Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly)

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Creamy Garlic Chicken, a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for your Weight Watchers journey. This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, making it a wonderful choice for busy weeknights. With only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving and being naturally gluten-free, it’s an excellent option for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
SmartPoints: 4 per serving (on Blue and Purple plans; 5 on Green)

Ingredients

For this Creamy Garlic Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for fewer calories)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

  1. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust.
  2. Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Cream

  1. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come back to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add the Italian seasoning and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy garlic sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder according to your preference.

Step 8: Serve the Dish

  1. Once the chicken is well coated and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Step 9: Plating

  1. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, accompanied by steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that complements the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 370
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sugar: 1g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • SmartPoints: 4 (Blue and Purple plans); 5 (Green plan)

Tips and Variations

  1. Alternative Proteins: While chicken breasts are great, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless to keep the dish light.
  2. Lower Calorie Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a low-calorie cream alternative to reduce the fat content.
  3. Vegetable Additions: For extra nutrients, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce before returning the chicken to the skillet. This enhances both flavor and nutrition.
  4. Flavor Boosts: To give the sauce an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. These additions can elevate the dish while keeping it light.
  5. Meal Prep: This creamy garlic chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch on the weekend and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: While not recommended due to the cream, if you have leftovers, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Garlic Chicken with side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Options like roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, or a simple garden salad make great accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of whole grain rice or quinoa.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that caters to both your taste buds and your Weight Watchers goals. With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle. Try it today and savor the deliciousness while staying on track with your healthy eating plan!