foundation of healthy eating and are essential for overall health. You don't have to weigh, measure, or track these foods—no matter how often you eat them.

The zero-point foods include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Some examples are:

• Skinless chicken thighs
• Yams
• Lean beef
• Lean pork
• Dark meat chicken
• 90%-99% lean ground meats
• Oats
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Parsnips
• Hominy
• Popcorn
• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Dairy

You can start with skinless chicken thighs or yams, and then add ingredients with points, such as sauce, cheese, or a slice of garlic bread. You can also add crisp mixed veggies or hearty potatoes to your soups, stews, or pastas for variety, crunch, and a flavor boost.

For those living with diabetes, there is a different ZeroPoint foods list, which includes over 200 foods that are less likely to impact blood sugar levels.

Weight Watchers white chicken chili reviews

Weight Watchers' White Chicken Chili has received positive reviews from several bloggers, who describe it as "delicious", "a lifesaver", "a household favourite", and "a total keeper".

The recipe is praised for being easy to make, customizable to individual tastes, and suitable for freezing and storing leftovers. The option to use a slow cooker is also highlighted as a convenient way to prepare the meal.

Some reviewers have made minor adjustments to the recipe, such as adding green peppers, pumpkin, or avocado, sour cream, and cheese. However, the basic recipe is generally followed, with praise for its use of chicken, white beans, and aromatic spices to create a hearty, healthy, and satisfying meal.

On the Blue and Purple WW SmartPoints plans, this recipe is worth zero points, while one reviewer on the Freestyle plan calculated it as one point per cup.

Frequently asked questions