Calories In Chicken And Cheese Quesadilla From Mexican Restaurant
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that consists of a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients. Chicken and cheese quesadillas are particularly delicious and are enjoyed by many people across the United States. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering just how many calories are in a chicken and cheese quesadilla from a Mexican restaurant. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calorie content of this popular dish and provide some tips on how to reduce the calories in this meal.
What Is A Chicken And Cheese Quesadilla?
A chicken and cheese quesadilla is a tortilla that is filled with chicken and cheese, and then grilled until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can find chicken and cheese quesadillas at almost any Mexican restaurant, and they are also easy to make at home. Typically, a chicken and cheese quesadilla is served with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
How Many Calories Are In A Chicken And Cheese Quesadilla?
The calorie content of a chicken and cheese quesadilla can vary depending on the size and ingredients used. However, on average, a chicken and cheese quesadilla from a Mexican restaurant contains around 700-800 calories per serving. This is a pretty high calorie count, especially if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight.
One of the main reasons why chicken and cheese quesadillas are high in calories is because of the cheese. Cheese is a high-fat food that is very calorie-dense. In addition, the tortilla used to make the quesadilla is also high in calories, especially if it's made with white flour rather than whole wheat.
How To Reduce The Calories In A Chicken And Cheese Quesadilla
If you love chicken and cheese quesadillas but want to reduce the number of calories in this dish, there are a few things you can do:
- Use less cheese - While cheese is a key ingredient in a chicken and cheese quesadilla, you can still enjoy the dish with less cheese. Try using half the amount of cheese, or switch to a lower-fat cheese variety.
- Use a smaller tortilla - The tortilla used to make a quesadilla can be high in calories, especially if it's a large flour tortilla. Try using a smaller tortilla or switch to a whole wheat tortilla, which is lower in calories and higher in fiber.
- Add vegetables - Vegetables can add flavor and nutrition to a chicken and cheese quesadilla without adding too many calories. Try adding peppers, onions, or spinach to your quesadilla.
- Use grilled chicken - Grilled chicken is a leaner and lower-calorie protein source than fried chicken. Use grilled chicken in your quesadilla instead of fried chicken.
Conclusion
A chicken and cheese quesadilla from a Mexican restaurant can be a delicious and satisfying meal, but it can also be high in calories. If you're watching your calorie intake, try reducing the amount of cheese and using a smaller tortilla or switch to a whole wheat tortilla. Adding vegetables and using grilled chicken can also help reduce the calorie content of this dish. By making a few simple changes, you can still enjoy a chicken and cheese quesadilla without consuming too many calories.