A Weight Watchers Dream Come True

One of the biggest hurdles in any weight loss journey is finding meals that keep you full without draining your daily points budget. This recipe is a game-changer for WW members because it relies heavily on zero-point foods. Both lean chicken breast and green beans are powerhouse ingredients that cost you nothing on most WW plans.

The only points come from a single teaspoon of olive oil or light butter, which is just enough to sauté the vegetables and unlock a rich, homestyle flavor. The result is a delicious bowl that feels indulgent while keeping you firmly on track.

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Here’s your short and sweet shopping list:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (0 SP)
• 3 cups fresh or canned green beans, drained (0 SP)
• 1 cup fat-free chicken broth (0 SP)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (0 SP)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (0 SP)
• 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika (0 SP)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided (0 SP)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil OR light butter (2–3 SP total)

That’s all it takes! No complex techniques, just everyday ingredients that come together in perfect harmony.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by heating the olive oil or light butter in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat. This small amount of fat is key to building flavor.
2. Add the green beans to the skillet, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half of the black pepper. Stir well to ensure the beans are evenly coated in the spices.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken breast. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and has absorbed the savory broth.
5. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot, topped with the remaining black pepper.

SmartPoints & Nutrition Breakdown

This recipe is incredibly point-friendly, making it a staple for any WW member. Here’s how it adds up:

• Chicken breast: 0 SP
• Green beans: 0 SP
• Chicken broth & Seasonings: 0 SP
• Olive oil or light butter: 2–3 SP (for the entire recipe)

When divided into two generous servings, each bowl is only 2 SmartPoints. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a large, satisfying portion without the guilt.

Nutrition Information (per serving, yields 2):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW SmartPoints: 2

Tips for Success & Flavor Twists

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few tips and ideas to make it your own.

Pro Tips

• For the best texture, use freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast. In a pinch, skinless rotisserie chicken breast works great too.
• If using canned green beans, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Don’t skip the simmering step! Allowing the beans to cook in the broth is what infuses the whole dish with deep, savory flavor.

Flavor Variations

• Add a kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some welcome heat.
• Go for umami: A teaspoon of low-sodium soy sauce or tamari can lend a delicious, Asian-inspired twist.
• Bulk it up: Add more zero-point veggies like mushrooms, onions, or diced tomatoes.
• Make it cheesy: If you have a few extra points to spare, a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheese on top is fantastic.

Serving Suggestions

While this bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can easily pair it with other foods:

• A side of brown rice or quinoa (be sure to track the points).
• A slice of WW-friendly bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• A crisp side salad dressed with a zero-point vinaigrette for added freshness.

Perfect for Meal Prep & Easy Storage

One of the best things about this dish is its convenience. It’s an ideal recipe for meal prepping at the start of the week.

Simply cook a batch, let it cool, and portion it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, just microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.

Good for the Whole Family (and Your Wallet!)

Family-Friendly Flavors

Even though this recipe is designed with WW in mind, it’s a hit with everyone. The flavors are simple, classic, and comforting, making it an easy sell for kids and adults alike. No one will ever guess it’s “diet food”—it just tastes like a wholesome, home-cooked meal.

Budget-Friendly Goodness

This recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your waistline. Chicken breast and green beans are two of the most affordable grocery staples, and you likely already have the seasonings in your pantry. It’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great option. You can add them directly to the skillet from frozen, but you may need to increase the simmering time by a few minutes to ensure they become tender.

2. Is this recipe compatible with the current WW PersonalPoints plan?

Yes. Since chicken breast and green beans are zero-point foods for most members on the current Weight Watchers plan, this recipe remains extremely low in points. The only points come from the oil or butter. Always track in your WW app to get the most accurate PersonalPoints value for you.

3. How can I make this dish more filling without adding points?

To add more volume, feel free to load it up with other zero-point vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, onions, or a handful of spinach stirred in at the end are all excellent, point-free additions that will make the bowl even heartier.

4. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. Try it with shredded turkey breast or even cooked shrimp for a delicious variation. Just be sure to adjust your points calculation based on the protein you choose.

5. My dish seems a little watery. What did I do wrong?

This can happen if you use very watery canned green beans or if the broth-to-veggie ratio is off. To thicken it, simply let the dish simmer for a few extra minutes with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. This will concentrate the flavors as well!