Bushra Griffith
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be stuffed with chicken, pork, beef, steak, and cheese. A chicken and cheese tamale from Del Real Foods contains three types of cheese: mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. While there is no exact calorie count for a chicken and cheese tamale, a chicken tamale contains about 246 calories, and a single tamale contains about 285 calories.
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What You'll Learn
A chicken tamale has around 246 calories
Chicken tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa or dough, typically steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. They are often filled with chicken, cheese, and other ingredients such as vegetables and spices. The calorie count of a chicken tamale will depend on the specific ingredients and their quantities used in the recipe.
In addition to calories, chicken tamales also provide other nutritional values. They can be a good source of protein, with one tamale containing up to 12 grams of protein on average. They also offer vitamins and minerals that support an active and healthy lifestyle.
It is worth noting that the cooking method can affect the calorie count of chicken tamales. For example, traditional tamales were cooked by being buried in hot ashes, which may impact the calorie content differently compared to steaming or other modern cooking methods.
When it comes to chicken and cheese tamales specifically, the addition of cheese will also influence the calorie count. Different types of cheese have varying calorie contents, so the choice of cheese used in the tamale will be a factor in the overall calorie count.
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Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish
Today, tamales are a popular dish in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, and they come in a variety of flavors and fillings. One popular type of tamale is the chicken and cheese tamale, which combines savory chicken with a variety of cheeses. This type of tamale is a specialty of Delia's, a company that offers Mexican-style tamales. Their chicken and cheese tamales are made with chicken and cheese wrapped in a perfectly portioned masa tamale. Del Real Foods also offers a similar product, their Chicken & 3 Cheese Tamales, which are filled with chicken and three types of cheese: mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. These tamales are then wrapped in stone-ground corn masa.
While the exact nutritional content of chicken and cheese tamales may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used, we can estimate the calorie content based on the information available for chicken tamales in general. According to one source, a chicken tamale contains approximately 246 calories per serving. Another source provides a slightly lower estimate of 190 calories per serving for a green chile chicken tamale. However, it's important to note that the calorie count can vary depending on the cooking method and the specific ingredients used.
In addition to their delicious taste, tamales also offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals that support an active and healthy lifestyle. They can be a good source of protein, with an average of 12 grams of protein per tamale, helping to transport nutrients throughout the body and support cell growth and repair. Tamales can also provide a good amount of fiber, depending on the ingredients used.
Whether you're enjoying them at a birthday party, graduation celebration, family reunion, or Christmas dinner, tamales are a delicious and nutritious traditional Mexican dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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They are made of masa or dough
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese tamale varies depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. While I couldn't find the exact calorie count for a chicken and cheese tamale, a chicken tamale typically contains around 246 calories. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa or dough. The masa is typically made from corn and is wrapped around a filling, which can include various ingredients such as chicken, beef, pork, cheese, or vegetables.
The process of making tamales involves preparing the masa or dough, which serves as the base of the dish. The masa is made from corn, which is typically ground into a fine flour. This flour is then mixed with other ingredients to create a dough-like consistency. The specific ingredients and proportions used can vary depending on regional preferences and traditional recipes. Some common additional ingredients include lard, salt, and spices, which enhance the flavor and texture of the masa.
The masa or dough is then flattened or rolled out into thin layers. This step is important as it creates the wrapper for the filling. The thickness of the layer can vary depending on the desired texture and cooking method. Thinner layers may be preferred for a crispier tamale, while thicker layers can result in a softer and more moist texture.
After preparing the masa, the filling is placed in the center of the layer. In the case of chicken and cheese tamales, the filling would typically include cooked chicken and a combination of cheeses. The type of cheese used can vary, but common choices include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar for their melting ability and flavor.
Once the filling is placed, the tamale is carefully wrapped. The masa layer is folded over the filling and sealed, ensuring that the filling is completely enclosed. This process creates a compact package that can be easily picked up and eaten. The sealed tamale is then typically steamed or boiled, cooking the masa and melting the cheese, resulting in a delicious blend of flavors.
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Chicken, pork, beef, steak, and cheese are common fillings
The calorie count of a chicken and cheese tamale varies depending on the ingredients used and the size of the tamale. While one source states that a large chicken tamale typically contains 305 calories, another source states that a chicken tamale contains 246 calories. It is worth noting that the calorie count can increase when ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, or pork drippings are added.
The nutritional content of tamales can be improved by making some strategic swaps to the recipe. For example, using vegetable oil instead of lard can reduce the saturated fat content. Choosing lean meats, such as shredded chicken breast or ground turkey, and adding fiber-rich beans and vegetables to the filling can also increase the nutritional value.
While tamales are generally considered healthy due to being steamed instead of fried, it is important to watch your portions because of their fat and carbohydrate content. However, tamales can be a good source of protein and fiber, and they also offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals that support an active and healthy lifestyle.
Chicken and cheese tamales are a popular variation, featuring a combination of savory chicken and cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar wrapped in a stone-ground corn masa. The specific ingredients and cooking methods can vary, but the result is a delicious and convenient meal option for families.
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One tamale has about 12 grams of protein
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish, with the word "tamale" derived from the Aztec word "tamalii", which means "wrapped food". They are made by stuffing masa dough with a filling of meat, cheese, chilli peppers, or beans, and then steaming the mixture inside a corn husk or banana leaf. They are considered healthy, especially because they are steamed instead of fried.
Chicken and cheese tamales are a popular variety of this dish, with one large chicken tamale typically containing around 305 calories. However, the exact calorie count can vary depending on the ingredients used in the filling. For example, adding cheese, sour cream, or pork drippings can increase the calorie count.
Chicken tamales offer a good amount of protein, with one tamale containing about 12 grams of protein. This is ideal for transporting nutrients throughout your body and building and repairing cells. The protein content can be increased by choosing lean meats such as chicken breast or ground turkey for the filling.
In addition to protein, tamales provide a good source of vitamins and minerals that support an active and healthy lifestyle. They contain essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin C. However, due to their fat and carbohydrate content, it is important to watch your portions when consuming tamales.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken and cheese tamale contains around 246 calories.
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar cheese are used in chicken and cheese tamales.
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (dough) that is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf and stuffed with meat and other fillings.
Tamales can be made with chicken, pork, beef, or steak.
Tamales offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals and are a good source of protein and fiber. However, they can also be high in fat and sodium, especially if made with lard.
