Bushra Griffith
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are a delicious combination of chicken, cheese, and tortillas, but how many calories do they contain? Well, that depends on the recipe, brand, and size of the quesadilla. The average chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant contains around 500 calories, while a restaurant cheese quesadilla can range from 342 to 714 calories depending on its size. To reduce the calorie count, you can use low-fat cheese, lean meat, and add plenty of low-calorie vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490-529 |
| Protein | 27 grams or more |
| Fat | 27 grams or more |
| Carbohydrates | 43 grams or more |
| Fiber | 3 grams or more |
| Sugar | 3 grams or more |
| Sodium | 1,340 milligrams or more |
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What You'll Learn
Calorie counts vary depending on the recipe, brand, and serving size
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese quesadilla varies depending on several factors, primarily the recipe, brand, and serving size. Chicken quesadillas are generally high in calories, with the average fast-food chicken quesadilla containing approximately 529 calories per serving (180 grams). However, calorie counts can range from 300 to 714 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients, portion size, and preparation methods used.
Brand and recipe play a significant role in determining the calorie count. For instance, a standard chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell typically starts at 500 calories, while their Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla contains only 200 calories. Similarly, Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, including a guacamole pouch, offer a 128-gram serving with 300 calories.
The size of the quesadilla also affects its calorie content. A large, 8- to 10-inch diameter cheese quesadilla from a restaurant can contain up to 714 calories, while a smaller, 5- to 6-inch diameter option has significantly fewer calories, typically around 342 per serving.
Additionally, the ingredients used can substantially impact the calorie count. Using low-fat cheese, lean meat, and adding bulk to the quesadilla with low-calorie vegetables like peppers and spinach can reduce the overall calorie content. Cooking with minimal butter also helps lower the calorie count.
It's important to note that the cooking method and specific brands of ingredients used can also influence the calorie count. Checking the nutrition label on store-bought options or inquiring about nutritional information at restaurants can provide more precise calorie counts for chicken and cheese quesadillas.
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A standard chicken quesadilla has around 500 calories
The calorie count for a chicken quesadilla can also depend on the ingredients used. For instance, adding vegetables in place of some of the chicken and cheese can reduce the calorie count. Using low-fat cheese and lean meat with the fat trimmed away can also lower the calorie content. Additionally, cooking with a minimal amount of butter can make a difference in the overall calorie count.
The size of the quesadilla also affects the calorie count. A larger 8- to 10-inch diameter cheese quesadilla from a restaurant can have around 714 calories, while a smaller 5- to 6-inch diameter quesadilla may have around 342 calories. Similarly, the Evol Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla, which is a smaller serving size of 128 grams, contains 300 calories.
It's important to note that the calorie count for a chicken quesadilla can vary significantly depending on where it's purchased and the specific ingredients used. Some restaurants may provide nutrition information online or on their menus, while others may require customers to inquire directly with kitchen staff. Checking the nutrition label for store-bought options is also recommended to get the most accurate calorie count.
Overall, a standard chicken quesadilla typically has around 500 calories, but this can vary depending on various factors such as recipe, brand, ingredients, and serving size. To make a more informed decision about your food choices, it's always a good idea to check the nutrition facts or ask for detailed information from the source.
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Calorie counts can be found on nutrition labels or online
For instance, a standard steak or chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell starts at 500 calories, while a cheese quesadilla starts at 450 calories. The calorie count for a Wawa chicken and cheese quesadilla without toppings but with one packet of sour cream is 490 calories. Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas with one included guacamole pouch are 128 grams and contain 300 calories.
If you are eating a restaurant cheese quesadilla, the calorie count may be available online or from the chef. For store-bought and frozen options, check the nutrition facts label on the packaging for the calorie information. Some restaurants may also provide nutrition information online, on the menu, or by speaking to the kitchen staff.
Additionally, you can use a calorie-counting app, such as the Mist app, to estimate the calorie content of your meal if you know the ingredients.
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Using low-fat cheese and lean meat can reduce calories
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are generally high in calories, with the average fast-food quesadilla containing 529 calories per serving. However, you can reduce the calorie count by using low-fat cheese and lean meat.
Low-fat cheese is a great way to reduce the overall calorie content of your quesadilla. Opt for low-fat or fat-free cheeses, such as low-fat cottage cheese, which has around 163 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per cup (226 grams). Other low-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk are also good alternatives and provide a good source of protein.
When it comes to meat, lean meat is the way to go. Lean meats have a lower fat content than other cuts of meat, typically containing less than 10 grams of total fat, less than 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams of cooked meat. Skinless white poultry meat, including chicken breast and turkey breast, is an excellent source of lean protein with minimal fat. A 4-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast has around 26 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat. Removing the skin helps reduce the fat content, making it a healthier option for those looking to limit saturated fat intake.
Other lean meat options include white-fleshed fish like cod, haddock, and tilapia, which are low in fat and calories while being rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Pork loin is another lean choice, providing high-quality protein and lower fat content, along with beneficial nutrients like thiamine. If you're a beef eater, tenderloin (filet mignon) and 93% lean ground beef are the leanest options, followed by sirloin.
By using low-fat cheese and lean meat in your chicken and cheese quesadillas, you can significantly reduce the calorie count while still enjoying a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Adding vegetables can lower the calorie count
Chicken and cheese quesadillas are generally high in calories. The calorie count depends on the size of the quesadilla and the recipe or brand. An average chicken and cheese quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant contains 529 calories per serving, with 180 grams of weight. Taco Bell's quesadillas start at 500 calories, while Wawa's chicken and cheese quesadilla (with no toppings and one packet of sour cream) contains 490 calories.
To reduce the calorie count of chicken and cheese quesadillas, adding vegetables is a great option. Vegetables are low in calories and can replace some of the chicken and cheese in the quesadilla, which are higher in calories. This simple substitution will result in a more nutritious meal with a lower calorie density.
Low-calorie vegetables such as peppers and spinach are excellent choices to bulk up your quesadillas. They add volume, texture, and a boost of vitamins and minerals without significantly increasing the calorie count. Additionally, opting for low-fat cheese and lean meat with the fat trimmed away can further reduce the calorie content.
For example, Evol's Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas, which come with a guacamole pouch, offer a serving size of 128 grams and contain 300 calories. This option may include vegetables, leaner meats, and lower-fat cheeses to reduce the calorie count while maintaining a satisfying portion size.
When preparing chicken and cheese quesadillas at home, adding vegetables, reducing the amount of butter or oil used during cooking, and choosing leaner proteins can all contribute to lowering the calorie count. This allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of a quesadilla while making it a more balanced and nutritious meal option.
In summary, chicken and cheese quesadillas are typically calorie-dense, but by incorporating vegetables, we can create a more nutritious and satisfying meal with a lower calorie count. This approach aligns with the idea of mindful eating, where we focus on the quality and nutritional value of our food choices, ensuring that our meals fuel our bodies and support our overall health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard chicken quesadilla from Taco Bell contains around 500 calories.
A chicken and cheese quesadilla from Wawa contains 490 calories. This includes a packet of sour cream but no other toppings.
The USDA estimates that a chicken quesadilla from a fast-food restaurant weighs 180 grams and contains 529 calories.
You can reduce the calorie count by using low-fat cheese and lean meat with the fat trimmed away. You can also bulk up your quesadilla with low-calorie vegetables like peppers and spinach, and use a minimal amount of butter when cooking.
