Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers (Weight Watchers-Friendly)
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 0 points
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced – 0 points
  • 1 medium onion, sliced – 0 points
  • 1 tsp olive oil – 1 point
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – 0 points
  • 1 tsp onion powder – 0 points
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika – 0 points
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – 0 points
  • 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper (to taste) – 0 points
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese – 4 points
  • 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese – 2 points
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish) – 0 points

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onions. In a small bowl, toss them with 1 tsp of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  4. Layer the vegetables: Spread the seasoned bell peppers and onions over and around the chicken breasts.
  5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  6. Add the cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional). Serve with a side salad or cauliflower rice for a low-point meal.

Yields: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with peppers and cheese

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~210
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Points (per serving): 2-3 points (Weight Watchers, depending on cheese used)

Tips:

  • Cheese Options: You can use reduced-fat mozzarella and cheddar to keep the points low, but feel free to experiment with other low-fat cheeses like Parmesan or even pepper jack for extra spice.
  • Add Heat: To spice up the dish, toss the peppers with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a little chili powder.
  • Vegetable Varieties: Swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes if you want more variety.
  • Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Benefits:

  • Low in Points: This dish is satisfying and flavorful, yet low in points, making it a perfect dinner option for Weight Watchers.
  • Lean Protein: Chicken breasts provide a high-protein, low-fat option, making it great for those watching their calorie and fat intake.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables, cheese, or seasonings to suit your taste preferences without adding many points.
  • One-Pan Meal: This recipe is a simple, one-pan dish that saves on cleanup time.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers recipe is a fantastic, low-point option for those following the Weight Watchers plan. It’s packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a gooey cheesy topping that adds just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard on points. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and reheats beautifully for leftovers! A perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights that doesn’t compromise on flavor.