WW Taco Ranch Bites

by

The WW Taco Ranch Bites are delicious and contain 145 kcal per serving. Prepare this snack in just 35 minutes. It contains lean ground chicken, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning mix, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, onion, bell pepper, egg, whole wheat breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic powder, cooking spray, and black pepper. These bites are perfect for people who have a nut allergy, as there are no nuts included in this dish. We may pair them with fresh salsa, ranch dip, avocado lettuce salad, roasted broccoli, taco salad, grilled zucchini, or baked tortilla chips. Keep these WW Taco Ranch Bites in the refrigerator for 4 days.

STATS:

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Course: Snack
  • Diet: Weight Watchers
  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cuisine: American-Mexican
  • Serving Size: 4 chicken taco ranch bites
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

EQUIPMENT:

  • Cookie scoop
  • Measuring cups
  • Oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mini muffin pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cooling rack

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound lean ground chicken
  • Quarter cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • Quarter cup diced onion
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • Half cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Quarter cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Quarter tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • Half tsp garlic powder

INGREDIENT NOTES:

LEAN GROUND CHICKEN:

  • This is the star component of this recipe that gives low points. It stays moist after mixing with vegetables and cheese. Chicken has a mild taste that absorbs the taco and ranch seasoning well. You may use extra-lean ground turkey as per your preference.

TACO SEASONING:

  • It gives a smoky and savory taste to the bites. You may use Southwest seasoning blend as an alternative.

RANCH SEASONING MIX:

  • This seasoning gives a tangy taste that pairs well with taco spices. You may use onion and herb seasoning blend as another idea.

REDUCED-FAT CHEDDAR CHEESE:

  • Cheddar cheese gives creaminess and holds the bites together. It also controls the calories of the recipe. You may use reduced-fat mozzarella as a substitute.

EGG:

  • It is the binder of the recipe that keeps the shape of the bites. You may use 2 egg whites as another option.

WHOLE WHEAT BREADCRUMBS:

  • They absorb the extra moisture of the recipe and give tender texture to the taco bites. You may use crushed whole-grain crackers as an alternative.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. First, warm the oven to 375°F and spray the muffin pan.
  2. Mix ground chicken, taco seasoning, salt, ranch seasoning, cheese, onion, black pepper, egg, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, cilantro, and garlic powder in the large bowl.
  3. With the cookie scoop, scoop the mixture into 24 muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Cool the bites for 5 minutes, then take them out of the pan and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

DIPS:

  • Fresh Salsa
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt
  • Light Ranch Dip

SALADS:

  • Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Garden Salad
  • Southwest Corn Salad
  • Avocado Lettuce Salad

VEGETABLE:

  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Grilled Zucchini
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Steamed Green Beans

LUNCH:

  • Quinoa Bowl
  • Brown Rice Bowl
  • Whole Wheat Wrap
  • Taco Salad

APPETIZERS:

  • Vegetable Platter
  • Guacamole
  • Baked Tortilla Chips
  • Fruit Salsa

TIPS:

  • Avoid overmixing the chicken so the bites stay tender.
  • Dice the vegetables finely to cook them properly and for better results.
  • A silicone muffin pan makes the bites easy to remove and gives better shape.
  • Cool the bites, then remove from the pan for better texture.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

  • Store the bites for 4 days in the box.

FREEZER:

  • Freeze the taco ranch bites in the box for 90 days.

FAQs:

Can I include cooked chicken in the recipe?

  • Yes, you may add finely chopped cooked chicken breast, but the texture of the bites will be different.

How can I make this snack gluten-free?

  • Make sure the seasonings do not contain gluten and the breadcrumbs are gluten-free for the desired version.

Are these bites nut-free?

  • Yes, the ingredients included in the snack do not have nuts in them.

How to make this recipe spicy?

  • You may add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce as per your choice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Net Carbs: 4 grams

Iron: 1.2 mg

Total Carbs: 6 grams

Vitamin A: 520 IU

Fiber: 2 grams

Calcium: 110 mg

Protein: 19 grams

Sodium: 430 mg

Calories: 145 kcal

Potassium: 340 milligrams

Weight Watchers Points: 2 Points