Frederic Melton
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, but how does it fit into the Weight Watchers program? Weight Watchers assigns point values to foods based on their nutritional content, and these points guide members' food choices. While all cheese can be eaten on the Weight Watchers Freestyle/Flex plan, it's important to watch portion sizes. Parmesan is a full-flavoured cheese, so a little goes a long way. In a Chicken Parmesan recipe, one ounce of grated parmesan is used in the breading, and another is sprinkled on top, adding fabulous flavour for just 4 Weight Watchers points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Weight Watcher points for Baked Chicken Parmesan | 4 |
| Number of Weight Watcher points for Chicken Parmesan on Blue, Purple and Freestyle plans | 6 |
| Number of Weight Watcher points for Chicken Parmesan on Green plan | 9 |
| Weight Watcher plan with pasta at 0 points | Purple |
| Weight Watcher plans with pasta at 12 points | Green and Blue |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan cheese is 6 Smart Points on Weight Watchers Blue, Purple and Freestyle plans
- It is 9 SmartPoints on the Green plan
- Parmesan is heavy on points but has more flavour than most other cheeses
- Chicken Parmesan is a US dish consisting of breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce and topped with cheese
- The cheese used is usually mozzarella, parmesan and provolone
Chicken Parmesan with Parmesan cheese is 6 Smart Points on Weight Watchers Blue, Purple and Freestyle plans
Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish, but it can be heavy on points if you're following a Weight Watchers plan. However, there are ways to make this classic dish more Weight Watchers-friendly, and it can be a great option if you're looking for a tasty, indulgent meal that still fits within your points allowance.
The good news is that chicken breasts are a zero-point food on Weight Watchers, and tomato sauce, another key ingredient in Chicken Parmesan, is also zero points as long as it's a variety with minimal added oil or sugar. This means that Chicken Parmesan can be a great option for a filling, flavourful meal that won't break the points bank.
One popular recipe for Chicken Parmesan uses parmesan cheese and is 6 Smart Points per portion on Weight Watchers Blue, Purple, and Freestyle plans. This recipe involves breading chicken breasts with a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese, and then baking them in the oven. The chicken is served on a bed of pasta and topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
The use of parmesan cheese in the breading adds a lot of flavour to the dish, and the oven-baking method helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy without adding extra points for frying. This recipe also takes advantage of the fact that whole wheat pasta is zero points on the Purple plan, allowing for a more indulgent dish without adding too many points.
So, if you're following the Weight Watchers Blue, Purple, or Freestyle plans, you can enjoy this delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe with parmesan cheese for just 6 Smart Points per portion. It's a tasty and satisfying option that will leave you feeling satisfied and on track with your points allowance.
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It is 9 SmartPoints on the Green plan
Parmesan cheese is a tasty, versatile ingredient, but it can be heavy on points if you're following the Weight Watchers plan. If you're a fan of Chicken Parmesan, you'll be pleased to know that this delicious dish is just 6 Smart Points on the Weight Watchers Blue, Purple and Freestyle plans. However, it's important to note that it is 9 SmartPoints per portion on the Green plan. That's quite a difference, so it's worth keeping in mind if you're carefully tracking your SmartPoints.
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana or chicken parm, is a mouth-watering dish that originated in the US. It typically consists of a breaded chicken breast covered in a rich marinara or tomato sauce and generously topped with cheese. The classic combination includes mozzarella, parmesan and provolone cheeses, but you can also add parmesan to the breadcrumb coating for an extra cheesy kick.
While the exact amount of parmesan cheese used in the Chicken Parmesan recipe may vary, it's clear that this dish includes a significant amount of cheese. The recipe mentioned above calls for 1 ounce of grated parmesan cheese to be mixed with breadcrumbs, and an additional ounce to be sprinkled on top of the dish. That's a total of 2 ounces of parmesan cheese, which certainly contributes to the higher SmartPoints value on the Green plan.
It's worth noting that the type of pasta or breadcrumbs used can also impact the overall SmartPoints value. For example, on the Weight Watchers Green plan, pasta is considered 12 points. Additionally, using dried or panko breadcrumbs instead of fresh ones may alter the Point values. So, if you're aiming to reduce the SmartPoints, you might consider adjusting these ingredients or their quantities.
In conclusion, while Chicken Parmesan is a tempting option on the Weight Watchers menu, it's important to be mindful of the 9 SmartPoints it carries on the Green plan. This knowledge can help you make informed choices and keep your serving sizes in check, ensuring that you stay on track with your weight management goals.
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Parmesan is heavy on points but has more flavour than most other cheeses
While Parmesan cheese is heavy on Weight Watchers points, it has a lot more flavour than most other cheeses. This means that a little goes a long way, and you can still enjoy the taste without using up too many points. For example, in a Chicken Parmesan recipe, only one or two ounces of Parmesan are needed to create a delicious, cheesy dish.
