Kamil Perry
Chicken and cheese paninis are a popular sandwich choice, but how many calories are in this tasty treat? The answer depends on the ingredients and portion size. A chicken and cheese panini from Panera contains 370 calories for a half sandwich, while a whole sandwich could be up to 1000 calories. However, by making some substitutions, such as using reduced-fat cheese and lower-calorie bread, you can create a satisfying chicken and cheese panini at home for around 296 calories. So, whether you're watching your waistline or indulging in a hearty meal, knowing the calorie count of your chicken and cheese panini can help you make informed choices.
Chicken and Cheese Panini Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 296-550 |
| Calories in a half sandwich | 370 |
| Calories saved by using 50% reduced-fat cheese | 50 |
| Calories saved by using lower-calorie bread | 120 |
| Calories saved by not using a butter spread | 40 |
| Calories saved by not using a sauce | 240 |
| Calories in chicken | 69 |
| Calories in cheese | 100 |
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What You'll Learn
- A chicken and cheese panini can contain between 296 and 550 calories
- Substituting ingredients can reduce calories
- A chicken panini at Panera contains 370 calories
- A whole chicken panini and a bowl of chilli at Panera contain over 1000 calories
- A chicken, red pepper, and cheese panini can be made for 370 calories
A chicken and cheese panini can contain between 296 and 550 calories
A chicken and cheese panini is a tasty treat, but the calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. A chicken and cheese panini can contain between 296 and 550 calories.
On the lower end of the spectrum, a chicken and cheese panini made with careful substitutions can be a relatively low-calorie meal option. For example, using reduced-fat cheese, lower-calorie bread, and a light butter spread can significantly reduce the calorie count. One recipe using these substitutions results in a sandwich that contains only 296 calories.
On the other hand, a chicken and cheese panini from a restaurant or made without calorie-conscious substitutions can have a much higher calorie count. For instance, a chicken panini with cheese and a side of chilli from Panera contains over 1000 calories. Even a half sandwich from Panera has 370 calories.
The type of cheese and additional toppings can also impact the calorie count. For example, a chicken, red pepper, and provolone cheese panini has a total of 372 calories, with the bread contributing the most at 154 calories per serving.
So, when considering the calorie count of a chicken and cheese panini, it's important to take into account the ingredients, portion size, and whether it's a homemade or restaurant-bought sandwich. Making smart substitutions can help reduce the calorie count while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Substituting ingredients can reduce calories
A chicken and cheese panini can contain anywhere between 296 and 1000 calories. Substituting ingredients is a great way to reduce the calorie count of your panini without sacrificing taste.
Firstly, consider substituting the bread. Regular bread for a panini can contain around 154 calories per slice, whereas lower-calorie bread contains only around 34 calories per slice. That's a saving of 120 calories for a two-slice panini!
Next, let's look at the cheese. Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, but it can also be high in fat and calories. A regular slice of provolone cheese contains around 100 calories. Instead, opt for a 50% reduced-fat cheese, which will save you about 50 calories per slice.
You can also save calories by choosing a different spread. Butter typically contains around 100 calories per tablespoon. A light, butter-like spread can contain less than half of that, saving you around 50 calories per spread.
Finally, consider the fillings. Instead of using a high-calorie sauce or spread, opt for fresh herbs and spices to add flavor. For example, chives provide an oniony taste for very few calories. You can also add spinach leaves, which are nutritious and low in calories.
By making these simple substitutions, you can significantly reduce the calorie count of your chicken and cheese panini without sacrificing taste.
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A chicken panini at Panera contains 370 calories
A chicken and cheese panini from Panera contains 370 calories. This is for a half sandwich, and it can be paired with a bowl of soup. If you were to make this at home, you could save a lot of calories by making a few substitutions. For example, using reduced-fat cheese and a lower-calorie bread can save you around 170 calories.
