Kamil Perry
A chicken pesto panini is a delicious mix of chicken, pesto, veggies, and cheese, all melted together on flavourful focaccia bread. But how many calories does it contain? Well, according to one source, a chicken pesto panini contains approximately 488 calories. However, another source suggests that a grilled pesto chicken panini may contain up to 576 calories. So, depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods, the calorie count for this tasty treat can vary.
Chicken Pesto Cheese Panini Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 488-576 |
| Macronutrients | 30% carbs, 37% fat, 33% protein |
| Nutrients | Potassium, calcium, choline, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants |
| Bread | Focaccia, sourdough, rye, ciabatta, baguette, whole-grain sandwich thins |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, gouda, fontina, provolone, gruyère, taleggio |
| Veggies | Arugula, roasted red peppers, bell peppers, onion |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken Pesto Panini Calories: 488 per serving
- Macronutrients: 30% carbs, 37% fat, 33% protein
- Health Benefits: good source of protein, potassium, calcium, vitamins, and minerals
- Ingredients: chicken, pesto, veggies, cheese, whole-grain sandwich thins
- Alternatives: use pre-shredded mozzarella, or other melting cheeses
Chicken Pesto Panini Calories: 488 per serving
A chicken pesto panini is a delicious option for a meal, but it is important to be aware of its calorie content. On average, a chicken pesto panini contains approximately 488 calories per serving. This calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used, but it is a good estimate to consider when making this dish.
The calorie breakdown of a chicken pesto panini is primarily composed of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. On average, about 30% of the calories come from carbohydrates, 37% from fats, and 33% from proteins. This ratio can be adjusted by changing the amounts of certain ingredients, such as using less cheese or more vegetables to reduce the fat content and increase the nutritional value.
The chicken in the panini is a good source of lean protein, and it is often seasoned with herbs and spices like oregano and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Chicken breast cutlets, which are chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise, are commonly used as they provide a substantial amount of protein while keeping the sandwich light and crispy.
The pesto in the panini is made with a combination of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and basil. Pesto is known for its high antioxidant content and heart-healthy benefits. It adds a burst of flavor to the sandwich and pairs well with the other ingredients.
Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for chicken pesto paninis as it melts well and contributes calcium and protein. However, other cheeses can also be used, such as Gouda, fontina, or provolone, depending on personal preference and nutritional goals.
To keep the calorie count in check, whole-grain sandwich thins or focaccia bread are often used instead of thicker slices of dense bread. These options provide complex carbohydrates and fiber while still giving the panini a crispy texture when grilled or toasted.
In summary, a chicken pesto panini is a tasty and relatively high-calorie meal, providing around 488 calories per serving. By adjusting the types and amounts of certain ingredients, you can customize the nutritional profile to align with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Macronutrients: 30% carbs, 37% fat, 33% protein
A chicken pesto panini is a delicious mix of chicken, pesto, veggies, and cheese, all melted together between two slices of bread. While the exact nutritional content of a chicken pesto panini will vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used, on average, a chicken pesto panini contains about 488 calories.
Carbohydrates:
Assuming 30% of the calories come from carbohydrates, there are about 146 calories from carbs in a chicken pesto panini. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, and they also contribute to the panini's texture and taste. Whole-grain sandwich thins or focaccia bread are commonly used in chicken pesto paninis, providing complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Fats:
With 37% of the total calories, fats contribute about 180 calories to the chicken pesto panini. Fats are essential for the body and contribute to taste and texture. The main sources of fat in this sandwich are the pesto, which is typically made with olive oil, and the cheese, which can be mozzarella, gouda, fontina, or other melting varieties.
Proteins:
Protein makes up about 33% of the calories in a chicken pesto panini, providing approximately 161 calories. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and various vitamins and minerals. The cheese also contributes to the protein content, offering muscle-building properties and bone-building calcium.
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Health Benefits: good source of protein, potassium, calcium, vitamins, and minerals
A chicken pesto cheese panini can be a good source of protein, potassium, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, offering a range of health benefits. Firstly, protein is one of the body's key building blocks, supporting cells, organs, and tissues. Eating protein can help you feel full for longer, increase muscle mass, improve bone density, and promote weight loss. It is particularly beneficial for older adults to prevent muscle loss and age-related sarcopenia.
Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate critical body functions. A potassium-rich diet can help reduce blood pressure and water retention, prevent osteoporosis, and protect against stroke. It also plays a role in maintaining a good fluid balance, which is crucial for optimal health.
Calcium is known for its role in supporting bone health and strength. While vitamins and minerals are organic compounds required in small amounts for various metabolic processes, keeping our bodies functioning and healthy. For example, vitamin A and B-group vitamins play a role in energy production, while vitamin D is important for bone health, muscles, and overall health.
Minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium are also essential for overall health. Iron is a component of hemoglobin, enabling red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body, and supporting muscle metabolism and connective tissue health. Zinc is necessary for overall health, while selenium is found in many foods and provides additional health benefits.
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Ingredients: chicken, pesto, veggies, cheese, whole-grain sandwich thins
A chicken pesto cheese panini made with whole-grain sandwich thins and veggies can be a delicious and relatively nutritious option. However, the calorie count of this sandwich will depend on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
Let's start with the chicken. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, with a 3-ounce serving containing around 100 calories. Darker meat, such as chicken thighs, will be higher in calories.
Now, for the pesto. Traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The calories in pesto come primarily from the olive oil and nuts, with a 2-tablespoon serving ranging from 70 to 120 calories.
As for the veggies, most vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients. For example, leafy green vegetables like lettuce are rich in vitamins A and C, while mushrooms grown in natural sunlight are a good source of vitamin D.
The cheese adds a creamy texture and a boost of flavour to the panini. Cheese is made from milk and is mostly fat and protein. The calorie count varies depending on the type of cheese and the fat content of the milk used. Hard cheeses tend to have higher calories compared to softer cheeses.
Lastly, the whole-grain sandwich thins provide a source of complex carbohydrates. While I couldn't find the exact calorie count for sandwich thins, similar products like Arnold Sandwich Thins 100% Whole Wheat Rolls have around 100 calories per serving.
In summary, the calorie content of your chicken pesto cheese panini will depend on the specific ingredients and their quantities. As a rough estimate, the sandwich may range from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the portion sizes and the types of ingredients used.
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Alternatives: use pre-shredded mozzarella, or other melting cheeses
A chicken pesto panini is a delicious and relatively nutritious option for a meal, providing protein, potassium, and calcium. The calorie count of a chicken pesto panini can vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method, but on average, it contains around 488 to 576 calories.
Now, let's talk about the cheese! Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice for this sandwich as it has a creamy texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. It also has the benefit of being lower in fat and sodium compared to other cheeses, making it a healthier option. However, if you don't have access to fresh mozzarella or prefer the convenience of pre-shredded cheese, you can definitely use that instead. Pre-shredded mozzarella will still melt nicely and provide that gooey, stretchy texture that we all love in a panini.
Using pre-shredded mozzarella can be a timesaver and may even reduce waste if you only need a small amount. It's also a more affordable option in some cases. The main difference between fresh mozzarella and its pre-shredded counterpart is the moisture content. Fresh mozzarella has a higher water content, which gives it that signature creamy texture. Pre-shredded mozzarella is often treated to absorb moisture, which can make it a bit drier and less creamy. However, when melted between the warm, crispy bread of a panini, pre-shredded mozzarella can still achieve a nice, gooey consistency.
If you're feeling adventurous or want to experiment with different flavours, you can also substitute other melting cheeses for the mozzarella. Gouda, fontina, provolone, Gruyère, and Taleggio are all excellent options that will melt beautifully and add their unique flavour profiles to the sandwich. You can even get creative and mix a couple of your favourite melting cheeses together. Just keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary depending on the type of cheese you choose, so check the labels if you're watching your fat or sodium intake.
So, whether you stick with the classic fresh mozzarella, opt for the convenience of pre-shredded mozzarella, or venture into new territories with different melting cheeses, your chicken pesto panini is sure to be a tasty treat. Enjoy the gooey, crispy, flavourful creation, knowing that you've tailored it to your preferences and made the most of those melting cheeses!
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken pesto panini contains around 488 calories.
Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for chicken pesto paninis as it is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses.
You can use traditional panini bread, ciabatta, sourdough, rye, or baguette.
Depending on your height, weight, and physical activity, it could take between 48 minutes of swimming to 160 minutes of walking to burn off the calories in a chicken pesto panini.
