1 Point White Chili Chicken Recipe 🍲🍗
If you’re looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare, 1 Point White Chili Chicken is the perfect option. This recipe is great for those following the Weight Watchers program, as it’s low in points while still being packed with flavor and nutrition. It combines tender chicken with white beans, a creamy broth, and a blend of spices to create a comforting chili that is perfect for any season. The best part? You get all the flavor without the guilt! This meal is a fantastic choice for a filling lunch or dinner.
This 1 Point White Chili Chicken is also incredibly versatile. It’s made with simple ingredients, and it can easily be modified to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, extra creamy, or full of vegetables, this recipe has room for customization. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish! 🍴
Ingredients:
The ingredients for this 1 Point White Chili Chicken are easy to find, and they come together to make a wonderfully creamy chili with just the right amount of spice and heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb (about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts) 🍗 (You can also use thighs, but breasts are a lower-point option)
1 medium onion, diced 🧅
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as great northern beans or cannellini beans), drained and rinsed 🍳
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies 🌶️ (adds a mild heat and flavor)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth 🍲 (or vegetable broth if you prefer)
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt 🥄 (this helps to create a creamy texture without extra points)
1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿 (gives the chili a warm, earthy flavor)
1 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️ (for a bit of spice and depth)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a slight smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋 (adds brightness and tang)
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish 🌿 (optional but adds a fresh flavor)
Sour cream (optional for serving, but be mindful of the points if you’re tracking)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 🍗
The chicken is the main protein in this dish, and it will be the star of the show. You’ll want to cook it thoroughly to get the best texture and flavor in your chili.
Trim the chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure to trim any excess fat or skin. This keeps the chili lean and lower in points.
Cook the chicken: You can cook the chicken in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Heat a small amount of cooking spray or olive oil spray in the pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If you want to speed up the process, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the pot and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks. This allows the chicken to easily mix into the chili and absorb the flavorful broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics 🧄🧅
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the base of the chili by sautéing the aromatics.
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil spray, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma of the garlic and onion will begin to fill your kitchen, making this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Beans 🍲
Now, it’s time to build the chili base and create a flavorful, creamy broth.
Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. Bring the broth to a simmer.
Add the white beans: Once the broth is simmering, add the rinsed white beans to the pot. These beans will give the chili its heartiness, making it filling without being heavy. Stir them in well.
Stir in the green chilies, along with the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika (if using), and oregano. The cumin and chili powder will provide warmth and depth to the chili, while the green chilies add a mild heat and a lovely tangy flavor.
Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the chicken broth and canned beans will already contribute some salt, so be sure to taste as you go.
Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken 🍗
At this point, you’ll want to add the chicken back into the pot.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it in. The chicken will soak up all the wonderful flavors of the broth and spices as it simmers.
Simmer the chili: Allow the chili to simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it ensures that the chicken is well-coated in the broth.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess 🥄
Now, for the creamy element of the chili that makes it extra comforting.
Stir in the Greek yogurt: Once the chili is simmering and the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the non-fat Greek yogurt. This will make the chili rich and creamy without adding a ton of extra points. The yogurt will dissolve into the broth, giving the chili a smooth, velvety texture.
Add the lime juice: Finally, stir in the lime juice to add a touch of brightness and balance to the rich flavors of the chili. The acidity from the lime really helps cut through the creaminess.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning 🧂
Before serving, taste your chili to make sure it’s perfectly seasoned.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish 🍽️
Your 1 Point White Chili Chicken is now ready to serve!
Ladle the chili into bowls. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and a refreshing taste.
Optionally, you can also top the chili with a small dollop of light sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. However, be mindful of the points if you’re tracking them. You can also add some sliced jalapeños if you like more heat.
Why You’ll Love This 1 Point White Chili Chicken:
Low in Points: With only 1 point per serving (based on Weight Watchers Freestyle program), this dish is light but filling, perfect for those watching their points intake.
Hearty and Comforting: The combination of chicken, beans, and creamy broth makes this chili incredibly satisfying, without being overly heavy.
Packed with Protein: With lean chicken and beans, this chili provides a great source of protein to keep you full longer.
Full of Flavor: The blend of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and lime juice creates a bold flavor profile that’s balanced with the creamy yogurt and chicken.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to your preferences. Add extra vegetables like corn or bell peppers, or make it spicier with more chili peppers or hot sauce.
Storage and Leftovers:
This 1 Point White Chili Chicken makes fantastic leftovers. Store any extra chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The chili may thicken as it sits, so if you find that it’s too thick when reheating, you can simply add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
You can also freeze this chili for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
Conclusion:
This 1 Point White Chili Chicken is an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal that fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan. With lean chicken, hearty beans, a creamy broth, and bold spices, this dish is satisfying without being overly indulgent. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or just looking for a tasty, light chili, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s low in points but big on flavor! 🍲🍗