A whole chicken and cheese panini can contain upwards of 1000 calories, especially when served with a side. However, if you make this at home, you can make a chicken and cheese panini for around 296 calories. This can be achieved by using a butter substitute, reducing the amount of butter used, and omitting sauces.
There are many ways to reduce the calorie count of a chicken and cheese panini. Using reduced-fat cheese, opting for a lower-calorie bread, and choosing a butter substitute are all effective strategies. Additionally, omitting sauces or spreads inside the panini can further reduce the calorie count.
Making mindful choices and being aware of simple substitutions can help us enjoy our favourite foods while also maintaining a balanced diet. It is all about making informed decisions and understanding that small changes can make a significant difference in terms of calorie intake.
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A whole chicken panini and a bowl of chilli at Panera contain over 1000 calories
A chicken and cheese panini is a popular choice at Panera Bread, but it's important to be mindful of the calorie content of your meal. A whole chicken panini and a bowl of chilli at Panera Bread can contain over 1000 calories, which is a significant amount for a single meal. This calorie count is likely due to the combination of cheese, bread, and chilli, all of which can be calorie-dense.
However, it's important to note that the calorie content of a chicken and cheese panini can vary depending on the ingredients and portions. For example, by making a few simple substitutions, it is possible to create a chicken and cheese panini with a significantly lower calorie count. One option is to use reduced-fat cheese, which can save about 50 calories. Another is to choose a lower-calorie bread, which can reduce the calorie count by about 120 calories for two slices.
Additionally, opting for a light butter spread instead of butter can save 40 calories, and foregoing any high-calorie sauces can also make a significant difference. In fact, by making these substitutions, you can save up to 375 calories, bringing the total calorie count of a whole panini much lower. This is a great option for those watching their calorie intake but still wanting to enjoy a tasty panini.
It's worth mentioning that a half panini at Panera Bread can contain 370 calories, which is already a substantial amount. Therefore, it's advisable to be mindful of your portion sizes and the specific ingredients used when crafting your own panini to ensure you're making a choice that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
Overall, while a chicken and cheese panini can be a delicious treat, it's important to be aware of the potential calorie content, especially when paired with a bowl of chilli. Making thoughtful substitutions and opting for a half panini can help reduce the calorie count, allowing you to enjoy your meal without compromising your dietary goals.
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A chicken, red pepper, and cheese panini can be made for 370 calories
A chicken, red pepper, and cheese panini is a tasty and satisfying meal, and it need not be a calorie-laden one. A chicken and cheese panini can be made for 370 calories or fewer, depending on the ingredients used.
Firstly, the bread: two slices of lower-calorie bread will save around 120 calories. Using a light butter substitute instead of butter will save another 40 calories.
Next, the filling: using 50% reduced-fat cheese saves around 50 calories. Two ounces of cooked chicken breast, roasted with the skin removed, will be around 69 calories. One slice (1 oz) of Provolone cheese is around 100 calories. Add some roasted red peppers for flavour—these are very low-calorie, at around 13 calories for a quarter of a cup. Some iceberg lettuce, at 2 calories per large leaf, will add crunch without adding calories.
Finally, instead of a sauce, which can add hundreds of calories, use spices like salt and pepper to taste.
This chicken, red pepper, and cheese panini comes in at 370 calories and is a tasty, lower-calorie option for a satisfying meal. It's a great example of how a few simple substitutions can make a big difference in the calorie count of a meal.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a chicken and cheese panini ranges from 296 to 550 or more, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
You can reduce the number of calories in a chicken and cheese panini by making substitutions. For example, using reduced-fat cheese, lower-calorie bread, and a butter alternative can save you about 210 calories.
A chicken, red pepper, and cheese panini can have around 370 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
Some healthy side dishes that accompany a chicken and cheese panini include a bowl of soup, a side salad, or a small bowl of ground turkey chili.
Yes, there are some low-calorie alternatives to a chicken and cheese panini. For example, you could try a chicken gyro or pita pizza, a veggie doner with feta cheese, or toasted pita triangles with hummus or baba ghanoush.
