WW Cheesy Chicken and Peppers is a nutritious meal made of lean chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and a cheesy topper to make a meal that is comforting, light, and not greasy. The dish is easy, fast to make, and it suits busy working days of the week. Chicken is baked with tender bell pepper, and then just enough cheese is melted on top to make it full. With each bite, one can taste the savory taste, the slight sweetness of the peppers, and the creamy richness of the cheese. The whole-grain pasta, whole-grain rice, or even a crisp green salad would go well with WW Cheesy Chicken and Peppers as a main dish. It is family-friendly, scaled up effortlessly, and a good alternative for preparing meals.
STATS
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Serving size: 1 chicken breast & peppers
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main Dish
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Weight Watchers
- Yield: 4 servings
EQUIPMENT
- Cutting board
- A sharp blade Bowls for mixing
- Measurement spoons and cups
- Big frying pan 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Tongs
- Cooking spray
INGREDIENTS
- 4 chicken breasts without skin and bone (approximately 4 oz each)
- 2 giant bell peppers, cut (choose red, yellow, or green)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
- 1/2 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded.
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated.
- Cooking spray
INGREDIENT NOTES
Chicken breasts:
- Boneless and skinless will count less. Bang them a few times to evenly cook.
Bell peppers:
- These are colorful and bright, and they provide texture and sweetness. A mix of colors looks best.
Onion:
- It gives flavor and goes well with peppers.
Olive oil:
- Adding just a teaspoon will help to make the veggies tender without adding many points.
Spices:
- The chicken gains flavor from the addition of paprika, onion powder, and powdered garlic. Smoked paprika adds warmth.
Mozzarella:
- Soft and adds that stretchy, cheesy feel. Low-fat foods reduce the number of points.
Parmesan:
- One sprinkle cuts calories in half and has a bold flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Warm up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Apply cooking oil to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a low flame in a saucepan.
- Add sliced peppers and onion. Cook 5 minutes until soft, yet light. Remove from heat.
- Brine chicken breasts using garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Put chicken breasts into the ready baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle peppers and onion over and around the chicken.
- Wrap in foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and cover the chicken with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Continue baking without a cover 10 minutes, until cheese melts and chicken is 165°F (74°C).
- Give to it rest for the next 5 minutes and then provide.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Brown rice or quinoa is great to serve.
- Serve alongside a portion of roasted vegetables to increase the fiber intake.
- Eat whole-grain pasta with olive oil and herbs in an Italian-style meal.
TIPS
- Before baking, cut the chicken into strips to have a shorter cook time.
- To make it spicy, include red pepper flakes or canned jalapeño peppers.
- Top it with fresh basil or parsley to make it fresh.
- Include zucchini or mushrooms with the peppers to make it a full-course meal.
STORAGE INFORMATION
Fridge:
- You can keep leftovers in an airtight container as long as 3 days. When you want to eat, it must be heated up in the oven.
Freezer:
- Store cooked chicken and pepper in the freezer to last a maximum of 2 months. Allow to thaw and reheat.
FAQS
Is it feasible to use chicken thighs in place of breasts?
- Sure, but take it off so it is lighter. Cooking time may vary because thighs might need more time.
When is the chicken cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer. A safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Is it feasible to make this dairy-free?
- Yes, dairy-free cheeses.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Yes, fill in the dish with uncooked chicken and peppers, cover with a lid, and refrigerate not more than 24 hours, and finally, bake.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 8 g
Calcium: 12% DV
Iron: 5% DV
Sodium: 330 mg
Potassium: 480 mg
Portion size: 1 chicken breast/peppers
WW Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers, weight watcher points per serving are four (4) points.