Calorie Count: Chicken Cheese Enchiladas

The calorie count of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can vary depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. A homemade enchilada can range from 197 to 510 calories, with the calorie count increasing with the use of full-fat cheese, dark chicken meat, and a sauce high in fat. Restaurant-style enchiladas can exceed 1000 calories, while refrigerated or frozen options may have fewer calories, ranging from 140 to 357 calories per enchilada.

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Calories depend on ingredients

The calorie count of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas depends on the ingredients used and their quantities. The type of cheese, chicken cut, tortilla variety, and sauce ingredients and amount all influence the calorie content.

For example, a single chicken enchilada made with full-fat cheese, dark chicken meat, and topped with a green chili white sauce can contain around 510 calories. Of these, approximately 220 calories come from fat, constituting around 43% of the total calorie count.

Using reduced-fat cheese and poached chicken breast can lower the calorie count. A 283-gram serving of commercially prepared frozen chicken enchiladas with white chicken meat and a corn tortilla topped with ancho chili sauce may contain around 320 calories.

The calorie count can also vary based on the source of the enchiladas. Frozen, refrigerated, restaurant, and homemade versions differ in their nutritional content. Restaurant-style grilled chicken enchiladas, for instance, can exceed 1,000 calories, while some restaurants offer healthier options with only 140 calories per serving.

Additionally, the size of the enchilada matters. One source estimates that a 6-inch long and 6-inch diameter tortilla rolled enchilada contains approximately 197 calories.

Chicken breast is lower-calorie

The calorie count of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas varies depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. However, chicken breast is lower in calories than other cuts of chicken.

A typical serving of one 283-gram homemade enchilada made with full-fat cheese, dark chicken meat, and topped with a green chili white sauce can contain around 510 calories. Of these 510 calories, approximately 220 calories, or 43% of the total calorie count, come from fat.

By using reduced-fat cheese and chicken breast, you can significantly lower the calorie and fat content of your enchiladas. Chicken breast is a leaner cut of meat compared to dark chicken meat, such as thighs or legs, and therefore contains less fat and fewer calories.

For example, a 283-gram serving of commercially prepared frozen chicken enchiladas made with white chicken meat (chicken breast) and topped with ancho chili sauce contains approximately 320 calories. This option has 90 fewer calories than the previous example, showcasing how using chicken breast can reduce the overall calorie count.

Additionally, a single enchilada made with chicken breast, cheese, onion, and sour cream can contain around 436 calories. While this may seem high, it is important to consider the portion size. This recipe yields eight enchiladas, so consuming two enchiladas would result in a calorie intake of around 872, which is still within a reasonable range for a meal.

In summary, when making homemade chicken cheese enchiladas, using chicken breast instead of darker meat can help reduce the calorie count. This is because chicken breast is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing the right ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious dish while maintaining a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates and protein content

The carbohydrate and protein content of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas will depend on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. The type of cheese, chicken cut, tortilla variety, and sauce ingredients all influence the nutritional composition of the dish.

Let's consider the carbohydrate content first. Carbohydrates are a significant energy source in enchiladas. The carbohydrate content of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can vary. For example, a serving of two refrigerated enchiladas from a grocery store or deli may provide around 56 grams of carbohydrates in total. On the other hand, a single 283-gram homemade enchilada, prepared with full-fat cheese, dark chicken meat, and topped with a green chili white sauce, can offer 44 grams of carbohydrates. Approximately 6% of these carbohydrates may come from dietary fiber.

Now, let's discuss the protein content. Protein is another essential macronutrient found in chicken cheese enchiladas. The protein content of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can also vary. For instance, a serving of two refrigerated enchiladas from a store or deli may provide approximately 40 grams of protein in total. In contrast, a single 283-gram homemade enchilada, as mentioned earlier, can offer 29 grams of protein. Chicken and cheese are the primary sources of protein in this dish.

It is worth noting that the protein content of an enchilada can be influenced by the type of cheese used. For example, a single chicken enchilada with cheese, measuring 6 inches long and with a 6-inch diameter tortilla, provides 15.2 grams of protein. This contributes to the overall protein content of a serving of two enchiladas.

In summary, the carbohydrate and protein content of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods. The type of cheese, chicken cut, tortilla variety, and sauce ingredients all play a role in determining the nutritional profile of this dish.

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Calories vary by preparation

The calorie count of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can vary depending on the ingredients and methods used during preparation. The type of cheese, chicken cut, tortilla variety, sauce ingredients, and portion size all influence the calorie content of the dish.

For example, a single homemade chicken cheese enchilada made with full-fat cheese, dark chicken meat, and topped with a green chili white sauce can contain around 510 calories. Of these 510 calories, approximately 220 calories, or 43% of the total calorie count, come from fat. This option also provides 9 grams of saturated fat, 90 milligrams of cholesterol, 44 grams of carbohydrates, 29 grams of protein, and 890 milligrams of sodium.

On the other hand, a single chicken cheese enchilada made with reduced-fat cheese and poached chicken breast will be lower in calories and fat. While specific calorie counts for this variation are unavailable, it is reasonable to expect a notable decrease in calories, especially from fat.

The sauce used in chicken cheese enchiladas also plays a significant role in the calorie count. A single enchilada topped with a rich, spicy sauce can provide around 411.8 calories per cup, with 17.6 grams of fat and 35.3 grams of carbohydrates. However, an enchilada smothered in a different type of sauce, such as an ancho chili sauce, can offer a different calorie count.

The portion size of the enchilada also affects the calorie intake. A single 6-inch long, 6-inch diameter tortilla rolled into an enchilada can provide approximately 197 calories. Therefore, two enchiladas of this size would result in a higher calorie count.

In summary, the calorie count of two homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can vary due to differences in ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes. The specific type of cheese, chicken cut, tortilla, sauce, and serving size all contribute to the overall calorie content of the dish.

Restaurant vs. homemade calories

The calorie count of chicken cheese enchiladas varies depending on whether they are homemade or from a restaurant. A typical serving of one 283-gram homemade enchilada might contain 510 calories, with about 43% of the calories coming from fat. However, this can be reduced by using reduced-fat cheese and poached chicken breast. On the other hand, a restaurant-style grilled chicken enchilada without rice or beans can contain more than 1000 calories, with 47 grams of fat and 20 grams of saturated fat. Some restaurants offer healthier options with only 140 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 1 gram of saturated fat.

Chicken enchiladas can be a nutritious option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. They are typically made with corn tortillas, which are a good source of fiber and resistant starch. Enchiladas are usually filled with protein-rich ingredients like chicken or beef and can be topped with cheese, adding to their nutritional value. However, the type of cheese and the preparation method can significantly impact the calorie and fat content.

When it comes to restaurant-style enchiladas, the serving size and ingredients can vary widely. A typical fresh chicken enchilada from a restaurant might contain 357 calories and 18 grams of fat. It is also important to consider the sodium content, as a single serving could have nearly 1400 milligrams of sodium. Restaurants often serve enchiladas with a side of sour cream and cheese, increasing the saturated fat content.

In contrast, homemade enchiladas allow for greater control over the ingredients and portion sizes. By choosing leaner proteins, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding extra vegetables, it is possible to create a healthier version of this dish. For example, a 6-inch long, 6-inch diameter tortilla rolled enchilada with chicken and cheese contains approximately 197 calories.

Overall, both restaurant and homemade chicken cheese enchiladas can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. However, it is important to be mindful of the calorie, fat, and sodium content, especially when eating out, as restaurant versions tend to be higher in these areas. Preparing enchiladas at home enables individuals to make healthier choices and customize the dish according to their nutritional needs and preferences.

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