Randy Chandler
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a delicious, satisfying meal, but they can be high in calories. The calorie count depends on the recipe, brand, and size of the quesadilla. A typical chicken and cheese quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant contains around 500 calories, while a restaurant cheese quesadilla can range from 342 to 714 calories. To reduce the calorie count, you can use low-fat cheese, lean meat, and add plenty of low-calorie vegetables.
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What You'll Learn
Calorie counts vary by brand and recipe
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla varies depending on the recipe and brand. Chicken quesadillas are generally high in calories. The calorie count also depends on the size of the quesadilla and the ingredients used.
For example, a chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell starts at 500 calories per serving. A standard steak or chicken quesadilla from the same restaurant contains 500 calories, while a cheese quesadilla has 450 calories. The Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla is a lower-calorie option, with only 200 calories.
A chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant typically weighs 180 grams and contains 529 calories, according to the USDA. This includes approximately 27 grams of protein, 27 grams of fat, and 43 grams of carbohydrates, as well as more than 3 grams of fiber and sugar. It also contains 1,340 milligrams of sodium, which is a significant amount considering the recommended daily maximum is 2,300 milligrams.
The calorie count can also vary depending on the ingredients used. For instance, Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas with one included guacamole pouch weigh 128 grams and contain 300 calories, 10 grams of protein, 11 grams of fat, and 39 grams of carbohydrates. A restaurant-sized 8- to 10-inch diameter cheese quesadilla weighs in at 714 calories, almost 31 grams of protein, 45 grams of fat, and nearly 47 grams of carbohydrates.
To reduce the calorie count of chicken and cheese quesadillas, you can make some ingredient substitutions. Using low-fat cheese and lean meat with the fat trimmed away can help reduce calories. Additionally, adding low-calorie vegetables like peppers and spinach can bulk up the quesadilla without adding too many calories. Cooking with a minimal amount of butter can also make a difference.
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Calories can be reduced by substituting ingredients
A chicken and cheese quesadilla typically contains around 435 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For example, adding toppings such as sour cream or guacamole will increase the calorie count. To reduce the calorie content of a chicken and cheese quesadilla, one can consider substituting certain ingredients for healthier alternatives.
One way to reduce calories is by choosing lower-calorie tortillas. Traditional corn tortillas or low-carb, whole wheat tortillas are healthier options compared to flour tortillas. Additionally, opting for smaller tortillas or using less of them can also reduce the overall calorie count.
When it comes to the filling, chicken breast is a leaner choice compared to chicken thighs. Trimming any visible fat from the chicken can further reduce the calorie content. In addition, cooking methods that don't require excessive oil, such as baking or grilling, can help cut down on calories.
Instead of frying the quesadilla in oil, one can try baking it in the oven or using a non-stick pan with minimal oil. Using low-fat or reduced-fat cheese can also make a difference, as cheese is a significant source of calories and fat in quesadillas. One may also consider substituting some of the cheese with other ingredients, such as adding more vegetables or using a smaller amount of a stronger-flavoured cheese.
Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños are excellent low-calorie additions that boost the nutritional value of the quesadilla. Spices and seasonings can be used generously to add flavour without adding significant calories. For example, using spices like cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes can enhance the flavour of the chicken and vegetable filling.
Lastly, while toppings like sour cream and guacamole add flavour and creaminess to the quesadilla, they can also contribute a significant number of calories. One could consider substituting these toppings with healthier alternatives like Greek yoghurt or salsa, which have fewer calories and can add a similar creamy texture or flavour boost.
By making thoughtful substitutions and choosing healthier alternatives, it is possible to reduce the calorie content of a chicken and cheese quesadilla without sacrificing flavour and enjoyment.
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Nutritional info is available online or from restaurants
The calorie count for a chicken and cheese quesadilla varies depending on the recipe, brand, and size. Nutritional info is available online or from restaurants, but here are some estimates to give you a general idea.
A chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant typically contains around 529 calories per serving (180 grams). However, calorie counts can vary by brand. For example, at Taco Bell, a chicken quesadilla starts at 500 calories, while a steak or chicken quesadilla from the same restaurant begins at 500 calories, with a cheese quesadilla containing 450 calories. Wawa's chicken and cheese quesadilla (without toppings but with one packet of sour cream) contains 490 calories.
