Weight Watchers Homemade Chicken Chili – Low-Point, Hearty & Flavor-Packed Dinner

When the weather cools down and your soul starts craving something cozy, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot, flavorful chili. And the best part? This Weight Watchers Homemade Chicken Chili is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to derail your goals. It’s hearty, rich in protein, full of bold spices, and surprisingly low in SmartPoints — perfect for a filling dinner that feels indulgent but fits right into your Weight Watchers plan.

This chili combines lean ground chicken, beans, tomatoes, and classic Tex-Mex spices into a one-pot meal that’s satisfying enough for the whole family. You can make it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot for busy weeknights — either way, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat all season long.

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🧡 The Story Behind This Recipe

I’ve always believed that eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up the meals you love. During my own Weight Watchers journey, chili became my comfort blanket — it’s one of those dishes that’s endlessly customizable and tastes even better the next day.
This Homemade Chicken Chili started as a “throw-together” meal one weekend when I wanted something hearty but didn’t want to use ground beef. I swapped in lean ground chicken, lightened up the oil, and packed it with fiber-rich beans — and wow, it turned out amazing.

Over time, I’ve perfected the spices, added a few texture-boosting veggies, and made it completely WW-friendly — so you can enjoy every spoonful guilt-free.

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🌟 What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

Unlike heavy beef chili that can pack in calories, this Weight Watchers Chicken Chili stays light yet flavorful. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation:

• ✅ High in protein, low in fat – lean chicken keeps it filling without the grease.
• ✅ Loaded with fiber – beans and veggies keep you full for hours.
• ✅ Meal-prep friendly – tastes even better the next day.
• ✅ One-pot recipe – minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
• ✅ Low in SmartPoints – around 4–5 WW points per serving depending on your plan.

It’s the kind of chili that warms you from the inside out — and no one would ever guess it’s “diet-friendly.”

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🍳 Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your new favorite healthy chili:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For stovetop simmering.
• Instant Pot or pressure cooker (optional): For a quick-cook version.
• Wooden spoon: For breaking up the chicken as it browns.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate seasoning.
• Ladle: To serve generous, cozy portions.

Pro Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed pot if cooking on the stove — it helps the chili develop a deeper flavor as it simmers.

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground chicken (93% lean or more)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for fewer points)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fat-free Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges

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🔄 Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground Chicken: Can be replaced with ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken.
• Beans: Pinto, white, or mixed beans work well too.
• Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes can make it chunkier.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip chicken and add lentils or extra beans.
• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and paprika to suit your heat preference.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Weight Watchers Homemade Chicken Chili

🔸 Stovetop Method (Total: 45 Minutes)

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil or spray a large pot with nonstick spray. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
2. Add Chicken:
   Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take 5–6 minutes.
3. Add Garlic & Spices:
   Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth:
   Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer:
   Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld together.
6. Taste & Serve:
   Adjust salt or seasoning as needed. Serve hot with Greek yogurt, light cheese, and cilantro if desired.

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🔸 Instant Pot Method (Total: 25 Minutes)

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Spray the pot and cook onion, pepper, and chicken until the chicken is browned.
2. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir well for 30 seconds.
3. Add all other ingredients — beans, tomatoes, sauce, broth — and stir to combine.
4. Lock the lid and set to Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
5. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then open the lid.
6. Stir, taste, and garnish before serving.

It’s ready in half the time but still tastes slow-cooked!

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🧮 WW SmartPoints (Per Serving)

(Based on 6 servings and cooking spray instead of oil)

WW Plan	SmartPoints
Blue Plan	4 Points
Green Plan	6 Points
Purple Plan	3 Points

Points may vary depending on your brand of tomato sauce or beans, so it’s always best to recheck in your WW app.

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🥗 Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve over cauliflower rice for a zero-point side.
• Pair with WW-friendly cornbread or a whole-grain tortilla.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — it adds creaminess without extra points.
• For crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or air-fried chickpeas on top.

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🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Divide into meal-sized portions and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

This chili thickens even more after cooling — it’s perfect for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

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🥦 Health & Nutrition Insights

Each bowl of this chili is a nutritional powerhouse —

• High protein: Keeps you full longer and helps preserve lean muscle.
• High fiber: Beans improve digestion and blood sugar stability.
• Low in saturated fat: Ideal for heart health and weight management.
• Rich in vitamins: Onions, peppers, and tomatoes bring antioxidants and nutrients.

It’s one of those meals that proves you can eat deliciously and still feel amazing afterward.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

2. Can I skip the beans?
Yes, but it will be thinner. You can replace them with diced zucchini, corn, or extra chicken.

3. How can I make it creamier?
Add ¼ cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt after cooking — it makes the chili velvety without adding points.

4. Can I add corn or rice?
Absolutely — just remember to adjust SmartPoints accordingly.

5. How spicy is this?
It’s mild to medium. Add cayenne or jalapeños for extra heat.

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Nutritional Information

• Calories: 273 kcal
• Protein: 24.8 g
• Fat: 7.6 g
• Total Carbs: 27.3 g
• Fiber: 8.1 g
• Net Carbs: 19.2 g
• Sugar: 5.4 g
• Sodium: 211 mg
• SmartPoints (Estimated): Blue ≈ 4 / Green ≈ 6 / Purple ≈ 3

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🧾 Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Course	Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine	American, Healthy
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	6
Calories	~260 kcal
WW Points (Blue)	4
WW Points (Green)	6
WW Points (Purple)	3