Chili Lime Chicken (Ten Dollar Meal)

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious meal that’s also Weight Watchers friendly.

This meal can feed 4 people for under $10!

The marination process is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with bold and tangy flavors that make every bite delicious.

Just a short marination period of 30 minutes is enough to deeply flavor the chicken, making this a quick yet impressive dish to prepare.

Pairing the 0 point chicken with a simple side dish (rice pilaf) made this a very cost-effective meal that is also low in points.

The Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: For this recipe I used bone in chicken thighs and removed the skin. I love that they are 0 points with the current Weight Watchers plan.

I bought four chicken thighs for only $5.80. They’re rich in flavor and so affordable.

Limes: Limes play a crucial role in adding vibrant, tangy notes to the dish and they are also budget-friendly.

I bought two limes for $1.34, making them an inexpensive yet essential ingredient.

Rice Pilaf: Rice-A-Roni is both affordable and convenient, costing only $1.67. It makes 3 cups which is plenty if you’re feeding a family of four. (Skip the rice if you’re doing low carb.)

Seasonings: I used chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. I didn’t include this in the total cost since I had all of these in the pantry.

If you don’t have one of the seasonings on hand you can usually buy the store brand for $1.25.

The total I spent for this meal was $8.78. That’s to feed 4 people! You could also pick up a can of vegetables for only $1 and it would still be under $10.

Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app (the points only include the chicken recipe). There are 4g net carbs per serving. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken

If you bought bone-in chicken thighs you want to remove the skin. You can easily pull the skin off with your hands. For some of the tougher parts you can use kitchen scissors.

In a medium size bowl (or zip up bag) squeeze the juice of two limes.

Add the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together.

Place the chicken thighs in the bowl. Mix the thighs with the marinade to get them coated. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

I always use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature.

While the chicken was baking I got the rice pilaf ready. The brand I bought took about 30 minutes which was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Lime Chicken pairs well with so many sides.

If you’re not feeling the rice pilaf roasted vegetables work great too. Think along the lines of broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Serve the chicken with a lime wedge to add a pop of brightness.

Consider adding fresh herbs, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro works wonders. Its bright, slightly citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with the lime and chili notes of the chicken.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce on the side. This will give your meal an extra kick, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

You could also opt to serve this chicken as part of a taco night. Simply shred the cooked chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Greek Chicken Bowls

Ground Beef Burrito Bowl

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 200 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!