How Many Calories are in a BBQ Chicken Intestine (Isaw)?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition analysis, 100 grams of plain, cooked chicken intestine contains approximately 200 to 476 calories, with a significant amount of this coming from protein and fat. However, the calories in a BBQ version, known as 'isaw' in some cuisines, are often much higher due to the added sauces and oils used during grilling.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for BBQ chicken intestine varies widely, influenced by cooking methods, added sauces, and preparation. This guide explores the nutritional profile, including protein, fats, and notably high cholesterol, while emphasizing proper and safe preparation.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for BBQ chicken intestine (isaw) can vary dramatically, from approximately 350 to over 550 calories per 100g, depending on the sauce and oil used.
High in Protein: Chicken intestine is a highly concentrated source of protein, with some analyses showing a content of over 68% on a dry basis.
Very High Cholesterol: As an organ meat, chicken intestine is exceptionally high in cholesterol, with 100 grams potentially containing up to 240mg.
Risk of Contamination: The nature of the intestine poses a high risk for bacterial contamination and parasites, making thorough cleaning and cooking essential for food safety.
Requires Thorough Cleaning: Any residual fecal matter or bile will result in a bitter taste and can be a source of pathogens, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparation.
Nutrient Source: Beyond protein, chicken intestines also provide essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

The Calorie Breakdown of BBQ Chicken Intestine

Determining the exact calorie count for BBQ chicken intestine can be challenging, as it depends heavily on preparation. Unlike standard chicken cuts, offal's nutritional composition can be more variable. The cooking process, including marinades, oils, and sauces, dramatically influences the final calorie count. For example, a street food vendor's 'isaw' in the Philippines can have a different caloric value than a home-cooked recipe due to variations in technique and ingredients.

The Base Calories of Plain Chicken Intestine

Before any sauce or oil is added, raw chicken intestine offers a base nutritional profile. Some studies analyze by-products like intestine for industrial use, providing baseline data.

Protein-rich: Chicken intestine is a surprisingly high source of protein. A study on chicken by-products showed a dry basis protein content of over 68%. For context, this is a much higher protein percentage than other protein sources like soy meal.
Variable Fat Content: The fat content can vary based on the specific section of the intestine and the cooking method. Fried versions, for example, have significantly higher fat and calorie counts.
Key Minerals: Chicken intestines are noted for being a good source of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

Impact of BBQ Preparation on Caloric Value

The barbecuing process adds several calorie-dense elements to the intestine:

Marinating Sauces: Most BBQ sauces are high in sugar and calories. A typical BBQ marinade can add 80 or more calories per serving, depending on the amount used.
Oil: The oil used to grill or fry the intestines contributes substantially to the overall fat and calorie count. Each tablespoon of oil adds approximately 120 calories.
Serving Size: The amount consumed plays a major role. A popular street food like 'isaw' is often sold on sticks. One nutrition tracker estimates two sticks of 'isaw' at 330 calories, highlighting the caloric density.

Nutritional Profile: Beyond the Calories

While the caloric content is important, it is also crucial to understand the overall nutritional profile of chicken intestine, especially the risks involved. It is a source of essential nutrients but also contains high cholesterol.

Potential Risks and Concerns

High Cholesterol: Chicken intestines are classified as organ meat and are high in cholesterol. One source indicates 100 grams of chicken intestines can contain up to 240 milligrams of cholesterol, nearly the entire recommended daily intake for many individuals.
Bacterial Contamination: Due to its function in the digestive system, the intestine is a high-risk area for bacterial contamination and parasites. Thorough cleaning and cooking to an adequate internal temperature are critical for safety. The internal temperature of grilling is sometimes inadequate to kill all bacteria.
Fecal Residue: Improper or incomplete cleaning can leave fecal residue, indicated by a bitter taste, which poses a serious health risk.

Comparison Table: Plain vs. BBQ Chicken Intestine

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison based on approximate nutritional values for a 100-gram serving. Values for BBQ can vary significantly.


Nutrient	Plain Chicken Intestine (approx. 100g)	BBQ Chicken Intestine (approx. 100g)
Calories	~200-476 kcal	~350-550+ kcal
Protein	High (~11-45g)*	High (~11-45g)*
Fat	Low to Moderate (variable)	Moderate to High
Cholesterol	High (~240mg)	High (~240mg)+
Carbohydrates	Low	Moderate to High (from sauce)
Sugar	Trace	High (from sauce)

*Note: Protein content is highly variable depending on the source data, but consistently noted as high. Data range for plain intestine calories from sources.

Cooking and Culinary Context

Chicken intestines are a delicacy in many parts of the world, particularly in street food culture. In the Philippines, 'isaw' is marinated in a sweet, sour, and salty sauce before being grilled over charcoal. Other cultures have different approaches:

Fried Intestines: In some areas, chicken intestines are thoroughly cleaned, seasoned, and deep-fried to create a crispy snack.
Curry: South African cuisine might feature curry malana, a dish made with chicken intestines.
Kuchmachi: In Georgian cuisine, a mixed offal dish called kuchmachi can include chicken intestines, cooked with spices and nuts.

Regardless of the cooking method, proper sanitation and cleaning are non-negotiable. It's best to source these ingredients from reliable suppliers who adhere to food safety standards. For home cooking, ensure every piece is thoroughly cleaned and cooked through to eliminate pathogens.

Conclusion

The calories in BBQ chicken intestine vary significantly based on preparation, but generally range from 350 to over 550 calories per 100-gram serving due to added oils and sugary sauces. While chicken intestine is a good source of protein and some minerals like iron and calcium, it is also very high in cholesterol. The primary risk lies in improper cleaning and cooking, which can lead to bacterial contamination and illness. It is vital to prioritize food safety by sourcing from reputable places and ensuring thorough cooking. While a delicious delicacy in many cuisines, consuming BBQ chicken intestine should be done in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For more information on the nutritional composition of chicken by-products, you can refer to relevant studies published by research organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.

Safety and Preparation Checklist

Sourcing: Always purchase offal from a reputable source with good hygiene practices.
Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the intestines, ensuring all fecal matter and bile are removed.
Cooking Temperature: Cook the intestines to a high enough internal temperature to kill all pathogens.
Taste Test: A bitter taste may indicate improper cleaning; discard if detected.
Moderation: Consume in moderation due to high cholesterol and calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken intestine is a source of high protein and certain minerals like iron and calcium. However, it is also very high in cholesterol and carries a significant risk of bacterial contamination if not cleaned and cooked properly.

It is crucial to clean chicken intestines thoroughly. This involves washing them multiple times, squeezing out all contents, and ensuring no fecal matter or bile is left. Soaking them in a mild acid, like vinegar, can also assist in the cleaning process.

Not necessarily. While high heat can kill most bacteria, some grilling processes, especially those used for street food like 'isaw,' may not reach a high enough internal temperature to be completely safe. Proper cleaning is the first and most critical step, followed by cooking to a safe internal temperature.

Isaw is a popular Filipino street food made from barbecued and skewered chicken intestines. It is known for its distinct chewy texture and is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Chicken intestines, like other organ meats, are high in dietary cholesterol. One study reports 100 grams of chicken intestine contains 240 milligrams of cholesterol, making it an organ to be consumed in moderation, especially by those with heart health concerns.

The total calories are primarily affected by the fat content from the intestine itself and, most significantly, the added sugars from the BBQ sauce and oils used for cooking. The more sauce and oil, the higher the calorie count.

Yes, aside from being a good source of protein, chicken intestine also provides essential minerals. Studies show it can contain significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and iron, offering some nutritional value beyond its caloric content.