Patrick Oconnell
Chicken tacos are a delicious and relatively low-calorie meal option. For example, a soft taco with chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream contains approximately 216 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients used and their quantities. For instance, a corn tortilla typically adds 50-60 calories, while grilled chicken contributes about 30-40 calories per ounce. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, it's helpful to know the specifics of your taco to estimate its calorie content, which can range from 175 to 270 calories or more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 to 270 |
| Total carbs | 18.1g |
| Net carbs | 16.9g |
| Fat | 10.2g |
| Protein | 12.4g |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in corn tortillas
Corn tortillas are typically lower in calories than their flour counterparts. A small corn tortilla is usually around 50-60 calories, and a 4.5" tortilla has 100 calories. However, it's important to note that the number of calories can vary depending on the size and whether they are handmade or mass-produced. Mass-produced tortillas tend to include preservatives, while handmade tortillas allow for more control over the ingredients and portion size.
When it comes to nutrition, corn tortillas offer several benefits. They are made from whole grains, gluten-free, and have lower amounts of sodium, calories, and carbohydrates than flour tortillas. Additionally, corn tortillas contain beta carotene, with blue corn tortillas considered the healthiest option among corn tortillas.
In contrast, flour tortillas have more iron and calcium than corn tortillas. They also tend to be fluffier and hold up better under lots of toppings due to the presence of gluten. However, the extra calories and fat in flour tortillas, combined with a lack of fiber, mean they should be consumed in moderation to maintain a healthy diet.
The choice between corn and flour tortillas ultimately depends on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and health considerations. Corn tortillas are a popular choice for tacos due to their gluten-free properties and smaller size, making them ideal for holding lighter fillings. They also have a distinct flavour and texture that pairs well with Mexican dishes.
When calculating the calories in a chicken taco with cheese, the corn tortilla contributes a significant portion of the total calorie count. Depending on the size and brand of the tortilla, the calorie count can vary. For example, a small corn tortilla contributes about 50-60 calories, while a larger tortilla can contribute up to 100 calories.
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Calories in chicken
Chicken is a lean source of protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways and incorporated into various dishes, such as tacos. When it comes to the calories in chicken, there are a few factors to consider, including the amount of chicken, the cooking method, and the use of additional ingredients.
Let's take the example of a chicken taco with cheese. The calories in such a dish can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities. A chicken taco typically includes a corn tortilla, chicken, cheese, and other toppings or fillings. According to one source, a soft taco with chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream can contain approximately 216 calories.
Breaking down the calories in the individual components of a chicken taco can provide a better understanding of the overall calorie count. Firstly, the corn tortilla, which serves as the base of the taco, contributes about 50-60 calories per taco, assuming two tortillas are used. Grilled or minimally-oiled chicken provides around 30-40 calories per ounce, so a taco with 2-3 ounces of chicken would contribute approximately 60-120 calories.
Cheese, being a dairy product, also adds to the calorie count. The type and amount of cheese used can vary, but shredded cheese is a common choice for tacos. While cheese provides a tasty boost of flavour, it also adds calories and fat to the dish. Other toppings or fillings, such as onions, salsa, and sour cream, contribute smaller amounts of calories. Onions, for instance, add around 5-10 calories, while salsa and sour cream will contribute additional calories depending on their quantities.
It's important to note that the cooking method and the use of ingredients like cooking oil can significantly impact the calorie count of the chicken in the taco. The range of estimated calories in a chicken taco is approximately 175 to 270, but this can vary widely depending on preparation and portion size. For those watching their weight or managing their calorie intake, it's helpful to consider the calories in each ingredient and make adjustments as needed to align with personal dietary goals.
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Calories in cheese
The calorie content of cheese depends on several factors, including the type of cheese, the fat content of the milk used, how it's processed, and its age.
Hard cheeses tend to have a higher calorie count compared to softer cheeses because they have been aged longer, contain less moisture, and have a more robust flavour. However, this doesn't mean that hard cheeses can't be part of a balanced diet with proper portion control. Soft cheeses, with their milder flavour and creamier texture, are generally considered the healthier option.
Full-fat dairy products, including cheese, are high in calories, which can negatively impact weight loss plans. The processing of cheese also affects its calorie content, as highly processed cheeses tend to contain more artificial ingredients. Cream cheese, for example, tends to be highly processed, so opting for natural varieties is recommended.
When it comes to snacks, it's worth noting that even healthy crackers can have 5 to 40 calories each, with some containing 50 mg of sodium per cracker. A better option is to pair cheese with fruit or raw nuts, as these foods have no added sodium or other additives and are good components of a healthy diet.
While cheese can be a tasty addition to dishes or a snack on its own, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and the overall calorie content, especially when trying to manage weight through calorie control.
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Calories in onions
A chicken taco with cheese has a variable calorie count, depending on the ingredients and their quantities. For example, a corn tortilla typically has 50-60 calories, grilled chicken has around 30-40 calories per ounce, and onions have 5-10 calories. Adding these together, a single chicken taco might range from approximately 175 to 270 calories.
Onions, in general, are low in calories. They consist mostly of water, carbohydrates, and fiber. The calorie count of onions can vary depending on the type of onion, its size, and its preparation method. Raw onions, for example, have a slightly different nutritional profile than cooked onions due to the heat and potential addition of oil or other ingredients.
A typical serving of raw onions (around 100 grams) contains approximately:
- 40 calories
- 9 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
- 1 gram of protein
- 0.1 grams of fat
Onions also contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B6, and potassium. These nutrients provide various health benefits, such as supporting immune function, promoting healthy skin and hair, aiding in cell growth and metabolism, and helping to regulate blood pressure.
While onions are not a significant source of calories, they do provide flavor, texture, and nutritional value to dishes. They are often used as a base or aromatic vegetable in recipes and can enhance the taste of other ingredients. Additionally, their fiber content can promote a feeling of fullness and aid in digestion, especially for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
In summary, onions contribute a small number of calories to a chicken taco with cheese, but they also add nutritional value and flavor. The exact calorie count will depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the taco preparation.
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Total calories in a chicken taco with cheese
The total calories in a chicken taco with cheese depend on the ingredients and their quantities. Here is a breakdown of the calorie count for each ingredient in a chicken taco:
Corn Tortilla
A small corn tortilla typically contains around 50-60 calories. Most tacos use two tortillas, so this would contribute around 100-120 calories to the total.
Chicken
Assuming the chicken is grilled or cooked with minimal oil, it contributes about 30-40 calories per ounce. A taco usually contains 2-3 ounces of chicken, resulting in approximately 60-120 calories.
Onions
Onions add very few calories to the taco, with approximately 5-10 calories for the typical amount used.
Cheese
The type and amount of cheese used can vary, but as an example, a soft taco with chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream contains around 216 calories in total.
Putting this all together, a chicken taco with cheese can range from approximately 270 to 400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities. It's important to note that cooking oil and the amount of chicken can significantly impact the total calorie count.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a chicken taco with cheese depends on the ingredients and their quantities. However, a chicken taco with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream is estimated to be around 216 calories.
The number of calories in a chicken taco can vary depending on the type and amount of cheese, the cooking method of the chicken, and the additional ingredients such as vegetables, salsa, or sauces.
A small corn tortilla typically contributes about 50-60 calories to a chicken taco. Since tacos usually have two tortillas, the total contribution can be estimated as 100-120 calories.
Yes, you can make lower-calorie chicken tacos by using grilled or minimally-oiled chicken, which has about 30-40 calories per ounce. Additionally, choosing low-calorie ingredients, such as onions, and controlling portion sizes can help reduce the overall calorie count of the taco.
