Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves (Weight Watchers Friendly) ππ§
These mini chicken meatloaves are packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty, low-point meal. By making a few adjustments, this recipe can easily fit into your Weight Watchers plan while still being delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients (Low-Point Version)
- 1 pound ground chicken breast (use lean or extra-lean for fewer points)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (consider reduced-fat Parmesan if available)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (for lower points, or use skim milk)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional: use cooking spray to reduce points further)
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional; consider reduced-fat or skip for fewer points)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Slowly add in the unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk) and mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a mini loaf.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the mini meatloaves on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the tops of the loaves (or use cooking spray to keep it lighter).
- If using, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of each loaf.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the tops are golden brown.
Weight Watchers Points and Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf (assuming 4 loaves)
- Estimated WW Points: Approximately 4-5 points per loaf (varies based on specific ingredients and brands)
- Calories: ~180-200 kcal per loaf
- Protein: ~25g per loaf
- Fat: ~8g per loaf (less if using cooking spray instead of olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: ~8g per loaf
- Fiber: ~1g per loaf
Tips and Benefits
- High Protein: Using lean ground chicken keeps these meatloaves high in protein while remaining low in points, making them filling and satisfying.
- Lower Fat: Opting for reduced-fat cheese and using cooking spray instead of olive oil can further reduce the fat content and points.
- Whole Grains: Using whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko adds some extra fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables like finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the mixture for added nutrients without significantly impacting the points.
- Freezer-Friendly: These mini meatloaves are great for meal prep. You can freeze them after baking, and then reheat them when needed, making them a convenient option for quick, low-point meals.
These Weight Watchers-friendly Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a tasty and satisfying dish that can easily fit into your daily points budget while providing plenty of flavor and nutrition.