Calories In Chicken Tortilla Soup At Mexican Restaurant
Chicken tortilla soup is a popular dish found in many Mexican restaurants. It is a warm, filling soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering how many calories are in this delicious soup. In this article, we will discuss the calories in chicken tortilla soup at Mexican restaurants and provide tips on how to make it healthier.
Calories in Chicken Tortilla Soup
The number of calories in chicken tortilla soup can vary depending on the restaurant and the ingredients used in the recipe. On average, a serving of chicken tortilla soup contains around 300-400 calories. However, some restaurant versions can contain over 1,000 calories per serving.
The high calorie count is often due to the addition of high-fat ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and fried tortilla strips. These ingredients can add a lot of flavor to the soup, but they also add a lot of calories.
Tips for Making Healthier Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you are watching your calorie intake, there are some simple tips that can help you make a healthier version of chicken tortilla soup. Here are some ideas:
Use Lean Chicken
Using lean chicken breast instead of dark meat can help reduce the calorie count of the soup. Dark meat contains more fat than white meat, so by using chicken breast, you can cut down on the overall calorie count of the soup.
Skip the Fried Tortilla Strips
Fried tortilla strips are a popular addition to chicken tortilla soup, but they can also be high in calories. Instead of using fried tortilla strips, try adding baked tortilla chips or skipping the chips altogether.
Use Low-Fat Cheese
Cheese is another ingredient that can add a lot of flavor to chicken tortilla soup, but it can also be high in calories. Using low-fat cheese can help reduce the calorie count of the soup without sacrificing flavor.
Use a Broth Base
Using a broth base instead of a cream-based soup can help reduce the calorie count of the soup. Cream-based soups are often higher in calories due to the added fat and cream.
Conclusion
Chicken tortilla soup is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for a cold evening. However, it can also be high in calories due to the addition of high-fat ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and fried tortilla strips. By making some simple substitutions, such as using lean chicken and low-fat cheese, you can reduce the calorie count of the soup without sacrificing flavor.