If there is one thing I always have in my freezer all the time, it's chili. I am obsessed and there is nothing better on a busy night than a warm bowl of chili with all your favorite toppings. Even better this version is Weight Watchers Friendly with just 1 Blue SmartPoints, 1 Purple SmartPoints, and 5 Green Smartpoints.
First, let's talk about all the things that make this chili so good. It starts with a mix of sauteed onions, carrots, and celery to build a strong flavor base without needing lots of fat. Then instead of reaching for ground beef, I like to make this with super lean ground turkey since its zero points on most plans.
To that, you need lots of garlic and spices. This is where the true flavors of the chili develop. Everything is finished with beans, beef broth, and tomatoes. It's ready in about 45 minutes on the stove top and can also be made in the crockpot.
Now once you have made this amazing WW turkey chili, you will want to use it for everything. Start traditional and serve it with all your favorite toppings - diced onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, and avocado. Then get creative with the leftovers.
Make healthy chili dogs with lean turkey or vegetarian hot dogs, Serve it over whole wheat pasta for your own homemade chili macaroni. Scramble it with eggs, trust me, it's delicious. Stuff it into a baked sweet potato - magical. With only 1 Smartpoints per serving on Blue and Purple Plans (5 on myWW Green), this is a dish you can make all the time.
[box:ideas:7774]
Side Dish Ideas for WW Chili
Although chili can definitely be a meal on all its own, sometimes its nice to have something on the side as well. Here are some favorites:
- You could go the traditional route and make some cornbread or serve your chili over some Creamy Spinach Polenta for something unexpected.
- Since chili can be on the heavier side, I love serving it with something light like a simple green salad with some homemade healthy Ranch dressing. No one would blame you for drizzling some on your chili as well.
- Serve your chili on a bed of spaghetti squash for a healthier take on chili mac.
- Some people swear by chili and mashed potatoes but I like to keep things light and healthy with these Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes.
Recipe Tips and Ideas
- Add corn: Although not traditional, many people love adding some fresh, canned, or frozen corn to their chili. On Blue and Purple plans, this won't affect the points value of the chili.
- Make it vegetarian: Leave out the ground turkey and add an extra can of beans for a vegetarian option. Consider black beans, chickpeas, or go in a different direction with some sauteed butternut squash or sweet potato.
- Make it spicier: For a smokier chili that packs a little more punch, add some canned chipotle peppers in abobo. You can add just the adobo sauce for a hint of heat or add the diced pepper(s) for more heat.
- Add veggies: This chili will definitely work with extra veggies. Some zero point favorites include diced butternut squash, cauliflower rice, kale, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Make it beanless: If you aren't a big fan of beans in your chili, you can make this without the beans. Just double up on the ground turkey and use a little less beef broth.
- Thicken it up: If you like a really thick chili, you have two options. You can simply use less beef broth or add a can of fat free refried beans. This creates a super thick, creamy chili without adding any extra points on the Blue and Purple plans.
How to make Weight Watchers Chili in the slow cooker?
Start by sauteeing the onions, carrots, and celery in a skillet with a touch of olive oil until they are just tender. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and all the spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes until nice and fragrant. Add this mixture to the slow cooker along with the diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is ground turkey zero points on Weight Watchers?
On the new myWW plan, 99% lean ground turkey is zero points on the Blue and Purple plans. On the Green plan, it has 3 SmartPoints for 3 ounces of cooked turkey. Other varieties of ground turkey that are not as lean will have Smartpoints on all three plans.
Low Point Topping Ideas for Weight Watchers Turkey Chili
To me, it's not really a bowl of chili unless it has some toppings. Here are some of my favorite low point and healthy toppings for chili.
- Instead of sour cream, reach for a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Chopped cilantro adds freshness to the chili. Chopped green onions are another great option.
- Grab some reduced fat shredded cheese to add on top. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella all work well.
- For extra heat, serve your chili will some sliced fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers.
- If you want some crunch, bake corn tortillas in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes until browned and crispy. Break them up for a healthier chip.
- Avocado is another healthy option and the creaminess of the avocado can help balance out the heat.
- For a fresh option, add some store bought pico de gallo on top of your chili and a sprinkling of queso fresco.
- Chopped onions add some texture to chili. You can use traditional white onions, red onions, or shallots for a less intense flavor.
How long will it last in the fridge? Can it be frozen?
Chili typically lasts 4-5 days in the fridge as long as it is stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, chili will last 3-4 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What's the secret for the best Weight Watchers Chili?
Let it sit overnight in the fridge! Trust me when I say the secret to the most delicious chili is actually making it the day before you want to eat it. The flavors deepen, everything melds, and you will end up with the most delicious chili this way.
More Weight Watchers Soup Recipes
- Zero Point Weight Watchers Vegetable Soup
- Zero Point Weight Watchers White Chicken Chili
- Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
- Zero Point Weight Watchers Taco Soup