Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken: A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

If you’re a fan of the creamy, spicy, and irresistible flavors of Bang Bang Chicken, but you want a healthier version that aligns with your Weight Watchers goals, you’re in the right place! This Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken recipe is designed to be both delicious and light, offering all the bold flavors of the original dish with a fraction of the calories and points.

Bang Bang Chicken, a popular dish at many Asian fusion restaurants, typically features crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. While delicious, this dish can be quite high in fat and calories. This healthier version of the recipe is made with lean chicken breast, lighter sauce alternatives, and a few smart swaps to make it compatible with your WW (Weight Watchers) points.

Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it also provides you with a good amount of lean protein, making it a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. With just a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy the same bold and savory taste while sticking to your health and wellness goals.

Why You’ll Love This Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken

  1. WW Points Friendly: The recipe is tailored to meet Weight Watchers guidelines, ensuring that you can enjoy a flavorful dish while staying within your daily points budget. The swaps and ingredient adjustments keep it within smart points while maintaining a satisfying portion size.
  2. Lean Protein: The chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full for longer. Protein is also essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and boosting your immune system.
  3. Packed with Flavor: This dish is full of bold flavors, with the spicy kick from sriracha and the creaminess of yogurt-based sauce bringing the essence of the original Bang Bang Chicken. The balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy makes every bite a satisfying experience.
  4. Customizable: The sauce can be adjusted to suit your preference for heat. You can increase or decrease the amount of sriracha or add more sweet chili sauce depending on your taste. The recipe is very flexible, so you can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
  5. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping as it holds up well when stored in the fridge for a few days. It’s an ideal lunch or dinner option that can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and healthy option for busy weekdays.

Ingredients for Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (look for a reduced-sugar version to lower the points)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Fresh chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 26g
  • WW SmartPoints: 5 (per serving)

Directions for Making Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they are thick, you may want to cut them in half horizontally or pound them slightly to ensure even cooking. This helps the chicken cook faster and ensures that it stays moist and tender. Once prepared, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices will add depth to the flavor of the chicken without adding any extra calories or points.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Olive oil is a healthy fat option that adds flavor to the chicken without contributing too many extra calories. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Allow the chicken to cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great alternative to heavy mayonnaise or cream in sauces because it’s lower in fat and calories, yet still creamy. It also provides a good dose of protein.
  • 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise: Opt for a reduced-fat version of mayonnaise to keep the points low while still adding richness and creaminess to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce: Sweet chili sauce provides a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Choose a reduced-sugar version to minimize the carb count and keep the points in check.
  • 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce: Adjust this amount based on your preferred spice level. Sriracha adds a zesty kick to the sauce without too many calories.
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a bit of acidity to the sauce, helping to balance out the sweetness and spiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, savory flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired notes of the dish.

Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust any ingredients as needed—more sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

Step 3: Slice and Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken breasts are cooked and rested, slice them into bite-sized strips or chunks. This makes it easier to coat each piece of chicken with the sauce and ensures that every bite is full of flavor.

Drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over the sliced chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. You can also reserve a bit of the sauce for serving if you prefer to dip your chicken, rather than having it fully coated.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a light salad to create a well-rounded meal.

If you want to turn this dish into an even more filling meal, serve it with a low-carb option like cauliflower rice or quinoa for an extra dose of fiber and nutrition without adding too many points.

Tips for Making the Best Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken

  1. Adjust the Spice Level: The sriracha sauce is key to adding the “bang” in Bang Bang Chicken, but if you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a teaspoon and adjust to your liking. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for an extra kick without overdoing it.
  2. Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, drizzle with sauce, and enjoy.
  3. Add Extra Veggies: To increase the fiber content and make the dish even more satisfying, consider adding some sautéed veggies to the chicken and sauce. Options like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas are perfect for adding bulk without increasing the points value significantly.
  4. Substitute Chicken for Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry or bake it until golden brown before coating it with the sauce. This will give you a plant-based protein alternative that’s just as delicious.
  5. Serve with a Side: Pair the Bang Bang Chicken with low-calorie sides like a fresh cucumber salad, steamed asparagus, or sautéed zucchini for a full meal that won’t break your points budget.
  6. Use a Cooking Spray: If you want to cut back on the amount of oil used, opt for a cooking spray to lightly coat your pan. This allows you to brown the chicken without using as much oil, which can help keep the points down.
  7. Freeze for Later: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken and reheat in the oven or stovetop. This makes for a quick and easy meal option whenever you need it.

Why This Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken Is a Must-Try

This Weight Watchers Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of flavorful, healthy, and satisfying. By using lean chicken breast, lighter sauces, and flavorful ingredients like Greek yogurt and sriracha, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of Bang Bang Chicken without the excess calories and points.

Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie snack, a high-protein lunch, or a delicious dinner that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is the answer. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with protein, and fits into your Weight Watchers plan seamlessly, making it the ideal dish for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising on taste.

This WW-friendly Bang Bang Chicken is proof that you can enjoy all the delicious, bold flavors of your favorite restaurant dishes while sticking to your goals and living a healthier lifestyle. Give it a try, and see just how easy it is to make a meal that’s both guilt-free and indulgent!