Emily Carter
Sesame chicken and cashew chicken are popular Chinese-American dishes that are typically high in sugar, calories, and carbs due to the deep frying and sauces used. However, there are ways to make these dishes more diet-friendly without sacrificing taste. Weight Watchers offers recipes for both sesame chicken and cashew chicken that are lower in calories and points. The exact point values for these recipes can be found in the WW app, but according to one source, the cashew chicken recipe is worth 8 points per serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sesame chicken WW points | Sesame chicken is a lower-calorie option for WW users and has fewer points than traditional Chinese takeout. The exact number of points can be found in the WW app. |
| Cashew chicken WW points | Cashew chicken is a zero-point recipe. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sesame chicken is high in calories and sugar, but healthier recipes are available
- Cashew chicken is a tasty alternative to Chinese takeout with 8 WW points per serving
- Sesame chicken is served with rice and vegetables, which can reduce the WW points
- Cashew chicken recipes vary in flavour and ingredients, but typically include garlic and soy sauce
- Sesame chicken is Weight Watchers-friendly and can be made with avocado oil for a higher smoke point
Sesame chicken is high in calories and sugar, but healthier recipes are available
Sesame chicken is a popular dish, but it is often high in calories and sugar. The good news is that healthier recipes are available, and you can make this tasty dish at home with less impact on your waistline.
The sesame chicken you'd typically order from a Chinese restaurant can be high in calories and sugar, and it's often deep-fried, adding to the calorie count. However, by making this dish at home, you can create a healthier version that tastes just as delicious. One way to do this is to avoid deep-frying the chicken, which can significantly reduce the calorie count.
Some recipes suggest using lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce, which can make the dish much healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can also use a zero-point brown sugar substitute, such as Lakanto Brown Monkfruit sweetener, to reduce the sugar content without compromising on taste.
Another tip is to use less sesame oil, which can lower the point value of the dish. However, using less sesame oil will result in a milder sesame flavor. You can also serve the dish with plenty of vegetables and zero-point food items to make the meal more filling without adding too many calories or points.
Cashew chicken is another dish that can be made healthier at home. One recipe suggests using chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic for the sauce. By using only a teaspoon of brown sugar and sesame oil, the points can be kept low. The chicken is cooked with salt and pepper, and the cashews are added towards the end, creating a tasty dish that is still low in points.
In summary, while sesame chicken and cashew chicken can be high in calories and WW points, there are healthier alternatives available. By making these dishes at home, using leaner meats, lighter sauces, and healthier substitutes, you can enjoy these flavors without derailing your diet or breaking your points budget.
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Cashew chicken is a tasty alternative to Chinese takeout with 8 WW points per serving
Cashew chicken is a tasty and healthy alternative to Chinese takeout. With only 8 WW points per serving, it's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. This dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking. It's also a great choice for meal prep, as it can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed throughout the week.
To make cashew chicken, you'll start by creating a delicious sauce. In a bowl, simply whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to your taste preferences. For a healthier twist, consider using a zero-point brown sugar substitute, such as Lakanto Brown monkfruit sweetener or Truvia Brown Sugar Blend.
Next, you'll heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add in your chicken, which you can season with salt and pepper, and cook until it's no longer pink. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add in some vegetables, such as ginger, to cook alongside the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, you'll add in the sauce and cashews, letting it all simmer together until the sauce thickens.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can serve cashew chicken over a bed of rice, with cauliflower, jasmine, brown, or white rice being excellent choices. Feel free to get creative and add some colour to your plate by including chopped fresh baby bok choy or other vegetables of your choice. For an extra crunch, you can even use dry-roasted salted cashews.
Cashew chicken is a fantastic option for those craving Chinese takeout but wanting to keep their WW points in check. It's a flavourful and satisfying dish that won't leave you feeling guilty. With its simple preparation and short cooking time, it's a convenient weeknight meal that will surely become a family favourite. So, the next time you're considering takeout, give cashew chicken a try—your taste buds and waistline will thank you!
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Sesame chicken is served with rice and vegetables, which can reduce the WW points
Sesame chicken is typically high in calories and sugar, but it is possible to make a healthier version that is lower in Weight Watchers (WW) points. One way to reduce the points is to serve the chicken with rice and vegetables, making the portion size of the chicken smaller. This way, you can still enjoy the flavourful dish while keeping the WW points low.
