Have you ever grabbed a box of Barber Foods Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breasts from the freezer section and wondered just how many calories you’re about to consume? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves a quick and tasty dinner option but also tries to keep track of my nutritional intake, I thought it’d be helpful to break down everything about these popular frozen chicken entrees.
What Exactly Are Barber Foods Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Before we dive into the calorie count, let’s talk about what these chicken breasts actually are. Barber Foods has been making stuffed chicken products since 1955, when Gus Barber first opened his meat store in Portland, Maine. His goal was simple – to serve customers the very best.
The Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breasts are one of their most popular products. Each piece consists of chicken breast with rib meat that’s been stuffed with ham and Swiss American cheese, then coated in a crispy breading. They come raw and frozen, requiring cooking before consumption.
Calorie Breakdown: The Numbers You Need to Know
According to CalorieKing, a single piece (6 oz) of Barber Foods Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breasts Premium Entree contains:
- 320 calories (1338 kJ)
- 16g of fat (25% of daily value)
- 3g of saturated fat (15% of daily value)
- 0g of trans fat
- 75mg of cholesterol (25% of daily value)
- 500mg of sodium (21% of daily value)
- 16g of carbohydrates (5% of daily value)
- 0.5g of dietary fiber (2% of daily value)
- 0.5g of sugars
- 29g of protein
- 0g of alcohol
The calorie distribution breaks down to approximately:
- 45% from protein
- 45% from fat
- 10% from carbs
How Long Would It Take to Burn Those Calories?
If you’re wondering how much exercise you’d need to do to burn off one of these chicken breasts CalorieKing provides some estimates (based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs)
- Swimming: 27 minutes
- Jogging: 37 minutes
- Cycling: 49 minutes
- Walking: 89 minutes
What’s Actually in These Chicken Breasts?
The ingredient list is quite long (as is typical with many processed foods). Here’s what you’ll find in these chicken breasts:
Chicken Breast with Rib Meat (containing up to 18% of a solution of water, potato starch, salt, modified food starch, yeast extract, chicken broth, maltodextrin, dextrose, sugar, natural flavors, spices, chicken fat, corn syrup solids, citric acid, hydrolyzed corn gluten, concentrated lemon juice), Pasteurized Process Swiss American Cheese (Swiss Cheese [cultured milk and skim milk, salt, enzymes], American Cheese [cultured milk and skim milk, salt, enzymes], cream, sodium phosphate, salt), Enriched Wheat Flour, Ham with water and smoke flavoring added, and various other ingredients in smaller amounts
The product contains milk and wheat allergens, so it’s not suitable for those with these allergies.
How to Cook Them Properly
For the best results (and food safety!), follow these cooking instructions:
- Preheat your conventional oven to 375°F
- Remove the frozen raw breast(s) from pouch(es)
- Place on a metal baking sheet, with each breast 2 inches apart
- Bake 1-2 pieces for 31 to 33 minutes
- For 3-6 pieces, bake for 36 to 39 minutes
- CAUTION: The filling will be HOT and may splatter! Allow to cool for at least 3 minutes before serving
Important to note: These chicken breasts come RAW, not pre-cooked, so proper cooking is essential for food safety.
Are They Actually Healthy?
Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for in your diet. With 320 calories per piece, these chicken breasts can be incorporated into a balanced diet, but there are a few considerations:
Pros:
- Good source of protein (29g per serving)
- Convenient and easy to prepare
- Tasty flavor profile that satisfies cravings for comfort food
Cons:
- Relatively high in sodium (500mg, or 21% of daily value)
- Contains 16g of fat (25% of daily value)
- Includes processed ingredients and preservatives
- Not suitable for those with milk or wheat allergies
How to Make Them Part of a Balanced Meal
If you’re serving these chicken breasts as part of a meal (which I recommend), here are some ideas for balanced sides:
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Sautéed spinach or kale
My personal favorite is to serve these with some lightly dressed arugula and cherry tomatoes. The freshness helps balance the richness of the chicken.
Comparing to Other Barber Foods Options
Barber Foods offers several other stuffed chicken varieties, including:
- Broccoli & Cheese
- Chicken Kiev
- Chicken Parmesan
- Crème Brie & Apple
- Asparagus & Cheese
- Loaded Baked Potato
- Scallop & Lobster Stuffing
- Margherita
They also offer “Fit & Flavorful” versions of some products, which typically have fewer calories. The Fit & Flavorful Cordon Bleu, for example, might be worth trying if you’re watching your calorie intake but still want that Cordon Bleu flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I microwave these instead of using the oven?
The package instructions specifically recommend oven cooking. Microwaving might result in uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior, which is part of what makes these chicken breasts so tasty.
Are these fully cooked already?
No! These come raw and frozen. You MUST cook them thoroughly before eating.
How long do they last in the freezer?
Generally, frozen chicken products like these can last 3-4 months in the freezer while maintaining best quality, but always check the “best by” date on the package.
Where can I purchase these?
Barber Foods products are available at many grocery stores across the US. You can use their “Where to Buy” feature on their website to find a retailer near you.
Real Talk: My Experience With These Chicken Breasts
I’ve been buying these on and off for years when I need a quick dinner option. They’re definitely not the healthiest thing in my freezer, but they’re also not the worst. The 320 calories is reasonable for a main protein source, and the 29g of protein helps keep me satisfied.
The biggest downside, in my opinion, is the sodium content. At 500mg per serving, it’s not outrageous, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re watching your salt intake.
The taste? Pretty darn good for a frozen product! The breading gets crispy in the oven, and the cheese and ham filling is flavorful. Just be careful when you take that first bite – the filling gets SUPER hot and can definitely burn your mouth if you’re not patient (I learned this the hard way lol).
Bottom Line: Are They Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
- A convenient, portion-controlled dinner option
- Something that tastes indulgent without being a complete calorie bomb
- A product that’s reliably available and consistent in quality
Then yes, Barber Foods Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken Breasts could be a good addition to your freezer stash. Just be mindful of the sodium content and maybe don’t make them an everyday thing.
At 320 calories per piece with 29g of protein, they can definitely fit into a balanced diet when paired with some vegetables or a salad. And sometimes, having a quick option like this on hand can prevent ordering takeout, which might end up being higher in calories and less nutritionally balanced.
What do you think? Have you tried these before? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorite ways to serve them!
Where to Find Barber Foods Cordon Bleu
You can find Barber Foods products at many major retailers. Check their website’s “Where to Buy” feature to locate a store near you. You can also sometimes find them online through grocery delivery services.
Remember, these are in the frozen section, usually with other frozen chicken products or entrees. Keep an eye out for sales – I’ve often found them on special offers, which makes them an even better value!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who appreciates having quick meal options on hand, these stuffed chicken breasts can be a handy addition to your freezer arsenal. Just remember to balance them with plenty of vegetables and other nutritious foods throughout your day!
