Green Chile Chicken Chili Recipe (Weight Watchers) or (Diabetic-friendly)!

Green Chile Chicken Chili Recipe

This Green Chile Chicken Chili is a light, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. It’s packed with tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and healthy ingredients that make it a great choice for Weight Watchers or diabetic-friendly diets. You can customize it by adding vegetables and adjusting the spices according to your taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier chicken)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on preference)

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as great northern beans or cannellini), drained and rinsed

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a fresh kick)

• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• Sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.

• Once the chicken is cool enough, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Spices:

• Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let them cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

4. Combine Everything:

• Add the diced green chilies, white beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

• Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Final Touches:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer a bit more tang, add the lime juice to brighten up the flavors.

• Once everything is heated through and the chili has thickened, remove it from the heat.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.

Q&A: Common Questions & Tips

Q1: Can I make this chili in advance?
A1: Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q2: Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?
A2: Absolutely! For the slow cooker, combine all the ingredients (except for the chicken) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken at the end and add it back into the pot.

For the Instant Pot, cook the chicken with the broth and seasonings for 10 minutes on high pressure, shred it, and then add the other ingredients to warm them through for about 5 minutes.

Q3: Can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Yes! You can add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring the heat. You could also use spicy green chiles instead of the mild ones for a more fiery chili.

Q4: How can I make this dish lower-carb or keto-friendly?
A4: You can skip the corn and beans to lower the carb content, and consider adding zucchini or cauliflower rice for extra bulk. The chicken, chiles, and broth will still give you plenty of flavor.

Q5: Can I freeze this chili?
A5: Yes, this chili freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Weight Watchers and Diabetic Diets?

Yes, this Green Chile Chicken Chili can be Weight Watchers and diabetic-friendly with some small adjustments.

1. Protein-Packed: The chicken provides lean protein, which is important for managing blood sugar and maintaining muscle mass.

2. Low in Carbs: This recipe is naturally low in carbs. You can further reduce carbs by skipping or limiting the corn and beans if you’re managing blood sugar or following a low-carb diet.

3. Fiber-Rich: Beans and chiles provide fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you’re trying to reduce carbs, you can use cauliflower rice or extra vegetables instead.

4. Low in Added Sugar: There are no added sugars in this recipe, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake.

Tips for Adjusting to These Diets:

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake.

• Skip or reduce corn and beans for a lower-carb version.

• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and lower fat content.

• Be mindful of portion sizes for Weight Watchers tracking.

Conclusion:

This Green Chile Chicken Chili is a versatile and healthy dish that can be adapted to fit different dietary needs, including Weight Watchers and diabetic-friendly diets. It’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s easy to customize with extra vegetables or spice levels!

Green Chile Chicken Chili (Weight Watchers Points)

Estimated Points per 1 Cup Serving:

• Without sour cream/cheese: 5 SmartPoints

• With 1 tbsp light sour cream: 6 SmartPoints

• With 1 tbsp shredded cheese: 7 SmartPoints