Weight Watchers chicken curry is a popular low-calorie recipe for dieters looking for tasty, filling meals. But exactly how many calories are in a serving of Weight Watchers chicken curry? Let’s take a closer look.
Calories in Weight Watchers Chicken Curry
The number of calories in Weight Watchers chicken curry depends on the specific ingredients and portions used. However, according to the Weight Watchers app, a serving of chicken curry made with the standard recipe contains approximately:
- 285 calories
- 7g fat
- 31g carbs
- 24g protein
This nutrition information is based on using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, light coconut milk, and reduced-fat ingredients. The total calories can increase if using fattier cuts of chicken, full-fat coconut milk, or heavier creams and oils.
Weight Watchers Chicken Curry Ingredients
A standard Weight Watchers chicken curry recipe includes ingredients like:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, etc.
- Light coconut milk
- Low-fat Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
The lean chicken and reduced-fat coconut milk and yogurt help keep the calories lower. Using lots of vegetables like onions and spices like garlic, ginger, and cumin adds tons of flavor without extra calories.
Tips for Lightening Up Weight Watchers Chicken Curry
There are a few easy ways to reduce the calories in a Weight Watchers chicken curry even further:
- Use 99% fat-free chicken breast instead of regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Replace the coconut milk with low-fat coconut milk or cashew milk.
- Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of reduced-fat.
- Increase the amount of non-starchy veggies like onions, carrots, cauliflower.
- Go easy on oils or ghee – a spray oil is a great way to cut hundreds of calories.
- Skip heavy creams and use nonfat milk instead.
- Use just a touch of brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
- Load up on spices and aromatics for flavor instead of fats.
Following some of these tweaks can easily shave off 50-100 calories per serving, while still retaining all the flavor.
Comparing Calories to Restaurant Curries
To see how the Weight Watchers chicken curry stacks up calorie-wise, let’s compare it to some popular takeout and restaurant curries:
| Dish | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Weight Watchers Chicken Curry | 285 |
| Chicken Tikka Masala (takeout) | 600-800 |
| Thai Red Curry with Chicken (takeout) | 500-700 |
| Indian Chicken Curry (restaurant) | 700-900 |
As you can see, the Weight Watchers chicken curry contains significantly fewer calories than takeout and restaurant curries, which often use higher-fat ingredients. Making the recipe at home gives you control over the ingredients and portions.
Nutrition Benefits of Weight Watchers Chicken Curry
Beyond being low in calories, the Weight Watchers chicken curry offers many nutritious benefits, including:
- Protein – using boneless, skinless chicken breasts provides lean protein to keep you full.
- Fiber – vegetables like onions and spices like garlic and ginger add fiber.
- Vitamin A – carrots and red or yellow peppers boost this important vitamin.
- Iron – spinach and chicken supply this muscle-building mineral.
- Anti-inflammatory compounds – turmeric, cumin, and coriander have anti-inflammatory benefits.
So in addition to being low-calorie, this curry is nutritionally well-rounded.
Serving Suggestions
The Weight Watchers chicken curry can be served:
- Over cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.
- With a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
- With a side salad or sliced cucumbers.
- Stuffed into a whole wheat pita or wrap.
- Over quinoa or brown rice.
- With a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt.
- With fresh cilantro or mint on top.
Mix and match with nutritious sides and toppings to create a well-rounded, delicious low-calorie meal.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage
To save time during the week, make a big batch of the Weight Watchers chicken curry over the weekend. Here are some meal prep tips:
- Store the cooked curry in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze individual portions in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Cook your grains or rice ahead and portion into containers to pair with the curry.
- Chop and prep any vegetables or toppings so they’re ready to go.
- Let the frozen curry thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat the curry in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or water if too thick.
With some advance prep, you’ll have quick, healthy meals for your entire work week.
Customizing the Recipe
The basic Weight Watchers chicken curry recipe is very customizable based on your tastes and what you have on hand, including:
- Proteins – substitute shrimp, chickpeas or tofu for the chicken.
- Vegetables – use any combo of onions, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, spinach, etc.
- Spices – play around with spices like cayenne, paprika, garam masala, curry powder, etc.
- Sauces – swap coconut milk for cashew or almond milk.
- Toppings – get creative with toppings like mango, raisins, nuts, cilantro, Greek yogurt, etc.
Make the recipe your own by switching up ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have available in the kitchen.
Conclusion
A serving of Weight Watchers chicken curry contains around 285 calories when made according to the standard recipe. This is significantly fewer calories than takeout or restaurant curries, which can clock in at 600-900 calories per serving.
In addition to being low-calorie, the Weight Watchers chicken curry is packed with nutritious ingredients like lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables and anti-inflammatory spices. It’s a healthy, flavorful recipe that can be prepped ahead for quick weeknight meals.
Customize the recipe to your taste by swapping different proteins, veggies, and seasonings. And enjoy the chicken curry served over cauliflower rice, with a fresh salad or in a whole wheat pita for a delicious anytime meal.