The calorie count also depends on the size of the quesadilla. A smaller, 5- to 6-inch diameter restaurant cheese quesadilla typically has about 342 calories, while an 8- to 10-inch diameter cheese quesadilla contains approximately 714 calories.
You can reduce the calorie count by substituting some of the chicken and cheese with vegetables or using low-fat cheese and lean meat. Cooking with minimal butter can also make a difference. Checking the nutrition label provided on store-bought options or the nutrition facts label on frozen options can provide more accurate calorie information.
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Calories depend on quesadilla size
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla depends on several factors, including the recipe used, brand, and size of the quesadilla. A chicken quesadilla is typically made with shredded chicken, flour tortillas, shredded cheese, onions, salsa, and spices. The calorie count will vary depending on the proportions of these ingredients and the size of the quesadilla.
For example, a single serving of Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, which includes one guacamole pouch, weighs 128 grams and contains 300 calories. This option is on the smaller side, as a standard 8- to 10-inch diameter chicken quesadilla from a restaurant can weigh in at 714 calories.
The calorie count can also depend on where you purchase the quesadilla. A chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant typically contains around 529 calories in a serving size of 180 grams. Chicken quesadilla calorie counts at Taco Bell start at 500 calories per serving, while a steak or chicken quesadilla from the same restaurant can have 500 calories, and a cheese quesadilla can have 450 calories.
To reduce the calorie count of your chicken and cheese quesadilla, you can make a few adjustments to the recipe. Consider using low-fat cheese and lean meat with any visible fat trimmed away. Additionally, loading up on low-calorie vegetables like peppers and spinach can help bulk up your quesadilla without adding too many calories. Finally, using minimal butter during cooking can also make a difference in the overall calorie count.
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Calories also depend on the number of toppings
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla depends on several factors, including the number and type of toppings used. Toppings can significantly impact the overall calorie count of the dish. For example, adding extra cheese, sour cream, or guacamole will increase the calorie count, while opting for vegetables or lean proteins can reduce the calorie count.
A standard chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant typically contains around 500 to 529 calories per serving, with calorie counts varying depending on the brand and recipe. For instance, a chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell starts at 500 calories, while a Wawa chicken and cheese quesadilla with no toppings and one packet of sour cream contains 490 calories.
The size of the quesadilla also plays a role in determining its calorie content. A larger quesadilla will generally have more calories than a smaller one. For example, an 8- to 10-inch diameter cheese quesadilla from a restaurant can contain up to 714 calories, while a smaller 5- to 6-inch diameter quesadilla has about 342 calories.
Additionally, the type of toppings can significantly impact the calorie count. For instance, adding high-calorie toppings such as extra cheese, sour cream, or guacamole will increase the overall calorie count of the dish. On the other hand, opting for low-calorie toppings such as vegetables can help reduce the calorie count. Peppers, spinach, and other low-calorie veggies can be added to bulk up the quesadilla without adding too many extra calories.
It's worth noting that the calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla can vary depending on the cooking methods and ingredients used. For instance, using lean meat with the fat trimmed away and cooking with minimal butter can help reduce the calorie count. Checking the nutrition label or consulting with restaurant staff can provide more accurate calorie information for store-bought or restaurant quesadillas, respectively.
In summary, the calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla can vary depending on the number and type of toppings, the size of the quesadilla, and the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. To make a more informed decision about calorie intake, it's advisable to check nutrition labels, consult restaurant staff, or use calorie-estimating apps or websites.
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Frequently asked questions
The calorie count depends on the recipe, brand, and size of the quesadilla. The average chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant contains 529 calories per serving (180 grams).
A standard Taco Bell chicken quesadilla has 500 calories. The Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla is a lower-calorie option at 200 calories.
A Wawa chicken and cheese quesadilla with no toppings and one packet of sour cream contains 490 calories.
You can reduce the calorie count by using low-fat cheese and lean meat, adding vegetables, and cooking with minimal butter. Ordering a smaller quesadilla can also reduce the calorie count.
The calorie count for store-bought and frozen quesadillas can be found on the nutrition facts label. Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, for example, contain 300 calories per serving (128 grams).
