Smart Sesame Chicken: Ww Points Explained

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese dish, but it's often filled with sugar, fat, and calories. For those on the Weight Watchers plan, it can be challenging to find a tasty, low-point option. One recipe for sesame chicken that serves six people is said to be worth 6 WW points. The recipe uses lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional dish. The recipe can be adapted to suit personal preferences and ingredient availability.

Sesame chicken is 6 WW points

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is typically high in calories, sugar, and fat. However, with just a few simple tweaks, it is possible to create a delicious and healthy version of this takeout favourite that is also Weight Watchers (WW) friendly.

The first step to reducing the WW points in sesame chicken is to avoid deep-frying the dish. By using a minimum amount of oil and coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch, you can achieve a crispy texture with fewer points. Cornstarch also helps the chicken brown easily and stay juicy inside, while also thickening the sesame sauce.

Another way to reduce the points is to opt for lean ground chicken or ground turkey instead of chicken breast. This not only reduces the points but also makes the dish more economical. Additionally, using a zero-point brown sugar sweetener, such as Lakanto Brown monk fruit sweetener, can help reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavour.

By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy sesame chicken dish that is worth 6 WW points. This dish can be served over cauliflower, jasmine, brown, or white rice, and garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Remember to steam your vegetables instead of cooking them in oil or butter to further reduce the points.

With this recipe, you can satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout without compromising your waistline or your taste buds!

WW sesame chicken recipe

Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish, typically made with battered and deep-fried chicken and a sweet-savory sauce. This dish is usually high in sugar, calories, and carbs. However, WW sesame chicken recipes offer a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.

One such recipe uses lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce. It takes just 20 minutes to make in one pan and is much healthier than any sesame chicken you'd order from a Chinese restaurant. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Lean ground chicken breast
• Chili paste
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Zero-point brown sugar sweetener (e.g. Lakanto Brown monkfruit sweetener or Truvia Brown Sugar Blend)
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Scallions
• Sesame seeds
• Onion
• Garlic

Instructions:

• Combine chili sauce, soy sauce, zero-point brown sugar sweetener, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
• Pour the sauce over the ground chicken and stir to combine.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves.
• Bring the broth mixture to a simmer, then add it to the chicken, stirring continuously.
• Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
• Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook for 3 minutes or until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the ground chicken to the skillet, cooking and breaking it up into small pieces until it is cooked through.
• Serve over your favorite rice (cauliflower, jasmine, brown, or white rice) and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Another WW sesame chicken recipe involves coating chicken breast chunks with seasonings and cornstarch, pan-frying them, and then adding a simple sauce. Here are the steps:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Water
• Brown sugar twin
• Vinegar
• Rice
• Vegetables

Instructions:

• Toss the chicken breast chunks with ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Set aside.
• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until browned on all sides.
• Reduce the heat to low and add soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, water, brown sugar twin, and vinegar to the skillet.
• Stir well and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Add sesame seeds and stir to coat.
• Serve with rice and vegetables.

Both of these recipes are low in points and high in flavor, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional sesame chicken.

Lower-calorie option

Sesame chicken is a notoriously delicious but high-calorie dish. However, there are ways to make lower-calorie versions of this dish that are just as tasty.

One way to reduce the calorie count is to make the dish at home, rather than ordering it as takeout. This way, you can control the ingredients and cooking methods used. For example, you can use lean ground chicken breast instead of chicken thighs or other fattier cuts. You can also use a lightened-up sesame sauce, made with a zero-point brown sugar substitute such as Lakanto Brown Monkfruit Sweetener or Truvia Brown Sugar Blend. In addition, you can reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the chicken, opting for a healthier option like canola oil, which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and helps to cut cholesterol levels.

Another way to cut down on calories is to not deep fry the chicken. Instead, you can bake or pan-fry the chicken with a minimal amount of oil, using a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, which helps to brown the chicken and gives it a crispy texture, even with less oil.

When it comes to serving, you can opt for steamed or stir-fried vegetables instead of rice or noodles, or only have a small portion of these. You can also skip the side dish altogether and fill up on the lean protein and veggies. Be mindful of the sauces you use, as they can be high in sugar. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option, or you can check the ingredients in other sauces to make a healthier choice.

By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a lower-calorie version of sesame chicken that satisfies your cravings without compromising on taste.

Crispy coating with minimal oil

A pint of sesame chicken has 6 WW points. While this is not an excessive number, it is still beneficial to know how to reduce the number of points in your meal. Here are some tips to achieve a crispy coating with minimal oil:

Use the Right Type of Oil

Oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, avocado, or vegetable oil, are ideal for frying chicken. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring a crispy coating. Using an oil with a high smoke point helps achieve an even, golden-brown color while preventing the chicken from becoming greasy.

Maintain Proper Oil Temperature

Maintaining the proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 325°F and 375°F. Cooking at the correct temperature ensures the chicken cooks quickly and forms a crispy exterior. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked. Conversely, if the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil, resulting in a greasy coating.

Double Dipping Technique

Start by dredging the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture, then dip it in an egg wash. After coating with the egg wash, return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating. This technique locks in moisture and provides an extra layer of crunch. The process of double-dipping enhances texture and allows for additional flavoring. Be sure to shake off any excess flour after each dip to prevent clumping.

Brining

Brining the chicken in milk and spices is a great way to achieve flavorful and juicy meat. The lactic acid in dairy breaks down the proteins and collagen in the chicken, softening the flesh and making it more tender when cooked. By piercing the chicken with a knife, you allow the dairy to penetrate further and tenderize more of the meat.

Oven-Frying or Air-Frying

For a lower-fat alternative that still provides a crispy texture, consider oven-frying or air-frying. These methods can help reduce the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy coating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy crispy sesame chicken with minimal oil and better control over your WW points.

Served with rice and vegetables

Sesame chicken is a common option in Chinese restaurants and can also be made at home. The dish is typically served with sides like fried rice, which add to the fat and calorie content of the meal. A serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken has 554 calories, excluding sides.

A healthier alternative to restaurant sesame chicken is to make it at home with lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce. This version of the dish is made in one pan and takes 20 minutes to cook. It is served over rice, such as cauliflower, jasmine, brown, or white rice, and garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. The recipe for this version of sesame chicken can be found in the WW app, which provides personalized point values for recipes.

Another recipe for sesame chicken served with rice and vegetables involves cooking chicken breast chunks with ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch in sesame oil. The chicken is then coated in a sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, water, brown sugar, and vinegar. The dish is served with rice and vegetables, such as roasted broccoli, a baked veggie egg roll, stir-fried vegetables, sauteed cabbage, or steamed white or brown rice. The portion size of the sesame chicken is smaller to accommodate the additional vegetables and rice. The point value of the recipe can be verified in the WW app.

There is also a recipe for WW chicken fried rice, which has 3 points per one-cup side serving and 6 points for a two-cup main dish serving. This recipe includes chicken, carrots, peas, egg whites, scallions, garlic, and cooked brown rice.

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