Are you looking for delicious and satisfying soup recipes that fit your Weight Watchers (WW) plan? Look no further! This creamy chicken soup is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for a light yet fulfilling dinner. It’s a healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. This recipe delivers on delicious dishes without compromising on your weight loss goals. Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps develop a deeper flavor in your soup.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Add the greens: Stir in the zucchini and spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Season and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the parsley, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), salt, and pepper. If using, add the thyme or oregano now. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best WW Chicken Soup:
- For a smoother soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the spinach and yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, adjusting as needed for different vegetables.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Variations:
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon at the end of cooking for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Chicken Noodle Soup (WW friendly): Add 1/2 cup of cooked whole wheat noodles during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Choose noodles that are low in calories and fat.
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: Substitute 1/2 cup of cooked wild rice for some of the vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal while sticking to your Weight Watchers goals. Enjoy your delicious and weight-conscious soup!