Healthy Spanish Chicken Chilindrón: A Flavorful Weight Watchers Friendly Stew

Chicken Chilindrón is a beloved and vibrant stew from the Aragón region of Spain, renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic ingredients. This cherished recipe typically features tender chicken simmered in a robust sauce of sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. What truly sets Chilindrón apart and gives it its distinctive, savory depth is the inclusion of cured ham, traditionally serrano ham.

This rendition of the classic Spanish Chicken Chilindrón stays remarkably true to the authentic recipe, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of its exquisite flavors. However, with a mindful adjustment, we’ve made it perfectly suited for a health-conscious lifestyle: instead of chicken thighs, this recipe utilizes lean chicken breasts. This simple substitution allows the dish to fit seamlessly into a Weight Watchers plan, registering at an incredibly low 2 points per serving, making it an ideal, guilt-free addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Chilindrón Recipe

Beyond being a staple in Spanish homes, our Chicken Chilindrón offers a multitude of reasons to make it your next favorite dish. It’s not just popular for its incredible taste; it’s also incredibly convenient and aligns with healthy eating goals:

• Weight Watchers Friendly: At just 2 points per serving, this dish allows you to indulge in rich flavors without derailing your diet. We’ve specifically designed this recipe to be kind to your waistline while still delivering maximum satisfaction.
• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring no more than 30 minutes of active cooking time. If you have the luxury of time, allowing it to slow simmer will deepen the flavors even further, rewarding you with an even more spectacular meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with readily available and economical ingredients like chicken breast, bell peppers, and canned tomatoes, Chicken Chilindrón is kind to your wallet as well as your stomach. It’s an excellent way to create a hearty, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and minimal added fats, this stew is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a deliciously appealing way.
• Globally Inspired Eating: If you’re like me, always on the hunt for delicious 0-point or low-point chicken recipes that genuinely offer a unique flavor profile, this dish is a true gem. It keeps healthy eating exciting and prevents meal fatigue by introducing diverse culinary experiences.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 5 portions
• Portion Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables and sauce (approx. 370 g)
• WW Points Per Serving: 2 points
• You can view the recipe on the WW App here (WW login required).

Ingredients for Your Spanish Chicken Chilindrón

The beauty of Chicken Chilindrón lies in its fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a complex and comforting stew. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Spanish delight to your table:

• Chicken breasts, 4 (about 680 g), boneless, skinless
• Salt, 1 teaspoon (6 g)
• Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g)
• Garlic, 4 cloves, minced (12 g)
• Olive oil, 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Onions, 2 large, julienned (300 g)
• Green bell pepper, 1 large, julienned (150 g)
• Red bell pepper, 1 large, julienned (150 g)
• Fresh tomatoes, 2 large, diced (300 g)
• Canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup (240 g)
• Chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml)
• Bay leaves, 2
• Serrano ham, 50 g, sliced into thin strips (or a lean prosciutto as a substitute for lower points)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Chicken Chilindrón

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful Chicken Chilindrón that will transport your taste buds straight to Spain.

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. This browning adds significant flavor to the finished dish. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Using the same pot, reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, add the julienned onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become translucent. This forms the aromatic base of your Chilindrón sauce.
3. Build the Tomato-Rich Sauce: Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes and the canned crushed tomatoes, mixing them thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and add the two bay leaves. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to start melding together.
4. Combine Chicken and Serrano Ham: Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, nestling them down into the simmering vegetable and tomato mixture. Now, add the thinly sliced serrano ham (or prosciutto), distributing the strips evenly throughout the pot. The ham is a crucial flavor enhancer, adding a salty, umami depth that is characteristic of Chilindrón.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken and vegetables simmer gently for approximately 25-30 minutes. The chicken should become cooked through and wonderfully tender, and the flavors in the sauce will have fully developed and combined. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
6. Serve Your Spanish Delight: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the Chicken Chilindrón hot, ensuring each portion receives a tender chicken breast generously coated with the rich, flavorful sauce and plenty of the delicious cooked vegetables. This hearty dish is traditionally enjoyed with accompaniments like fluffy rice, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or simple boiled potatoes.

Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Chilindrón

While the traditional recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

1. A Touch of White Wine: Many authentic Chilindrón recipes call for a splash of dry white wine. While our version uses chicken broth for simplicity and lower points, adding about 1/2 cup of white wine after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the tomatoes can impart a wonderful layer of acidity and complexity. Allow it to simmer and reduce for a couple of minutes before proceeding.
2. Chicken Thighs for Richness: If you’re not strictly adhering to Weight Watchers points, substituting chicken thighs for breasts will yield an even richer, more succulent dish. Thighs are more forgiving and remain moist during longer cooking times. Just be aware this will increase the point value due to higher fat content.
3. The Essential Serrano Ham: The serrano ham is a signature ingredient, providing a unique salty depth. While we’ve listed it, for a genuinely low-fat option that still captures that cured ham essence, using a very lean prosciutto sliced thinly can be an excellent substitute without significantly increasing points. Never skip this component entirely, as it’s key to the dish’s character.
4. Bell Pepper Palette: Our recipe uses both green and red bell peppers for color and a balanced flavor. However, if you only have one color on hand, or prefer yellow or orange peppers, feel free to use them. The dish will still be delicious, though the sweetness profile may vary slightly.
5. Creative Additions: For those who love to experiment, ingredients like a pinch of smoked paprika can deepen the Spanish flavor. A handful of pitted green olives or briny capers added during the last 10 minutes of simmering can introduce an appealing salty tang.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Chicken Chilindrón

Achieving a restaurant-quality Chicken Chilindrón at home is easy with these insider tips:

1. Mastering the Chicken Sauté: The key to flavorful chicken is a good sear. Ensure your pot is as hot as possible (without smoking the olive oil) before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. A beautifully golden-brown crust on the chicken translates to deeper flavor in the stew. Pale chicken, even in a delicious sauce, can look unappetizing.
2. Uniform Vegetable Preparation: Take a moment to slice your onions and bell peppers into similarly sized julienne strips. This not only makes for a more visually appealing dish but also ensures that all the vegetables cook evenly and achieve the desired tender-crisp texture simultaneously.
3. The Power of the Tomato Combination: Using a blend of fresh diced tomatoes and canned crushed tomatoes offers the best of both worlds. The fresh tomatoes provide bright acidity and texture, while the canned tomatoes contribute a concentrated, rich tomato base, resulting in a more complex and vibrant sauce.
4. Thickening the Sauce to Perfection: If, after simmering, you find your sauce is thinner than you prefer, there are a couple of ways to address it. You can simply remove the lid during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to reduce. For a quicker and more significant thickening, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Consider Slow Cooking: While this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight, Chilindrón lends itself beautifully to slow cooking. After searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender. This method often results in even more deeply integrated flavors.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Spanish Meal

Chicken Chilindrón is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out the experience:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice is a classic choice, soaking up the flavorful tomato and pepper sauce beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: A crusty baguette or any artisan bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the rich sauce.
• Boiled or Roasted Potatoes: Simple boiled or roasted potatoes make a hearty accompaniment, especially if you want a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Green Salad: A light, simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Chicken Chilindrón recipe is excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Chilindrón in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much.

By following these tips and the detailed recipe, you can create a truly delicious Chicken Chilindrón that not only fits your dietary goals but also brings the authentic, comforting flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine right to your table. Enjoy this versatile dish, perfect for both a quick, healthy weekday meal and a satisfying, slow-cooked weekend delight.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 365g
• Calories: 244 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 5.6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2g
• Cholesterol: 107mg
• Sodium: 693mg
• Potassium: 742mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6.3g
• Calcium: 39mg
• Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Recipe Details

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Spanish