Randy Chandler
Chicken, cheese, and rice is a hearty and comforting dish, popular in American and Tex-Mex cuisine. The calorie count of this dish depends on the ingredients and their quantities used. One estimate puts the calorie count at 377.4 for one cup of chicken, cheese, and rice, while another estimate for 8 ⅝ oz of the dish is 220 calories. The calorie count for the individual ingredients can also be calculated, with one estimate for a large portion of chicken and sauce being 600-800 calories, and a large bowl of rice being around 800 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 377.4 per cup or 220 per 8 ⅝ oz |
| Protein | 23.6 grams |
| Fat | 14.2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 42.5 grams |
| Calories from Fat | 127.8 |
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What You'll Learn
Mexican chicken, rice and cheese sauce
Mexican chicken, rice, and cheese sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be served as a bowl or wrapped in a flour tortilla. The chicken is seasoned with Mexican spices and grilled to perfection, while the rice is cooked with butter and spices, giving it a unique flavour. The dish is then topped with a creamy cheese sauce that takes it to the next level.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Mexican spices (such as cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cilantro)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil for grilling
For the rice:
- Rice of your choice (white, brown, or Mexican rice)
- Butter or oil
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Mexican spices (such as cumin, chili powder, and cilantro)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese sauce:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces or leaving them whole if you prefer. Season the chicken generously with Mexican spices, salt, and pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in a fajita spice mix for extra flavour.
- Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Grill the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, achieving a crispy skin. Set the chicken aside and keep it warm.
- For the rice, rinse and drain it, then toast it in a skillet with butter or oil for a few minutes. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and spices, bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a couple of minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the dish by serving the chicken and rice together in a bowl, topping it with the creamy cheese sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- For a more casual presentation, serve the chicken, rice, and cheese sauce separately, allowing your guests to build their own bowls or wrap them in flour tortillas. Provide various toppings and sauces such as sour cream, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, or taco sauce.
Nutritional Information
The calorie count for this Mexican chicken, rice, and cheese sauce dish can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes. According to one source, the rice could contribute about 800 calories, the chicken and sauce around 600-800 calories, amounting to a total of approximately 1600 calories for a large serving. However, this may differ based on individual recipes and ingredient choices. For example, a serving of Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice (8 ⅝ oz) contains 220 calories with a macronutrient breakdown of 46% carbs, 26% fat, and 29% protein.
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Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice
Healthy eating is all about making the right choices, and Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice is a great option for a nutritious meal. This tasty dish contains 220 calories per 8 ⅝ oz serving, with a balanced macronutrient breakdown of 46% carbs, 26% fat, and 29% protein.
The Healthy Choice brand offers a range of chicken and rice dishes, including a soup and an Asian-inspired meal. The soup features tender morsels of white-meat chicken and rice in a classic broth, while the steamer meal includes chicken breast, whole grain brown rice, edamame, carrots, and scrambled eggs in a tangy sesame sauce. Both options sound delicious and are minimally processed, made with natural ingredients, and free from artificial additives.
Chicken and rice are a great source of lean protein and carbohydrates, providing energy and essential amino acids. Adding cheese to the mix boosts the fat and protein content, making this a filling and satisfying meal. The addition of vegetables in the Healthy Choice meals also contributes to a well-rounded nutritional profile, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
When it comes to calories, it's important to remember that not all sources of calories are equal. The chicken, rice, and cheese in this dish provide a good balance of macronutrients, which is key to a healthy diet. While the calorie count may seem high at first glance, it's important to consider the portion size and the nutritional value offered by each ingredient.
In comparison to similar dishes, Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice is a nutritious option. A Mexican rice, chicken, and cheese dish, for example, may contain upwards of 1600 calories, depending on portion size. The Healthy Choice meal is a more controlled and balanced option, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal without compromising your health goals.
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Chicken, rice, cheese nutritional value
Chicken, rice, and cheese is a hearty and delicious dish, popular in various cuisines, especially American and Tex-Mex. This comforting meal offers a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, providing both flavour and nutrition.
