How many calories are in a 12 inch chicken cheesesteak?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various restaurants and food databases, a 12-inch chicken cheesesteak can contain anywhere from 500 to over 1,000 calories, making a simple, single number for how many calories are in a 12 inch chicken cheesesteak nearly impossible to pinpoint accurately. The final calorie count is heavily influenced by the specific preparation and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a 12-inch chicken cheesesteak is highly variable, ranging widely based on the amount of chicken, type of cheese, and other ingredients added. Several key components like the bread, cheese, and cooking method significantly impact the final nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calorie Range is Wide: A 12-inch chicken cheesesteak can range from 500 to over 1,000 calories depending on preparation and ingredients.
Bread is a Calorie Contributor: The 12-inch roll alone can account for a large portion of the sandwich's total calories.
Fat from Cheese Varies: The type and amount of cheese significantly affect the calorie count, with some options being much fattier than others.
Portion and Cooking Matter: The quantity of chicken and the cooking method (e.g., amount of oil) are major factors in the final calorie count.
Hidden Calories Exist: Condiments and sauces can add surprising amounts of calories, especially in specific variations like buffalo cheesesteaks.
Healthier Tweaks Possible: Reducing bread, choosing lean protein, and loading up on vegetables can lower the overall calorie content.

The Core Components That Dictate Calorie Count

The total calorie content of a 12-inch chicken cheesesteak is not static; it's a sum of its parts. Every ingredient and how it's prepared adds to the overall nutritional value. Understanding the caloric contribution of each component is key to estimating the final number.

Bread: The Foundation of the Sandwich

The bread is one of the largest contributors to the total calories, especially for a substantial 12-inch roll. A standard 12-inch Amoroso roll, a popular choice for authentic cheesesteaks, can contain over 300 calories alone. The specific bakery, freshness, and density of the roll can cause this number to fluctuate. Choosing a whole wheat roll might add more fiber, but it doesn't necessarily reduce the calorie count significantly.

The Chicken: The Protein Powerhouse

For a 12-inch sandwich, the amount of chicken used can vary greatly. A restaurant might use anywhere from 6 to 10 ounces of chicken, and the way it's cooked matters. Grilled chicken, for example, is leaner than chicken that is fried or cooked in excessive oil. The preparation method is a major factor in the final calorie count.

The Cheese: The Melting Indulgence

The type and quantity of cheese are critical variables. Popular choices include American, provolone, and Cheez Whiz. Some examples show that just a few ounces of cheese can add a significant amount of fat and calories. For instance, a 12-inch sub from Zero's Subs features 800 calories, with a notable portion coming from the cheese.

Extra Ingredients and Hidden Calorie Traps

Beyond the core ingredients, additional items can add to the total. Onions and peppers, typically sautéed, can add calories depending on the amount of oil used during cooking. Sauces, whether it's a spicy buffalo sauce or a creamy mayo, also contain calories. For example, a 12-inch buffalo chicken cheesesteak from Pardon My Cheesesteak is listed at 780 calories, with buffalo sauce contributing to its profile.

Comparison Table: 12-Inch Chicken Cheesesteak Nutrition

To demonstrate the wide range, here is a comparison of different 12-inch or large chicken cheesesteak options from various food sources:


Source	Item	Approximate Calories
Pizza Boli's	12 inch Chicken Cheeseseak Sub	500
Pardon My Cheesesteak	12 inch Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak	780
Zero's Subs	12 inch Philly Chicken & Cheese	800
Charleys Cheesesteaks (Large)	Chicken Philly	1010

How to Estimate Your Sandwich's Calories

Since a generic answer for "how many calories are in a 12 inch chicken cheesesteak" is impossible, here is a breakdown of how you can estimate the calories for your own sandwich:

Start with the bread: Assume a 12-inch sub roll is about 300-400 calories.
Add the chicken: Estimate based on a standard serving. Grilled chicken breast has fewer calories than fried chicken.
Account for the cheese: Consider the type and quantity. A fattier cheese adds more calories.
Include the cooking oil: Estimate the amount of oil used to cook the chicken, onions, and peppers.
Don't forget sauces and condiments: A tablespoon of mayo adds around 90-100 calories, while buffalo sauce is typically lower.

Tips for a Healthier Chicken Cheesesteak

For those looking to enjoy a chicken cheesesteak with fewer calories, several modifications can be made without sacrificing too much flavor:

Lighten the bread: Opt for a lighter sub roll or ask for half the bread. Alternatively, a wheat roll can offer more fiber.
Focus on the protein: Ensure the chicken is lean, grilled, and not cooked in excess oil. Request extra vegetables to fill the sandwich.
Choose your cheese wisely: Ask for a single slice of a lower-fat cheese like provolone or skip the cheese altogether.
Rethink the sauces: Use a low-calorie hot sauce instead of mayo or creamy dressings.
Load up on veggies: Fill your cheesesteak with extra peppers, onions, mushrooms, and lettuce to increase volume and nutrients without adding many calories.

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Calculation is Up to You

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many calories are in a 12 inch chicken cheesesteak. The final number is a sum of its ingredients, preparation, and portion size. By being mindful of your choices—from the bread and cheese to the cooking oil and sauces—you can enjoy this classic sandwich while keeping track of your dietary goals. Paying attention to these variables allows for greater control over your caloric intake. For further nutritional analysis of specific ingredients, official resources like the USDA FoodData Central are excellent tools.

Lists of Healthier Alternatives

Chicken Cheesesteak Salad: Skip the bread and serve the chicken and veggie mixture over a bed of fresh lettuce.
Open-Faced Cheesesteak: Use a single slice of toasted bread to cut the carb and calorie count.
Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb, low-calorie wrapper.

Sources for Nutritional Information

To accurately calculate the nutritional content of a homemade or restaurant-specific dish, authoritative sources are best. Here are some examples:

Check out more nutritional data here on another chicken cheesesteak example from UConn's nutritional database.

A Note on Dietary Needs

It's important to remember that calorie counts are estimates and can vary based on individual portioning and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, it's always best to check the official nutritional guides provided by restaurants or to use detailed food tracking apps when making your own meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 12-inch chicken cheesesteak generally falls within a range of 500 to over 1,000 calories. This wide variance is due to differences in ingredients, preparation methods, and restaurant-specific recipes.

The bread is a significant component, often contributing several hundred calories. The amount of chicken, the type of cheese (American, provolone, Cheez Whiz), and the quantity of cooking oil and sauces all add substantial calories to the total.

Not necessarily. While chicken breast is typically leaner than steak, a chicken cheesesteak cooked with excessive oil, high-fat cheese, and rich sauces can easily rival or exceed the calories of a beef version. The preparation is the key factor.

You can reduce the calorie count by using less bread or opting for a lighter roll, asking for less oil when cooking, choosing a low-fat cheese like provolone instead of American or Cheez Whiz, and adding more vegetables.

The best approach is to calculate the calories of each component separately. Look up the nutritional information for the roll, weigh your chicken portion, and measure the cheese and any oil or sauce you use.

Yes, condiments and toppings can add a surprising amount of calories. Mayonnaise, for instance, is calorie-dense, while even added sauces like buffalo sauce contribute to the overall count, as seen in some restaurant data.

Most large chain restaurants and delis are required to provide nutritional information, which can be found on their websites or food database sites like Nutritionix. These figures are generally reliable for their specific menu items.