Okay, let’s talk healthy eating that actually tastes GOOD. Because honestly, who wants to feel deprived? Not me! I’ve been playing around with SmartPoints for a while now, trying to figure out how to make meals that keep me on track without feeling like I’m eating… well, diet food. You know?
And let me tell you, this Weight Watchers recipe, this SmartPoints friendly wonder, is a total game-changer. It’s so ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and honestly, you wouldn’t guess it’s low in points. I remember the very first time I whipped this up – I was skeptical, thinking something this simple couldn’t be *that* good. But one bite in, and I was hooked! It instantly became a weeknight staple.
Over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at turning simple ingredients into meals that are both satisfying and SmartPoints-friendly. It’s all about knowing how to layer flavors and use ingredients wisely. This chicken dish is a perfect example of that – it feels hearty and comforting, like something you’d get from a cozy Italian kitchen, but it’s light enough that you feel great after eating it. Trust me, this one is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Weight Watchers Recipe – SmartPoints Friendly
Okay, so why should THIS recipe be the next thing you make? Because it hits all the right spots, especially when you’re keeping an eye on those SmartPoints! Here’s the lowdown:
- Seriously Low SmartPoints: This is the big one, right? It’s designed to be super friendly on your daily points, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without blowing your budget.
- Crazy Easy to Make: Weeknights are busy! You can totally whip this up without needing a culinary degree or spending hours in the kitchen. Promise.
- Packed with Flavor: We’re talking tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and those lovely herbs. It tastes like comfort food, plain and simple.
- So Versatile: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even some zoodles if you’re feeling extra veggie-focused. It works with whatever you’ve got!
It’s basically a win-win-win…win!
Essential Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Recipe – SmartPoints Friendly
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – what you actually NEED to make this magic happen! The beauty here is how simple everything is. You probably have most of this hanging out in your pantry already. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (the lean stuff!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just a tiny bit for flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skip the garlic!)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained is fine!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste (you’re the boss here)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for that pop of color and freshness at the end!)
See? Nothing fancy, just honest-to-goodness ingredients that come together in the best way.
Step-by-Step Guide to This Weight Watchers Recipe
Okay, you’ve got your ingredients ready? Awesome! Now for the fun part – putting it all together. Don’t overthink this, it’s super straightforward. We’re just layering flavors and letting everything simmer into deliciousness. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic, SmartPoints-friendly meal ready in no time!
Preparing the Chicken for Your Weight Watchers Recipe
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken breast and a cutting board. You want to cut the chicken into nice, bite-sized pieces. Think about fork-sized chunks, maybe about an inch or so. This helps it cook evenly and quickly, which is exactly what we want for a speedy weeknight dinner. Try to make them roughly the same size so they all finish cooking around the same time. Easy peasy!
Cooking the Aromatics for Your Weight Watchers Recipe
Next, let’s build that flavor base! Get a large skillet over medium heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s warm and shimmering a bit, toss in your chopped onion. Stir it around and let it cook until it starts to soften and turn a little translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part – those softened onions are going to add so much lovely sweetness. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute. You’ll smell that amazing garlic aroma right away! Just be careful not to burn it.
Combining and Simmering Your Weight Watchers Recipe
Now for the rest of the good stuff! Add your chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through just yet, just get some color on them. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all!) and the chicken broth. Stir in your dried oregano and basil. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then pop a lid on the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering time lets all those flavors meld together and ensures the chicken is cooked through and tender. Before serving, give it a taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Finally, stir in that fresh chopped parsley – it really brightens everything up!
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
One of the things I love about this Weight Watchers recipe is how flexible it is! While the basic ingredients are perfect as they are, you can totally play around a bit depending on what you have or what you’re craving. If you don’t have chicken breast, lean turkey breast works just as well and keeps those SmartPoints low. Feeling like adding more veggies? Toss in some chopped bell peppers with the onion, or stir in some spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. It’s super forgiving!
Tips for Perfecting Your Weight Watchers Recipe
Okay, while this recipe is pretty hard to mess up (seriously!), here are just a couple of little pointers to make sure your Weight Watchers creation is absolutely spot on. First, don’t be shy about tasting! Once everything is simmering, give it a quick little sample and adjust the salt and pepper until it tastes *just right* to you. Everyone’s taste buds are different! Also, make sure that chicken is cooked all the way through – cut into a piece if you’re not sure; it should be white all the way to the center. That’s it! Simple, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About This Weight Watchers Recipe – SmartPoints Friendly
Got questions? Totally understandable! Here are some common things people ask about this delicious and SmartPoints-friendly chicken dish:
Q: How do I calculate the SmartPoints for this recipe?
A: The SmartPoints are already calculated for you based on the ingredients listed! This recipe is designed to be low-point as written. Just make sure you’re using the specified amounts and ingredients to keep the points accurate.
Q: Can I swap out the chicken for something else?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works great with other lean proteins. Try using lean ground turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option, though the cooking time might vary slightly.
Q: What are some good ways to serve this?
A: Oh, so many options! It’s fantastic over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it with a side salad, some roasted vegetables, or even spooned over baked potatoes. It’s super versatile!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dish reheats really well. Make a batch on the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners during the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, for those of you who like to see the numbers (and hey, it’s helpful!), here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving for this Weight Watchers recipe. Just keep in mind, this is an estimate! The exact values can change a little depending on the specific brands you use for things like chicken broth or canned tomatoes. But it gives you a really good starting point!
Enjoying Your Delicious and SmartPoints Friendly Meal
And there you have it! Your super delicious, incredibly easy, and totally SmartPoints friendly meal is ready to go. I really hope you give this Weight Watchers recipe a try – I think you’ll be surprised at just how much flavor is packed into something so simple and healthy. Spoon it over some fluffy brown rice or healthy quinoa, maybe add a little side salad, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying dinner that you can feel really good about eating. When you make it, please come back and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you and what you served it with!
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Weight Watchers Recipe: Amazing 5-Min Prep!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and healthy Weight Watchers friendly recipe designed to be low in SmartPoints.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Weight Watchers, SmartPoints, low calorie, healthy, chicken recipe