Understanding the Calorie Count
A Guzman y Gomez (GYG) chicken quesadilla plus is a popular menu item that includes grilled chicken, melted Jack cheese, and is served with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. The 'Plus' signifies the addition of these extra toppings, which significantly contributes to the overall calorie and fat content compared to a standard quesadilla. The specific calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and portion size, but recent nutritional data provides a clear picture.
Calorie Breakdown: Mild vs. Spicy
Based on reliable nutritional data, there is a small difference between the mild and spicy versions of the chicken quesadilla plus, primarily due to the type of sauce or seasoning used.
- Mild Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Plus: Approximately 543 calories.
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Plus: Approximately 552 calories.
It's important to remember these figures represent a standard serving. The total nutritional value can change based on any customizations or additional sauces ordered.
A Closer Look at the Nutritional Profile
Beyond just calories, the chicken quesadilla plus offers a mix of macronutrients. For the mild version, the breakdown is roughly as follows:
- Total Fat: 31.1g
- Protein: 30.0g
- Carbohydrates: 34.8g
This nutritional profile highlights the high fat content, largely from the cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, and the solid protein contribution from the grilled chicken. The carbohydrates come from the flour tortilla and fresh toppings.
How Ingredients Contribute to Calories
The calories in the chicken quesadilla plus are not from a single source but a combination of several key components. Understanding what's in your meal can help you make more informed choices.
Main Components and their Impact:
- Flour Tortilla: The base of the quesadilla, it contributes a significant portion of the carbohydrates and overall calories.
- Melted Jack Cheese: A major contributor to both fat and calories, creating the signature gooey, cheesy texture.
- Grilled Chicken: A lean protein source, but its preparation can affect the fat content.
- Sour Cream and Guacamole: These creamy toppings add flavour but also a substantial amount of extra fat and calories, defining the 'Plus' aspect of the dish.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa of chopped tomatoes and onion, this topping adds minimal calories and fat, providing a contrast to the richer ingredients.
Comparison: Chicken Quesadilla Plus vs. Other GYG Items
To put the chicken quesadilla plus into context, here is a comparison table with other popular Guzman y Gomez menu items, highlighting how the 'Plus' option stacks up nutritionally.
| Menu Item | Approx. Calories | Approx. Protein (g) | Approx. Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Plus | 543 | 30 | 31 |
| Mild Grilled Chicken Quesadilla (Standard) | 462 | 28.8 | 23.4 |
| Mild Grilled Chicken Burrito | 782 | 46.4 | 25.5 |
| Mini Bowl - Mild Grilled Chicken | 413 | 23.3 | 13.8 |
| Cali Burrito - Mild Grilled Chicken | 975 | 45.6 | 52.4 |
As the table shows, the 'Plus' quesadilla sits in the mid-range of calories compared to other GYG favourites. While it's higher than the standard quesadilla or a mini bowl, it's significantly lower in calories than larger items like the Cali Burrito.
Making Your Guzman y Gomez Order Healthier
For those looking to enjoy the delicious taste of GYG while managing their calorie intake, there are several modifications you can make to your quesadilla plus or other menu items.
Tips for a Lighter Quesadilla:
- Skip the 'Plus' components: Removing the sour cream and guacamole will instantly reduce the fat and calorie count. Instead, add extra pico de gallo for a fresh, low-calorie flavour boost.
- Order the standard quesadilla: The standard version with just grilled chicken and cheese is significantly lower in calories than the 'Plus' version.
- Go for a salad or bowl: Opting for a chicken salad or bowl allows you to control toppings more easily and often comes with a lower overall calorie count.
- Add extra veggies: Requesting extra sautéed vegetables adds fibre and nutrients with minimal caloric impact.
Conclusion
The Guzman y Gomez chicken quesadilla plus is a satisfying and flavourful meal, packing around 543 calories for the mild version and 552 for the spicy. The addition of rich toppings like guacamole and sour cream elevates its calorie count beyond the standard quesadilla. By understanding the nutritional breakdown and being mindful of customization options, you can enjoy your meal while staying on track with your dietary goals. Opting for a standard quesadilla or a salad bowl, or simply removing the creamy sauces, are all effective ways to reduce the overall calorie intake without sacrificing taste.
For the most up-to-date and official nutritional information, always consult the Guzman y Gomez website official nutrition page.
Sources
- FatSecret AU: Quesadilla Plus - Mild Grilled Chicken
- FatSecret AU: Guzman Y Gomez Chicken Guerrero Quesadilla
- FatSecret AU: Guzman y Gomez Products, Calories and Nutritional Information
- Fitia: Mild Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Plus - Guzman y Gomez
- Eats Bible: Quesadilla Plus - Guzman Y Gomez
- Guzman y Gomez: Nutrition & Allergen
- Guzman y Gomez: Freshly Prepared Quesadilla
- FatSecret AU: Quesadilla Plus - Spicy Grilled Chicken