A recipe for sesame chicken that is WW-friendly involves using lean ground chicken and a lightened-up sesame sauce. The sauce can be made with chilli sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, zero-point brown sugar sweetener, and sesame oil. Cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce. The chicken is cooked in a skillet with onion, garlic, and ginger. This recipe is much healthier than the sesame chicken typically found in Chinese restaurants, but it is equally delicious.
Another way to reduce the points is to use less sesame oil in the recipe. While this may result in a less intense sesame flavour, it can help lower the point value. Additionally, serving the sesame chicken with zero-point food items as the larger part of the meal can also help reduce the overall points. For example, roasted broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, sauteed cabbage, or steamed vegetables can be paired with the chicken.
Cashew chicken is another dish that can be made WW-friendly. One recipe for cashew chicken stir fry involves using chicken breast, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, and dry-roasted salted cashews. The chicken is cooked with vegetables, and the cashews are sprinkled on top before serving. This dish is simple, quick, and healthy, making it a great option for a family-friendly meal.
Both sesame chicken and cashew chicken can be made healthier and lower in WW points by making small adjustments to the recipes and serving them with nutritious sides. These dishes offer tasty alternatives to takeout options, allowing individuals to satisfy their cravings while staying on track with their WW plans.
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Cashew chicken recipes vary in flavour and ingredients, but typically include garlic and soy sauce
Cashew chicken is a popular dish that can be adapted to suit individual tastes and is typically served with rice and steamed vegetables. The recipe usually involves stir-frying chicken and vegetables, such as onions, scallions, snow peas, bell peppers, and capsicum, and then adding a sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and other flavourings. Some recipes suggest adding the cashews to the sauce, while others recommend crushing them and coating the chicken with them before stir-frying.
The flavour of cashew chicken can be enhanced by marinating the chicken in the sauce for about 10 minutes before stir-frying. The sauce is typically made by whisking together ingredients such as chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic. The chicken is then cooked in a wok or large frying pan until it is lightly browned. The sauce and cashews are then added, and the dish is simmered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Some recipes suggest using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of salt and sugar used to suit individual tastes. To make the dish healthier, some suggest using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce the calorie and carb count.
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Sesame chicken is Weight Watchers-friendly and can be made with avocado oil for a higher smoke point
Sesame chicken is a popular choice for those following the Weight Watchers plan, as it is lower in calories and points than the takeaway version. This is achieved by not deep-frying the chicken, which cuts down on calories and points, and by using a lightened-up sauce. The recipe can be adapted to suit your taste and preferences, for example, by using avocado oil instead of sesame oil. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than sesame oil, so it can be a good alternative if you are worried about your sesame oil burning or sticking.
To make sesame chicken, you will need to combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Some recipes also include sesame oil and garlic in the sauce. Whisk the ingredients together, and then pour over the ground chicken, stirring to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and more chicken broth until dissolved, and then add this to the chicken and sauce mixture. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
You can serve sesame chicken with your choice of rice, such as cauliflower, jasmine, brown, or white rice. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. This recipe is typically served with a side of vegetables, so the portion of chicken and rice is smaller. This helps to keep the points value lower, as the vegetables are zero-point food items.
Cashew chicken is another Weight Watchers-friendly dish that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. The recipe includes chicken, cashews, and a variety of vegetables, such as snow peas, garlic, bell peppers, and scallions. You can also add in bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, or fresh baby bok choy for a burst of color.
To make the sauce for cashew chicken, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and garlic. Whisk the ingredients together, and then add the sauce to the cooked chicken and cashews. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. This recipe is also typically served with rice and vegetables, and you can verify the points value of the recipe using the WW app.
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Frequently asked questions
Sesame chicken is usually high in WW points, but there are ways to make it healthier. For example, you can use less sesame oil or not deep-fry the chicken.
The number of WW points in sesame chicken varies depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. One recipe suggests that the whole recipe makes six servings, with each serving worth one point.
Cashew chicken is not necessarily high in WW points. One recipe for cashew chicken stir fry is described as a "healthy dinner".
You can calculate the number of WW points in your sesame chicken by using the recipe builder on the WW app. You will need to input the ingredients and serving sizes.
Some low-point alternatives to sesame chicken and cashew chicken include chicken stir fry and zero-point recipes, such as those that use chicken broth, soy sauce, and garlic.