When following the Weight Watchers plan, it's important to remember that not all cheeses are created equal. Some cheeses, like Parmesan, have a stronger flavour, which means you can use less and still enjoy the taste. This can be especially useful when trying to stick to a points budget.
There are also many low-point cheese options available that can help you satisfy your cheese cravings without using up too many points. These include cheeses like feta, crumbled on top of a salad, or freshly grated Pecorino Romano on a bowl of pasta.
Additionally, making informed choices and keeping an eye on serving sizes can help you enjoy your favourite cheeses while staying within your points budget. For example, if a recipe calls for a small amount of grated mozzarella, sticking to that amount can help balance your cheese intake with other ZeroPoint™ foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your recipes and substitutions. For instance, you can use whole wheat pasta, which is zero points on the Weight Watchers Purple plan, to balance out the points used for cheese in a dish. This way, you can still enjoy cheesy dishes like Chicken Parmesan while staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals.
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Chicken Parmesan is a US dish consisting of breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce and topped with cheese
Chicken Parmesan, or chicken parm, is a US dish consisting of breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce, and topped with cheese. It is a popular non-pasta dish in Italian-American style restaurants. The dish is often served with pasta and a side of garlic knots, French fries, or roasted asparagus.
Chicken Parmesan is a relatively simple dish to make, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. The chicken is typically pounded to an even thickness and seasoned with salt and pepper. It is then dipped in a mixture of eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder before being fried to a golden brown. The fried chicken is then topped with tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Some recipes also include provolone cheese in the mix. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To ensure the chicken remains crispy, it is recommended to only add a small amount of sauce to the top of the chicken, rather than drowning it in sauce. The key to a great non-soggy chicken parmesan is to avoid putting any sauce under the chicken cutlets. This allows the breading to stay relatively crisp.
Chicken Parmesan can also be served as a sandwich, with the chicken and toppings placed inside toasted sandwich bread or rolls.
When it comes to Weight Watchers, a baked chicken Parmesan recipe typically amounts to 4 Weight Watchers points. However, the number of points can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For example, the type of pasta and amount of cheese used can impact the point value.
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The cheese used is usually mozzarella, parmesan and provolone
While following the Weight Watchers plan, it is important to keep in mind that all cheese can be eaten, but the key is moderation. Depending on the type of cheese, one slice may be equivalent to one SmartPoint, but doubling the amount may not always result in double the SmartPoints.
The cheeses used in Weight Watchers recipes are usually mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone. Chicken Parmesan, for example, is a popular dish that uses these three cheeses. The recipe includes breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and topped with cheese. The cheeses used in this dish can be mini babybel light, light mozzarella, or regular mozzarella.
Parmesan is considered heavy on points, with one ounce of grated parmesan cheese amounting to one SmartPoint. However, due to its strong flavour, a small amount can go a long way in adding taste to a dish. For instance, in a Chicken Parmesan recipe, one ounce of parmesan is used in the breading, and another ounce is sprinkled on top.
Mozzarella is another cheese that can be used in Weight Watchers recipes. It is available in a light version, but it may be challenging to find. Regular mozzarella is also an option, as seen in the Eggplant Parmigiana recipe, where it is layered with eggplant and tomato sauce.
Provolone is the third cheese commonly used in Weight Watchers recipes, specifically in the Chicken Parmesan dish. However, the specific point value for provolone cheese could not be found.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is heavy on points. One ounce of parmesan cheese is 4 Weight Watchers points.
Some low-point cheese alternatives are mozzarella, provolone, feta, pecorino romano, havarti, and gruyère.
Chicken Parmesan is a Weight Watchers-friendly meal that includes parmesan cheese. It is 6 Smart Points on the Blue, Purple, and Freestyle plans and 9 Smart Points on the Green plan.
To make Chicken Parmesan, mix breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, 1 oz of grated parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt in a shallow pan. In a separate dish, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water and a dash of salt to create an egg wash. Dip chicken tenderloins in the egg wash, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Spray a foil-covered baking pan with cooking spray and place the prepared chicken tenderloins on the pan. Spray the top of the tenderloins lightly with cooking spray before placing them in the oven. Cook for 20 minutes, removing the pan after the first 10 minutes and flipping the chicken to the other side. While the chicken is cooking, boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Heat tomato sauce in a separate pan. When the pasta is cooked, divide it onto plates, pour the sauce over the pasta, and top with the chicken parmesan tenderloins. Sprinkle 1 oz of shaved or grated cheese over the top and serve immediately.
Chicken Parmesan can be served with a side salad or spiralized zucchini/courgette.
