If you’re looking to make a WW (Weight Watchers)-friendly version of Wendy’s Chili, we can tweak the recipe to make it lower in calories and points while still keeping the flavor rich and satisfying. By reducing the fat content and using leaner ingredients, we can make a healthier version.
WW-Friendly Wendy’s Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean or better) — lower fat than ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (no salt added)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (no salt added)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, or substitute with a zero-calorie sweetener)
Optional Toppings (Use sparingly for WW points):
- Shredded cheese (low-fat or fat-free, if desired)
- Sour cream (fat-free or light)
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips or whole-grain crackers (for a little crunch)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground turkey:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional; you can use cooking spray to save points) over medium heat.
- Add the lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until the veggies are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their fragrance.
4. Add the tomatoes and beans:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
5. Add the broth and sweetener:
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir well.
- If you’d like, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or a sweetener of your choice) to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the chili:
- Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- If the chili gets too thick, you can add more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
7. Taste and adjust:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional chili powder to your liking.
8. Serve:
- Serve hot, and add any optional toppings (such as a small amount of low-fat cheese or a dollop of light sour cream) while keeping track of your WW points.
WW Points:
The points will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like the type of broth, whether you add toppings, or any other modifications), but by using lean ground turkey and low-sodium products, this chili should be relatively low in points for both the Blue and Green plans on Weight Watchers.
To get a more precise points estimate, you can input the ingredients into the WW app for an exact calculation based on your modifications and portion size.
This WW-friendly Wendy’s Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal with fewer calories and points, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of Wendy’s chili while keeping it light!
