Hey there health-conscious fast food lovers! Today I’m diving deep into one of McDonald’s seemingly healthier options – the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how many calories you’re consuming when you bite into this sandwich or if it’s actually as healthy as it sounds, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and I’m gonna break down everything from calories to ingredients and even how long you’ll need to exercise to burn it off Let’s get started!
The Calorie Confusion: 380 or 430?
First things first – how many calories are actually in a McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich? Well, this is where things get a bit interesting
According to FastFoodNutrition.org, the sandwich contains 380 calories. However, CalorieKing lists it as having 430 calories. That’s a pretty significant difference of 50 calories!
Why the discrepancy? It could be due to several factors:
- Different serving sizes
- Recipe changes over time
- Regional variations
- Different measurement methods
For the sake of being conservative with our calorie counting, I’ll reference both numbers throughout this article, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the actual calorie content might vary.
Complete Nutritional Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what you’re actually consuming when you eat this sandwich:
Calories and Macronutrients
| Nutrient | FastFoodNutrition.org | CalorieKing |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | 430 |
| Total Fat | 7g (11% DV) | 15g (23% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 2g (10% DV) | 3g (15% DV) |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg (32% DV) | 95mg (32% DV) |
| Sodium | 1110mg (46% DV) | 1040mg (43% DV) |
| Total Carbs | 44g (15% DV) | 40g (13% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g (12% DV) | 2g (8% DV) |
| Sugars | 11g | 9g |
| Protein | 37g (74% DV) | 34g |
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A: 4% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Potassium: 355mg (according to CalorieKing)
Calorie Breakdown by Source
One interesting thing to note is where these calories actually come from. According to FastFoodNutrition.org:
- 39% of calories come from protein
- 46% of calories come from carbohydrates
- The remaining 15% comes from fat
This is actually a pretty decent macronutrient distribution compared to many fast food items that derive most of their calories from fat and carbs with minimal protein.
How Long Will It Take to Burn Off Those Calories?
If you’re wondering how much exercise you’ll need to do to burn off this sandwich, I’ve got you covered:
To Burn 380 Calories (FastFoodNutrition.org):
- Running: 33 minutes
- Walking: 54 minutes
To Burn 430 Calories (CalorieKing):
- Swimming: 36 minutes
- Jogging: 49 minutes
- Cycling: 66 minutes
- Walking: 120 minutes
These calculations from CalorieKing are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your actual calorie burn might differ based on your age, weight, gender, and fitness level.
What’s Actually in This Sandwich?
I think it’s super important to know what’s actually in our food, so let’s break down the ingredients:
Artisan Grilled Chicken Filet:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat
- Water, salt, sugar
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Honey, onion powder
- Natural flavor
- Dried vinegar, rice starch
- Grilled with clarified butter (contains milk)
Artisan Roll:
- Wheat flour/enriched flour
- Malted barley flour
- Water, sugar, yeast, palm oil
- Wheat gluten, dextrose, salt
- Various additives including natural flavors, corn flour, soybean oil, calcium sulfate, etc.
Other Components:
- Tomato slice
- Lettuce
- Herb vinaigrette sauce
- Grill seasoning
Allergen Information
If you have food allergies, you should know that this sandwich contains:
- Gluten
- Milk
- Wheat
It does NOT contain:
- Egg (according to FastFoodNutrition.org, though CalorieKing lists egg as an allergen due to mayonnaise)
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy (according to FastFoodNutrition.org, though the artisan roll ingredients list soybean oil)
- Tree nuts
But remember, most fast food restaurants can’t guarantee any product is completely free of allergens due to shared equipment.
Is It Actually Healthy?
The million-dollar question: is the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich actually good for you?
According to a poll on FastFoodNutrition.org, 70% of voters think it’s a healthy option. But let’s look at the facts:
The Good:
- High protein content (34-37g)
- Relatively low in fat compared to many fast food options
- Contains some vegetables (lettuce and tomato)
- No artificial preservatives in the chicken
- Contains fiber (2-3g)
The Not-So-Good:
- High sodium content (1040-1110mg, which is 43-46% of your daily value)
- Contains added sugars
- Moderately high in carbs (40-44g)
- Contains various additives and processed ingredients
How It Compares to Other McDonald’s Options
If you’re trying to make a healthier choice at McDonald’s, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich is definitely one of the better options. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives:
- Big Mac: 550 calories, 30g fat, 25g protein
- McChicken: 400 calories, 21g fat, 14g protein
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese: 520 calories, 26g fat, 30g protein
The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich has fewer calories and fat than most other sandwiches while providing more protein, making it a solid choice for those watching their calorie intake or trying to increase their protein consumption.
Weight Watchers Points
For those following Weight Watchers, here’s how this sandwich fits into your plan:
- 8 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points
- 10 WW SmartPoints
- 10 WW PointsPlus
My Personal Experience with This Sandwich
I’ve tried this sandwich several times when I’m in a rush and need something that won’t completely derail my nutrition goals. The chicken itself is pretty decent – it’s actual chicken breast rather than some mysterious formed patty, and it’s seasoned well enough to not be boring.
