Here’s a Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew recipe that’s Weight Watchers-friendly! It’s packed with lean chicken, lots of vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it a filling and nutritious option for any meal. It’s low in points and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), zucchini, green beans, peas, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker. After cooking the chicken, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other low-point vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
- Lean Chicken: For a leaner version, use chicken breasts. If you use thighs, they will add a bit more richness to the stew but can still be a healthy choice when trimmed of excess fat.
Weight Watchers Points:
- Freestyle/WW Blue Plan: This recipe is typically 0 SmartPoints on the Freestyle/Blue Plan for the chicken and most of the veggies. Just be mindful of the oil used and any optional additions.
- Green and Purple Plans: This will depend on the specific ingredients and any personal adjustments, but it’s generally very low in points.
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew is full of lean protein and fiber from the veggies, making it a great, satisfying option for your Weight Watchers journey. Enjoy a warm, filling bowl of this hearty stew without worrying about your points! 
