Zero-Point Crockpot Green Beans and Chicken

A “zero-point” meal typically refers to recipes that align with the Weight Watchers (WW) Freestyle program, where certain foods like skinless chicken breast and non-starchy vegetables have zero points.

This Crockpot Green Beans and Chicken recipe is incredibly simple, healthy, and perfect for a busy day. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal.

Here’s a classic, flavorful version that uses zero-point ingredients as the base.

Zero-Point Crockpot Green Beans and Chicken

This hearty and comforting dish is lean, packed with protein and fiber, and requires minimal effort. The slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-6 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High

Zero-Point Base Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans, no need to thaw)

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (ensure it’s zero-point)

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds great flavor)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Trim the green beans and slice the onion. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the trimmed green beans on top. Place the seasoned chicken breasts over the vegetables.

3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth over everything and sprinkle with dried thyme.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The dish is done when the chicken is tender and cooked through (should reach 165°F / 74°C internally) and the green beans are soft.

5. Shred or Serve Whole: You can serve the chicken breasts whole or use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. It will absorb more of the flavorful broth this way.

Important Notes & Tips for Zero Points:

• Verify Your Ingredients: Always double-check your specific chicken broth brand and any added seasonings to ensure they align with your WW plan’s zero-point list.

• Don’t Overcook: Cooking on low is best to prevent the chicken from drying out. If using chicken thighs, they can cook a little longer without becoming tough.

• Adding Flavor Without Points:

  • Acidity is Key: Before serving, stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar to brighten all the flavors. This is a zero-point game-changer!

  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or rosemary added at the end will give it a fresh kick.

  • Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or black pepper for heat.

Simple Variations (Some may add points):

• Creamy Version (Adds Points): About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt. This will add creaminess and protein for a minimal point cost.

• Tomato-Based: Add a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained) along with the broth for a different flavor profile.

• More Vegetables: Feel free to add other zero-point vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

This is a fantastic foundation for a healthy, satisfying meal. Enjoy