The herb vinaigrette adds a nice touch and helps keep the sandwich from being dry. However, I do find that the bread-to-meat ratio is a bit high for my liking – I would prefer more protein and less carb.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the quality can vary quite a bit from location to location. Some McDonald’s make this sandwich with care, while others seem to throw it together hastily. When done right, it’s actually quite tasty for a fast food option.
Tips for Making It Healthier
If you want to enjoy this sandwich while keeping the calories even lower, here are a few tips:
- Ask for no butter on the chicken
- Request no vinaigrette or ask for it on the side
- Remove the top half of the bun for an open-faced sandwich
- Add extra lettuce and tomato for more volume and nutrients
Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
So, should you choose the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich next time you’re at McDonald’s? Here’s my take:
If you’re looking for a fast food option that provides a good amount of protein without excessive calories or fat, this sandwich is definitely one of the better choices available. With 380-430 calories and 34-37g of protein, it can fit into many healthy eating plans.
However, it’s still fast food, and the high sodium content is something to be mindful of, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns. Like most restaurant food, it’s also likely higher in calories than something you might make at home with similar ingredients.
As an occasional choice when you’re on the go and need something relatively healthy, it’s a solid option. Just don’t be fooled into thinking that “artisan” and “grilled chicken” automatically make it a health food!
Until next time, happy (and healthy-ish) eating!
Disclaimer: Nutritional information may vary and change over time. This article is based on information available as of September 2025 and should be used as a general guide only. For medical or nutritional advice, please consult a dietician or medical doctor.
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Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Initial Steps
In case you ingest an allergen found in McDonalds Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which includes Wheat, Soy, and Gluten, start by taking the steps as listed below:
Note: These steps should be taken only if you have a known allergy and your allergy isnt severe. For severe allergies, seek immediate medical attention.
- Stop Eating: The first action to undertake is to stop consuming the allergen immediately as soon as you realize.
- Evaluate the situation: Evaluate the severity of your reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or faintness, these may be signs of a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical care. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen), use it right away and go to the emergency room.
- Take Antihistamines: If your symptoms are mild – such as hives, itching, or rashes – take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, if available.
- Monitor Closely: Ensure that you stay vigilant and watch over the progress of these symptoms. If they worsen, it will be necessary to head to the hospital.
Contact Curex
Curex is a leading allergy immunotherapy company. This company works to develop and distribute treatments for various types of allergies, including food allergies. They use an immunotherapy procedure called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), which introduces small doses of allergens to a patients system in order to build tolerance.
In case you had a reaction to the allergen found in the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, you may want to consider exploring their treatment options:
- Book a Consultation: Reach out and book a consultation with Curex. During the consultation, you can discuss your allergy symptoms, your lifestyle, and any previous treatments you have tried.
- Start a Treatment Plan: If you and your healthcare provider decide this is the best route, Curex can help create a personalized treatment plan based on your allergy. It could be a long-term strategy meant to help your immune system better respond to the allergen, or a short-term solution that alleviates your symptoms.
- Regular Follow-ups: Make sure to check in with your healthcare provider or Curex contact during your treatment to ensure its working as intended and to adjust the plan as needed.
Prevention
In order to avoid a recurrence, its essential to take the following preventive steps:
- Alertness: Always double-check the food you are buying, especially from fast-food restaurants like McDonalds.
- Communication: If you do have food allergies, let the restaurant know beforehand to avoid cross-contamination.
- Carry Medication: Always carry your EpiPen or antihistamine with you, in case emergencies.
- Education: Ensure you know what ingredients are in the foods you are consuming and what to avoid in case of your food allergies.
Remember that living with allergies may pose challenges from time to time, but it doesnt dictate the quality of your life. Honesty in communication and constant vigilance can go a long way in handling allergies effectively.
Want to enjoy your favorite foods without allergy hassles? Try immunotherapy with Curex!
McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich
FAQ
How many calories are in a McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
A McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich contains 380 calories, 7 grams of fat and 44 grams of carbohydrates. Keep reading to see the full nutrition facts and Weight Watchers points for a Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich from McDonald’s. *All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Is a Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich healthy?
According to our website visitors, a Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a healthy and nutritious option from McDonald’s, with 70% of voters finding it to be healthy. Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts above and then vote on whether you think a Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich is healthy or not.
What are the ingredients in a grilled chicken sandwich?
A Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich from McDonald’s contains the following ingredients: Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Water, Salt, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Honey, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Dried Vinegar, Rice Starch. Grilled with Clarified Butter (Pasteurized Milk [Butterfat]). Contains: MILK.
How many calories are in a McDonald’s artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
The calorie count for a McDonald’s Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich varies by source, with values around 380 to 430 calories cited. For example, CalorieKing lists 430 calories, while MyNetDiary states it has 380 calories.
Does McDonald’s still have an artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
This brings us to the McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwich, which was put on an indefinite hiatus from nationwide menus after the chain greatly reduced its menu in 20202, and, unfortunately, hasn’t been seen since.
What is the healthiest fast food Grilled Chicken Sandwich?
How many calories in a artisan sandwich?
Artisan sandwich contains 501 calories per 234 g serving. This serving contains 23 g of fat, 29 g of protein and 45 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 7 g sugar and 3 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Artisan sandwich contains 6 g of saturated fat and 66 mg of cholesterol per serving.