A single serving of chicken burritos, weighing 283g, contains 480 calories. For those who love this Mexican delicacy, it may be challenging to resist the aroma and flavors of chicken, beans, and rice wrapped in a tortilla. But it’s important to be mindful about the nutritional values of the food you eat.

Apart from calories, a chicken burrito contains 50g of carbohydrates, 16g of fat, and 31g of proteins as macronutrients. It also has significant amounts of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium as micronutrients.

In this article, we’ll explore recipes, nutritional information, portion sizes, and the benefits and drawbacks of the chicken burrito. Reading this article will help you make more informed decisions about incorporating chicken burritos into your diet.

Calories in Chicken Burritos

The exact calorie count of a chicken burrito can change depending on the filling and the size of the tortilla. Typically, a standard-sized chicken burrito can contain anywhere between 300 to 500 calories. If you’re trying to keep your calorie intake to a minimum, look for smaller tortillas or choose grilled chicken over fried chicken. Make a note of the calorie count in your serving size and adjust your eating patterns accordingly. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you are counting calories, you should be cautious about the quality of your calories - make sure your body is getting the nutrition it needs.

Macronutrients in Chicken Burritos

A single serving of chicken burrito (283g) contains 50g of carbohydrates, 16g of fat, and 31g of proteins. It also contains 870mg of sodium, which is more than a third of the daily allowance. The tortilla, beans, and rice provide carbohydrates, while the chicken contributes significant amounts of proteins. The filling also contains some fiber and fats. If you’re following a high-protein, low-carb diet, chicken burritos can be a good source of protein. However, the high sodium content may not be suitable for people who have high blood pressure or who are trying to limit their sodium intake.

Micronutrients in Chicken Burritos

Chicken burritos also contain micronutrients that are essential for good health. A single serving can provide up to 20% of your daily requirement for vitamin A and vitamin C, which are antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Chicken burritos also contain calcium and iron, which are important for bone health and blood oxygenation, respectively. If you’re looking to boost your micronutrient intake, load your chicken burrito with veggies like spinach, lettuce, and tomatoes. These veggies can add flavor, fiber, and important micronutrients to your meal.

Healthy Chicken Burrito Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthier version of the chicken burrito, try this recipe for a grilled chicken burrito: Ingredients: 1 grilled chicken breast, 1 whole wheat tortilla, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/4 cup black beans, 1/4 cup diced onions, 1/4 cup diced peppers, 1/4 cup salsa, 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon grated cheese. Directions: Heat up the tortilla in the microwave, and add the grilled chicken breast, brown rice, black beans, onions, peppers, and salsa. Top it off with Greek yogurt and cheese. Roll up the burrito and serve warm. This recipe has fewer calories and more fiber than the traditional chicken burrito.

How to Make Chicken Burritos at Home

If you want to make your own chicken burritos at home, you’ll need to follow these steps: Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced thin; 1/2 cup uncooked rice; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced red or green pepper; 2 tablespoons oil; 6 flour tortillas. Directions: Cook rice according to instructions. Heat oil to skillet over medium heat. Season sliced chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, and cook in skillet until done. Remove chicken from pan and add diced onions and peppers, cooking until soft. Add black beans and rice to the skillet and heat through. Place the chicken on the flour tortilla, spoon on a generous helping of the rice and bean mixture, wrap into burritos, and serve. Top with salsa or hot sauce, shredded cheese and guacamole if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Burritos

When you’re enjoying a chicken burrito, you’ll want to add some side dishes to complete your meal. Here are some ideas for side dishes that go well with chicken burritos: 1. Guacamole and chips: This is a classic side dish that is both tasty and healthy. Avocado is a good source of healthy fats, and the chips add some crunch to the meal. 2. Spanish rice: A bowl of Spanish rice is a great addition to the chicken burrito. The rice can soak up the juices from the filling and provide a burst of flavor to the meal.

Ways to Customize Your Chicken Burrito

Burritos are one of the most customizable foods out there. Here are some ways you can customize your chicken burrito: 1. Add your favorite veggies: Mix up your burrito by adding your favorite veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapenos. 2. Change the chicken: Swap in seasoned ground beef or shredded pork for the chicken.

Serving and Portion Sizes for Chicken Burritos

A standard chicken burrito from a fast-food restaurant can range from 300-500 calories, depending on the size and the filling. For a homemade burrito, aim for a smaller tortilla and limit the filling to half a cup of cooked rice and beans and 3-4 ounces of chicken. This will bring your calorie count to around 400-450 calories per burrito. Make sure to supplement your burrito with healthy side dishes and plenty of water for a complete meal.

Chicken Burrito Benefits and Drawbacks

Chicken burritos can be a tasty and convenient way to get your protein and carbs in one meal. However, there are some drawbacks as well. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of chicken burritos: Benefits: Chicken burritos can be a good source of protein and micronutrients when made with healthy ingredients like grilled chicken, brown rice, and veggies. Drawbacks: Chicken burritos can be high in calories and sodium when made with fried chicken, excess cheese, and sour cream. Additionally, traditional flour tortillas can be high in carbohydrates and gluten, which may not suit everyone’s dietary needs.

Alternatives to Chicken Burritos

If you’re not in the mood for chicken burritos, here are some alternatives to satisfy your cravings: 1. Veggie wrap: If you’re looking for a healthier, vegetarian option, try a veggie wrap. Stuff a tortilla with healthy veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and peppers and add some low-fat dressing for flavor. 2. Fish tacos: If you’re a fan of seafood, try making some fish tacos instead. Grilled fish or shrimp can be a great source of protein and micronutrients, and they pair well with salsa and avocado.