When the weather starts to warm up, it’s my cue to fire up the grill and cook some tasty, Weight Watchers-friendly meals that celebrate the season. These grilled chicken recipes are packed with nuanced flavors and hearty, lean protein. They’re guaranteed family favorites and will keep you full for hours. Try some of these gorgeous grilled dishes on for size, and you might just discover a new go-to recipe for spring and summer.
1. Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito
This creative copycat recipe is a better version of Taco Bell’s famous burrito, and you’ll never be tempted to hit up the drive-thru ever again once you’ve made it. It’s also only three Weight Watchers points per serving, so you’ll be doing both your diet and your wallet a favor. Fiery, flavorful chicken breasts pair with cool lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cabbage, velvety avocado, and gooey mozzarella cheese in this picnic-ready dish. Serve with a bit of chipotle sauce, and you have a meal to celebrate. Plus, it’s an excellent way to clean out your crisper and add in a sneaky serving of veggies to your kids’ dinners.
2. Cracked Chicken Burgers
Who doesn’t love a good burger? These five-point chicken burgers are a refreshing change from your usual fare, and fit nicely into any diet. The key here is to use ingredients that bring big, bold flavors to the table, like ranch seasoning and bacon crumbs for a smoky, meaty hit that works wonders with the ground chicken. I also use some fresh garlic, a few sprinkles of salt and pepper, and a mixture of reduced-fat mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. You’ll get a juicy, well-seasoned burger, oozing with cheese that’s great for your next barbecue.
3. Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Nothing quite says “warm weather treat” like a juicy, grilled Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich. When you don’t want to gamble with your diet by rolling through the drive-thru, make this five-point version at home. It has all of the classic flavors, like succulent marinated chicken, briny pickles, and a tasty bun to tie it all together. I marinade my chicken in a mixture of spices and pickle juice to amp up the flavor, and serve my burgers right off the grill, with plenty of additional sliced pickles.
4. Weight Watchers Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Enjoy mouthwatering, teriyaki grilled chicken for six Weight Watchers points. Plus, you only need about half an hour of hands-on time to make it, and your refrigerator does the rest. The secret is using a smart combination of store-bought ingredients, like Annie Chung’s teriyaki sauce, and a few fresh add-ins that infuse the dish with tons of depth and really play up the Asian-inspired flavors. I use a splash of sesame oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice for brightness and a hit of tartness at the end. The result is a springtime slam dunk that pairs wonderfully with vegetables.
5. Easy BBQ Chicken
At six Weight Watchers points per serving, this super-easy barbecue chicken recipe relies on a simple yet scrumptious homemade sauce that has fewer calories than store-bought kinds. Whenever I’m making a sauce from scratch, I can rest assured that it’s generally on the healthier side, and this one is no exception. Bright vinegar and chopped onions work wonders when you combine them with rich Worcestershire sauce, chili and garlic powder, and a bit of ketchup. I also add my secret weapon: a few tablespoons of apricot or peach preserves for a sweet contrast. Combine it with bone-in chicken breasts, and you have an epic grilled dish.
6. Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
For four Weight Watchers points, you can enjoy a spicy and sophisticated dish that uses iron-rich chicken thighs as the star of the show. Although I love a chicken breast as much as the next person, the dark meat of the bird is more nutrient-dense and intensely flavored, which is why this dish is one of my grill go-tos. You only need a few ingredients too: skinless, boneless chicken thighs, brown sugar, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and a bit of salt. Let them cook to perfection until your meat thermometer says 170, then enjoy immediately.
7. Chipotle and Lime Chicken Burgers
The combination of lime and chipotle is culinary canon, and these burgers showcase this dynamic flavor combination beautifully. Plus, you can savor all of this flavor for just three Weight Watchers points. I use canned chipotle peppers or a bit of diced jalapeno to give it that spicy edge, plus some sliced green onion, garlic, chipotle pepper seasoning, and lime juice and zest. Combine with ground chicken, make your patties, and pop them on the grill. This is also a great make-ahead recipe, as you can keep these burgers in the freezer.
8. Key West Chicken
Invoke the flavors of the tropics with this Key West-inspired dish that clocks in at just three Weight Watchers points, and you need only six ingredients to prepare. It’s a fabulous blend of soy sauce, golden honey, and tart lime juice with a splash of vegetable oil and a touch of garlic. I use skinless, boneless chicken breasts as my protein base, but you can marinate any cut that you’d like. Marinate for half an hour or more, then pop your chicken on the grill and get ready to feast in just about 20 minutes.
9. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Beef Burgers
This dish only sounds like it’s the most decadent thing going, but I promise you that it will not torpedo your diet. It’s eight Weight Watchers points per serving, and carnivore heaven with three types of meat, plenty of cheese, and lots of Frank’s hot sauce for that fiery kick that brings it all together. You’ll need ground beef, shredded, cooked chicken, and four slices of low-point bacon for your meaty main elements. Season your beef, make a bowl in the center, and fill with a mixture of light cream cheese, hot sauce, shredded cheese, and chicken. Wrap each burger in a slice of bacon, and you’re good to go.
10. Balsamic and Herb Chicken
I love making this dish on nights when company stops by for an al fresco spring dinner, and I want to show off my grilling skills. It’s only six points per serving and features a host of elegant ingredients like balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and a few sprinkles of herbes de Provence. I also use extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper in the marinade. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and goes well with other picnic fare, like green salads or grilled vegetables.
These ten Weight Watchers-friendly chicken recipes prove that you can have delicious food and keep your diet goals intact. Try them, and you’ll see why your grill, a few pieces of chicken, and some kitchen staples are all you need for mouthwatering fare this season.
