Calories In A Chicken Burrito
Chicken burritos are a popular dish in the United States. They are delicious and filling, and they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering how many calories are in a chicken burrito. In this article, we will break down the calories in a chicken burrito and provide you with everything you need to know to make a healthier choice.
What is a chicken burrito?
A chicken burrito is a Mexican dish made with a flour tortilla wrapped around chicken, rice, beans, vegetables, and other ingredients. It is often served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. A chicken burrito can be a healthy option if you choose the right ingredients and watch your portion sizes.
Calories in a chicken burrito
The number of calories in a chicken burrito will depend on its size and the ingredients used. A typical chicken burrito from a fast-food restaurant can contain anywhere from 500 to 1,000 calories. However, if you make a chicken burrito at home, you can control the ingredients and portion size, making it a healthier option.
To give you an idea of the calories in a chicken burrito, here are some common ingredients and their calorie counts:
- One flour tortilla: 140 calories
- 3 ounces of chicken: 140 calories
- 1/2 cup of brown rice: 110 calories
- 1/2 cup of black beans: 120 calories
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes: 20 calories
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheese: 110 calories
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream: 60 calories
- 2 tablespoons of guacamole: 50 calories
Based on these ingredients, a chicken burrito with all of the above ingredients would contain approximately 750 calories. However, if you omit the sour cream and guacamole, the calorie count would be reduced to around 640 calories.
How to make a healthier chicken burrito
If you want to enjoy a delicious chicken burrito without consuming too many calories, there are some simple steps you can take. Here are some tips for making a healthier chicken burrito:
- Use a smaller flour tortilla or a whole wheat tortilla to reduce the calorie count.
- Use skinless chicken breasts instead of dark meat to reduce the fat content.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to add fiber and nutrients.
- Load up on vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers to add flavor and nutrition without adding many calories.
- Avoid using too much cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, or use low-fat versions of these ingredients.
Conclusion
A chicken burrito can be a delicious and healthy meal option if you choose the right ingredients and watch your portion sizes. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy a tasty chicken burrito without consuming too many calories. Whether you make it at home or order it from a restaurant, you can enjoy this popular Mexican dish without feeling guilty.