Complete Nutritional Information for a Small Chicken Philly
The small Chicken Philly from Charleys is a popular choice for those seeking a smaller portion of their famous cheesesteaks. Understanding the full nutritional breakdown is key for managing daily intake, especially for individuals watching their calories, fat, or sodium. The official data confirms the base sandwich contains 430 calories, but it's equally important to consider the other macronutrients that make up this meal.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Beyond just the total calorie count, the composition of fat, carbohydrates, and protein provides a clearer picture of the sandwich's impact on your diet. Here is the detailed breakdown for a small Chicken Philly, based on the official nutrition guide:
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 910mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 32g
This distribution highlights that the sandwich is a significant source of protein, but also relatively high in sodium and saturated fat for its size. For instance, the 910mg of sodium represents a considerable portion of the recommended daily limit for many people.
Comparison of Charleys Chicken Philly Sizes
When considering your meal, it's helpful to see how the small Chicken Philly compares to the other available sizes. The calorie and nutrient amounts increase significantly with each size upgrade. This table illustrates the differences based on the official Charleys nutritional guide.
| Nutrient | Small Chicken Philly | Regular Chicken Philly | Large Chicken Philly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 430 | 720 | 1010 |
| Total Fat | 11g | 18g | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 9g | 12g |
| Sodium | 910mg | 1520mg | 2150mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 55g | 76g |
| Protein | 32g | 57g | 82g |
This comparison shows that upgrading from a small to a regular size adds nearly 300 calories, while the jump to a large size nearly doubles the small's calorie count.
How Customizations Affect Calorie Count
Many customers customize their Charleys order, and each modification will change the final calorie count. Here are some common adjustments and their potential effects:
- Adding extra cheese: A popular choice, but additional cheese will increase fat and calorie content. For example, adding extra provolone or white American cheese will boost the saturated fat and total calories.
- Substituting the cheese: While the standard is provolone, swapping for another cheese could have different nutritional implications. Checking the specific nutritional data for different cheese types is recommended.
- Adding condiments: Adding mayonnaise, extra sauce, or other condiments can significantly increase calorie counts due to added fats and sugars. For example, mayonnaise is a high-fat dressing.
- Removing ingredients: Choosing to omit cheese or heavy sauces can lower the overall calorie and fat content, making for a lighter meal. For instance, ordering it without cheese will reduce both calories and saturated fat.
- Bundling with sides and drinks: Pairing your philly with fries and a sugary lemonade will drastically increase the total calorie intake. For example, a side of Original Fries is 400 calories, and a Regular Lemonade can add over 200 calories.
Tips for a Lighter Meal
For those who enjoy the flavors of a Charleys Chicken Philly but are looking for a lower-calorie option, a few strategic changes can make a big difference:
- Opt for the small size: Stick with the small portion to keep calories in check, as seen in the comparison table above.
- Request less cheese or no cheese: Since cheese is a calorie-dense ingredient, reducing or removing it is an effective way to cut down on fat and calories.
- Ask for no extra sauces or condiments: Skipping high-calorie sauces like extra ranch or mayo can save you a significant number of calories.
- Choose a healthier side: Instead of fries, pair your philly with a side salad if available, or just the sandwich itself to keep the meal focused.
- Drink water: A simple swap from a sugary beverage like soda or lemonade to water can save you hundreds of calories.
Conclusion
A small Chicken Philly from Charleys contains 430 calories, providing a notable amount of protein alongside moderate levels of fat and carbohydrates. While this can be a satisfying meal, the significant sodium content and saturated fat should be taken into consideration, especially for those with specific dietary goals. By understanding the base nutritional facts and the impact of various customizations, you can make more informed choices that align with your health and fitness objectives. Awareness of your food's nutritional profile is the first step toward building a balanced and healthy diet.
Authoritative nutrition data for Charleys can be found on their official website.