A one-cup serving of chicken, rice, and cheese weighs around 235.8 grams and provides approximately 377 calories. The dish contains 23.6 grams of protein, contributing to muscle growth and repair. It also includes 14.2 grams of fat, essential for energy and the absorption of certain vitamins. Furthermore, with 42.5 grams of carbohydrates, this meal delivers a good source of energy for the body and brain.
Breaking down the macronutrients, we see that carbohydrates make up 46% of the total calories, while fat contributes 26%, and protein makes up 29%. This balance ensures the dish provides sustained energy and supports various bodily functions.
The protein in chicken, rice, and cheese comes primarily from the chicken, while the cheese adds calcium, essential for bone health. Adding a side of vegetables boosts the nutritional value further, making it a healthy and satisfying meal choice.
While chicken, rice, and cheese offer a good balance of nutrients, it's important to remember that individual calorie needs vary. The recommended daily calorie intake is generally around 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 calories for men, but this can differ based on age, activity level, and other factors. Therefore, chicken, rice, and cheese can fit within a balanced diet when consumed in appropriate portions.
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Calories in cooked chicken, Mexican rice and queso
The calorie count for a meal of cooked chicken, Mexican rice, and queso depends on the ingredients and serving sizes.
For example, a serving of Mexican chicken and rice containing Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breast (6 oz), Minute Rice (0.38 cups), Kraft Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (0.25 cups), yellow sweet corn (0.5 cups), salsa (0.5 cups), Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil (0.25 tbsp), green peppers (0.25 cups), chicken broth (0.25 cups), and black pepper (0.25 tsp) amounts to 483 calories.
On the other hand, 8 ⅝ oz of Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice contains 220 calories.
A large bowl of Mexican rice could amount to 800 calories, while the chicken and queso sauce could be anywhere between 600 to 800 and 400 to 500 calories, respectively.
It's important to note that calorie counts can vary based on the specific ingredients, brands, and cooking methods used. Additionally, the accuracy of these estimates may be impacted by the portion sizes served.
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Chicken cheese and rice macronutrients
Chicken, cheese, and rice is a hearty and delicious dish, popular in various cuisines, especially American and Tex-Mex. While it is a comforting and flavorful meal, it's important to be mindful of the macronutrient content to ensure it aligns with your dietary goals.
A one-cup serving of chicken, cheese, and rice provides approximately 377 calories. This serving size offers 23.6 grams of protein, contributing to muscle growth and repair. The dish also contains 14.2 grams of fat, which helps with the absorption of certain vitamins and promotes satiety. Furthermore, you'll get 42.5 grams of carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy for your body.
The macronutrient breakdown of this dish is important to consider. In this case, 46% of the calories come from carbohydrates, 26% from fat, and 29% from protein. This ratio ensures a balanced intake of these essential nutrients. However, it's worth noting that the specific macronutrient composition can vary based on the ingredients used and the cooking methods employed.
When it comes to chicken, cheese, and rice, the chicken breast is typically the leanest cut of meat, offering a good source of protein with lower fat content. Using different types of cheese can also impact the macronutrients. For example, choosing a low-fat cheese can reduce the overall fat content of the dish. Additionally, the type of rice used, such as brown or white rice, can affect the fiber and nutrient content.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that while this dish offers a good balance of macronutrients, it's important to pair it with a variety of vegetables or a side salad to boost the micronutrient content of your meal, ensuring you get a wide range of vitamins and minerals. This way, you can enjoy the comfort and taste of chicken, cheese, and rice while also meeting your nutritional needs.
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Frequently asked questions
One cup of chicken, cheese, and rice contains approximately 377 calories. However, this may vary depending on the amount of chicken, cheese, and rice consumed, as well as the method of preparation and cooking.
An 8 ⅝ oz serving of Healthy Choice cheesy chicken and rice contains 220 calories.
The macronutrient breakdown for chicken, cheese, and rice is approximately 42.5 grams of carbohydrates, 14.2 grams of fat, and 23.6 grams of protein per cup.
Yes, it is important to consider the calorie count of any dish when managing weight through calorie intake control. Chicken, cheese, and rice can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and complemented with vegetables.
The calorie count for Mexican rice, chicken, and cheese sauce can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Estimates range from 600 to 1648 calories for the entire meal, but it's challenging to provide an exact count without detailed information.
