Bushra Griffith
Chicken tacos are a tasty treat, but how many calories do they contain? Well, that depends on the ingredients and where you buy them from. A chicken taco from Taco Bell, for example, contains 120 calories, whereas a chicken crispy taco from Taco Bueno contains 100 calories. If you're making chicken tacos at home, the calorie count will depend on the ingredients you use. A small corn tortilla usually contains 50-60 calories, grilled chicken has around 30-40 calories per ounce, and onions have about 5-10 calories. So, a chicken taco made with two small corn tortillas, 2-3 ounces of grilled chicken, and some onions could have anywhere from 175 to 270 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a chicken taco without cheese from Taco Bell | 120 calories |
| Calories in a chicken crispy taco without cheese from Taco Bueno | 100 calories |
| Calories in a corn tortilla | 50-60 calories |
| Calories in chicken (assuming grilled or cooked without much oil) | 30-40 calories per ounce |
| Calories in onions | 5-10 calories |
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What You'll Learn
Taco Bell's crunchy chicken taco has 120 calories
The calorie count of a chicken taco can vary depending on the ingredients and their quantities. For example, a small corn tortilla typically has 50-60 calories, and two tortillas are usually used per taco. Chicken that is grilled or cooked with minimal oil has around 30-40 calories per ounce, and a taco usually contains 2-3 ounces of chicken. Onions, which are also commonly found in chicken tacos, have very few calories, with approximately 5-10 calories used in a taco.
The cooking oil and amount of chicken used are the main factors that influence the calorie count of a chicken taco. By adjusting the quantities of these ingredients, the calorie content of a chicken taco can be modified to fit specific dietary needs or preferences.
Taco Bell's crunchy chicken taco, with its 120-calorie count, offers a balanced option for those seeking a tasty yet relatively low-calorie meal. This taco provides a satisfying combination of flavors and textures while being mindful of calorie intake.
When considering the nutritional value of any food item, including the crunchy chicken taco from Taco Bell, it is important to look beyond just the calorie count. The macronutrient breakdown, including protein, carbohydrate, and fat content, also plays a crucial role in understanding the nutritional profile of a meal. Additionally, the presence of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber can contribute to the overall nutritional quality.
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Taco Bueno's chicken crispy taco has 100 calories
Taco Bueno's original crispy taco is served in a crunchy corn tortilla, which typically contributes about 50-60 calories to the taco. The chicken filling, assuming it is grilled or cooked with minimal oil, adds approximately 60-120 calories. Onions, which are commonly included, have very few calories, contributing around 5-10 calories to the taco.
The absence of cheese in Taco Bueno's chicken crispy taco significantly reduces the calorie count. Cheese can add a substantial amount of calories, as seen in the Taco Bueno chicken crispy taco with cheese, which contains 170 calories. The macronutrient breakdown of the cheesy taco is 27% carbs, 46% fat, and 27% protein.
When considering the daily calorie intake recommendation of 2,000 calories, Taco Bueno's chicken crispy taco without cheese is a relatively light option. However, it's important to remember that calorie needs vary, and the recommended daily value may be higher or lower depending on individual energy requirements.
In summary, Taco Bueno's chicken crispy taco without cheese is a calorie-conscious choice with its 100-calorie count. The absence of cheese and the potential variation in ingredients and nutritional values across locations should be considered when making dietary decisions.
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Corn tortillas contribute 50-60 calories each
When it comes to the calorie count of a chicken taco without cheese, one of the key components is the corn tortilla. Corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and a popular choice for tacos due to their delicious flavour and texture. In terms of calorie content, corn tortillas typically contribute 50–60 calories each. This calorie range is based on the standard size of a small corn tortilla, which is commonly used for tacos.
It's important to note that the total calorie count of a chicken taco will depend on the number of tortillas used. Tacos are typically made with two corn tortillas, so the calorie contribution from the tortillas alone would be approximately 100–120 calories. This forms a significant portion of the overall calorie count of the taco.
The corn tortilla serves as the base of the taco, providing structure and substance to the dish. It is usually made from ground corn, water, and a pinch of salt, giving it a mildly sweet and nutty flavour. The process of making corn tortillas involves cooking the corn dough, known as "masa," between two heated plates, resulting in a thin, pliable, and slightly toasted tortilla.
The calorie content of corn tortillas can vary slightly depending on their size and the specific ingredients used in their preparation. Some variations may include the addition of vegetable oil or lard, which can increase the calorie count. However, the range of 50–60 calories per small corn tortilla is a good estimate for calculating the overall calories in a chicken taco without cheese.
When building your chicken taco, you can make adjustments to the other ingredients to fit your desired calorie intake. While the corn tortillas form the foundation, you can control the amount of chicken, toppings, and sauces added to customise the taco to your taste and nutritional needs. So, whether you're aiming for a more indulgent treat or a lighter snack, corn tortillas provide a versatile and tasty option for your taco creations.
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Chicken breast, grilled, adds 30-40 calories per ounce
The calorie count of a chicken taco without cheese depends on the ingredients used and their quantities. Chicken breasts, when grilled without much oil, contribute about 30-40 calories per ounce to a taco. Tacos typically contain 2-3 ounces of chicken, amounting to 60-120 calories.
A chicken taco without cheese typically has 175 to 270 calories. This range is influenced by the cooking oil used and the amount of chicken in the taco.
For example, a crunchy chicken taco from Taco Bell without cheese contains 120 calories.
When preparing chicken tacos, individuals can control the calorie content by adjusting the amount of chicken and cooking oil used. Grilling chicken breasts without oil adds minimal calories, while frying or using excessive oil can significantly increase the calorie count.
Additionally, the type of tortilla and other ingredients can impact the overall calorie count. Corn tortillas, for instance, typically contribute 50-60 calories each to a taco. Onions, on the other hand, add very few calories, with a typical amount used in a taco contributing around 5-10 calories.
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Onions add 5-10 calories
A chicken taco without cheese can range from 175 to 270 calories. The calorie count depends on the amount of chicken and cooking oil used. For example, a taco with 2-3 ounces of chicken cooked with minimal oil will contain 60-120 calories from the meat.
Onions, a common taco ingredient, add only 5-10 calories to the overall calorie count. This is because onions are mostly water, carbohydrates, and fiber. They are also rich in plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals, which provide numerous health benefits. For example, onions contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds, which may protect against cancer and improve heart health.
The specific type of onion can also affect the nutritional content. Red and yellow onions have higher antioxidant content than white onions. Onions also contain fructans, a type of fiber that can feed beneficial gut bacteria but may cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
Overall, onions are a flavorful addition to chicken tacos, contributing a small number of calories while providing various essential nutrients and health benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken taco without cheese can range from approximately 175 to 270 calories, depending on the cooking method and the amount of chicken used.
The calorie breakdown of a chicken taco can be estimated as follows: corn tortilla (50-60 calories), chicken (60-120 calories), and onions (5-10 calories).
Yes, a crunchy chicken taco from Taco Bell without cheese is listed as having 120 calories.
Cheese will add extra calories to the taco, depending on the type and amount used.
Yes, there are apps like Mist that can provide an estimate of the calories in your taco based on the ingredients used.
