One of the secrets to a flavorful and juicy chicken sandwich lies in the pickle-brined method.
Combine this with a rich, creamy garlic aioli and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
The Science of Pickle-Brining:
Understanding the process of pickle-brining can help appreciate the unique flavor it imparts to the chicken.
This technique relies on the principle of osmosis. The salt in the brine triggers the chicken to soak up water, which ultimately results in a juicier chicken.
When pickle juice is added to the brine, the acidity infuses a distinct tangy flavor into the meat.
This flavor doesn’t merely coat the surface of the chicken but seeps deep into the flesh, providing the chicken sandwich with a flavor profile that’s bursting with a delightful tang.
Keeping It Low in Points:
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great source of protein, plus it’s 0 points.
Since the chicken is brined in pickle juice it’s juicy and full of flavor.
The quick and easy garlic aioli sauce is made using mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
To keep the points low I used reduced-fat mayonnaise, which was 6 points for 1/4 cup.
Topping the grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and red onion was a delicious addition, and both were 0 points.
Each chicken sandwich is only 4 Weight Watchers points.
30 WW Friendly Thirty Minute Meals
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How to Make a Pickle-Brined Chicken Sandwich with Garlic Aioli:
The first thing you want to do is brine the chicken breast in pickle juice. I added four pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast to a bowl and covered it in pickle juice.
Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Once the chicken is done you want to make the garlic aioli. Letting this sit for a while will help the flavors infuse.
In a small bowl I mixed the light mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
Since it’s winter, I used my grill pan to cook the chicken. When I was ready to cook the chicken, I let the pan heat up over medium heat.
Spray the pan with cooking spray and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts). Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, it’s ready.
Assemble the chicken sandwich by adding the chicken breast to the bun, red onion, lettuce, then spread a tablespoon of the garlic aioli on the top bun.
Here are some things I used for this recipe:
Yield: 4 servings
Click here to track the points on your WW app.
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken beast
- 1-2 cups dill pickle juice
- 1/4 cup Hellman's light mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 light hamburger buns
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
- Lettuce, red onion, and tomato
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Add the chicken breast to a bowl and cover it in pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
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In a small bowl mix together the light mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cove and refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
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Heat a grill pan over medium heat and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
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Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat dry. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken breast to the grill pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts). Once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. it's ready.
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Assemble the chicken sandwich by adding the chicken breast to the bun, red onion, and lettuce, then spread a tablespoon of the garlic aioli on the top bun.
Here are some more WW friendly recipes:
If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.
If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 100 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
