1 Serving Chicken Verde Quesadilla packs quite a punch, with a total of 590 calories. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to be aware of the nutritional value of what you're eating. Let's take a closer look at this delicious dish and see how it measures up in terms of nutritional content.
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is a Mexican dish made with spicy green sauce and cheese sandwiched between two tortillas. It's a popular snack or meal option that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information of one serving of Chicken Verde Quesadilla.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie and nutrient content of Chicken Verde Quesadilla, and offer some tips on how to make it more or less healthy, depending on your dietary needs.
Calories in Chicken Verde Quesadilla
A single serving of Chicken Verde Quesadilla contains 590 calories. This is a substantial amount, especially for anyone on a calorie-restricted diet. To put this into perspective, the average daily calorie intake for an adult is 2000-2500 calories, depending on age, sex, and activity level. This means that eating one serving of Chicken Verde Quesadilla could account for 25-30% of your daily calorie needs. If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and limit your consumption of high-calorie foods.
Amount of Protein in Chicken Verde Quesadilla
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is a rich source of protein, with each serving providing about 34 grams of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps to build and repair bodily tissues, as well as provide energy. It's important to include adequate amounts of protein in your diet, especially if you engage in regular physical activity or are looking to build muscle mass. However, it's also important to bear in mind that consuming excessive amounts of protein can place strain on your kidneys and liver. If you have any underlying health conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
Total Fat Content
Chicken Verde Quesadilla contains a moderate amount of fat, with each serving providing about 29 grams of fat. While it's important to include some fat in your diet, excessive consumption of fatty foods can lead to weight gain and other health problems. If you're trying to watch your fat intake, it's best to limit your consumption of high-fat foods like cheese and oil-based sauces.
Sodium Levels
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is relatively high in sodium, with each serving providing about 1290 milligrams of sodium. While a moderate amount of sodium is necessary for electrolyte balance and other bodily functions, excessive consumption of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. If you're trying to watch your sodium intake, it's best to limit your consumption of processed foods and other high-sodium items.
Carbohydrate Content
Chicken Verde Quesadilla contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, with each serving providing about 42 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, but it's important to choose healthy carbohydrate sources like whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Highly processed carbohydrate sources like white bread and sugary snacks should be limited.
Calcium in Chicken Verde Quesadilla
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is a good source of calcium, with each serving providing about 30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Calcium is a crucial mineral that helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as aid in other bodily functions like muscle contraction and nerve signaling. If you're concerned about your calcium intake, it's important to include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet.
Iron in Chicken Verde Quesadilla
Chicken Verde Quesadilla contains a moderate amount of iron, with each serving providing about 20% of the recommended daily intake of iron. Iron is an important mineral that helps to transport oxygen throughout the body and support healthy immune function. If you're concerned about your iron intake, it's important to include iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and fortified grains in your diet.
Vitamins in Chicken Verde Quesadilla
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is a good source of several important vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and mucous membranes, while vitamin C helps to support healthy immune function and aid in wound healing. It's important to include a variety of vitamin-rich foods in your diet to support overall health and wellbeing.
Caloric Breakdown
Of the 590 calories in Chicken Verde Quesadilla, about 50% come from fat, 28% from carbohydrates, and 22% from protein. While the exact caloric breakdown may vary depending on the ingredients used in the dish, it's important to be aware of the balance of macronutrients in your diet to support healthy digestion, energy levels, and weight management.
Ingredients
The specific ingredients used in Chicken Verde Quesadilla may vary depending on the recipe and preparation method, but some common ingredients include chicken, green sauce, cheese, tortillas, and additional spices and seasonings. When making Chicken Verde Quesadilla at home, it's important to choose high-quality ingredients and opt for healthy preparation methods like grilling or baking instead of frying in oil.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Verde Quesadilla
1. What is Chicken Verde Quesadilla?
Chicken Verde Quesadilla is a Mexican dish made by stuffing a flour tortilla with cooked chicken, salsa verde, cheese, and vegetables. The ingredients are then grilled until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
2. How many calories are in a serving of Chicken Verde Quesadilla?
A serving of Chicken Verde Quesadilla contains approximately 590 calories. However, the calorie count may vary based on the type and amount of cheese used, as well as the size of the tortilla.
3. Is Chicken Verde Quesadilla spicy?
Yes, Chicken Verde Quesadilla is typically considered to be spicy due to the use of salsa verde, which is made with jalapeno peppers. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted by using less of the salsa or by adding additional cheese or sour cream to mellow out the heat.
4. What are the nutritional benefits of Chicken Verde Quesadilla?
Chicken is a high-protein meat that can help build and maintain muscle. The cheese used in the dish provides calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health. Vegetables such as peppers and onions are also included, which provide vitamins and fiber to promote good overall health.
5. How can I make Chicken Verde Quesadilla healthier?
To make Chicken Verde Quesadilla healthier, consider using whole wheat tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas. Use low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used. Add additional vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value of the dish. Additionally, use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried chicken to reduce the overall calorie count.