Are you a fan of Braums chicken strips but worried about your calorie intake? You’re not alone! As someone who regularly enjoys these crispy delights, I’ve often wondered exactly how many calories I’m consuming. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about Braums chicken strips calories so you can enjoy them without the guilt.
How Many Calories Are Actually in Braums Chicken Strips?
According to Braums’ own nutritional information here’s the calorie breakdown for their chicken strips
- 2 Chicken Strips: 250 calories
- 4 Chicken Strips: 490 calories
- 6 Chicken Strips: 740 calories
On average a single Braums chicken strip contains approximately 125 calories. This means each strip has around 7.5g of fat, 7.5g of carbs 0.5g of fiber, and 7g of protein.
Detailed Nutritional Breakdown
For those who want the complete nutritional info here’s everything you need to know about Braums chicken strips
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Trans Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Strips | 250 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 680 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
| 4 Strips | 490 | 29 | 6 | 0 | 50 | 1350 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| 6 Strips | 740 | 44 | 9 | 0 | 75 | 2030 | 44 | 2 | 1 | 41 |
How Do Braums Chicken Strips Compare to Other Menu Items?
Curious about how the chicken strips stack up against other Braums offerings? Here’s a comparison:
- Chicken Sandwich (Crispy): 590 calories
- Quarter lb. Cheeseburger: 530 calories
- French Fries (Medium): 310 calories
- Chicken Strip Dinner (includes sides): 1150 calories
The chicken strips are actually a relatively moderate option compared to some of the heartier menu items. However, when you add sides like fries and dipping sauces, the calorie count can increase significantly.
Burning Off Those Chicken Strip Calories
If you’re concerned about the calories, here’s how long it would take to burn off a 2-strip serving (250 calories):
- Swimming: 20 minutes
- Jogging: 28 minutes
- Cycling: 38 minutes
- Walking: 70 minutes
These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your actual calorie burn may vary based on your weight, age, and activity intensity.
Are Braums Chicken Strips Healthy?
While “healthy” is subjective, let’s break down the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Good source of protein (14g per 2 strips)
- Lower in calories than some fast food options
- Zero sugar content
- Made with real chicken
Cons:
- High in sodium (680mg per 2 strips, which is about 28% of daily recommended intake)
- Contains 15g of fat per 2 strips
- Deep-fried preparation method
- Limited fiber content
Making Healthier Choices at Braums
If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy Braums, here are some tips:
- Stick to a smaller portion – Order the 2-strip option instead of 4 or 6
- Skip the dipping sauces or ask for them on the side
- Choose healthier sides like a side salad instead of fries
- Balance your meal with a lower-calorie beverage like water or unsweetened tea
- Share your meal with a friend to reduce your portion size
Popular Pairings and Their Calorie Impact
Many people enjoy pairing their chicken strips with other menu items. Here’s how those combinations add up:
- 2 Chicken Strips + Small French Fries: 460 calories
- 2 Chicken Strips + Medium Soft Serve Vanilla: 480 calories
- 2 Chicken Strips + Garden Salad: 420 calories
- Chicken Strip Dinner (includes fries and a side): 1150 calories
What About the Chicken Strip Dinner?
The Chicken Strip Dinner at Braums includes chicken strips, french fries, and your choice of side. At 1150 calories, it’s definitely on the higher end of the calorie spectrum. If you’re watching your intake, you might want to consider sharing this meal or saving half for later.
How Do Braums Chicken Strips Compare to Competitors?
Let’s see how Braums chicken strips stack up against similar offerings from other fast food chains:
| Restaurant | 3-4 Piece Chicken Strips | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Braums | 4 Strips | 490 |
| Chick-fil-A | 4 Strips | 430 |
| KFC | 4 Extra Crispy Tenders | 470 |
| Popeyes | 3 Tenders | 445 |
| Raising Cane’s | 3 Fingers | 420 |
As you can see, Braums chicken strips are comparable in calories to their competitors, running slightly higher than some but not by a significant margin.
The Hidden Calories: Dipping Sauces
Don’t forget about the dipping sauces! While the nutritional information for Braums’ sauces isn’t readily available, here’s a general idea of what common dipping sauces add:
- Ranch Dressing: Approximately 140-200 calories per serving
- BBQ Sauce: Approximately 45-70 calories per serving
- Honey Mustard: Approximately 100-140 calories per serving
- Ketchup: Approximately 10-15 calories per serving
These can add up quickly, especially if you’re generous with your dipping!
My Personal Experience with Braums Chicken Strips
I’ve been eating at Braums for years, and I gotta say, their chicken strips are one of my faves. When I first realized a 4-piece order had almost 500 calories, I was shocked! But I’ve found ways to enjoy them without blowing my diet.
My go-to order is now the 2-piece chicken strips with a side salad instead of fries. I’ll occasionally dip them in a bit of BBQ sauce, but I try to use it sparingly. This way, I get to enjoy the crispy goodness without feeling guilty afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braums Chicken Strips
Are Braums chicken strips made with real chicken?
Yes! Braums uses real chicken breast meat for their strips, which contributes to their higher protein content.
Do Braums chicken strips contain allergens?
The chicken strips contain wheat and may be cooked in the same oil as other items containing various allergens. If you have allergies, it’s best to check with the restaurant directly.
Can I order Braums chicken strips as part of a meal deal?
Yes, Braums offers the Chicken Strip Dinner which includes strips, fries, and a side. However, be aware that this combination totals around 1150 calories.
How are Braums chicken strips prepared?
The strips are breaded and deep-fried, which contributes to their crispy texture but also to their fat content.
Are there any lower-calorie alternatives at Braums?
Yes! Consider the grilled chicken sandwich (430 calories) or a garden salad (170 calories) with grilled chicken (adds about 130 calories).
Tips for Enjoying Braums Chicken Strips on a Diet
If you’re on a diet but still want to enjoy these tasty treats, here are some strategies:
- Plan ahead – Adjust your other meals for the day to accommodate the extra calories
- Exercise portion control – Stick to the 2-piece option
- Make it a treat – Enjoy them occasionally rather than regularly
- Balance your plate – Add vegetables or a side salad to increase the nutrient density of your meal
- Be mindful of your sides and drinks – Choose lower-calorie options to go with your strips
The Bottom Line on Braums Chicken Strips Calories
At the end of the day, Braums chicken strips can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. With 125 calories per strip, they’re not the lowest-calorie option on the menu, but they’re also not the highest. The protein content makes them more satisfying than some other fast food choices.
Like most fried foods, they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. By being aware of the calorie content and making thoughtful choices about portion sizes and sides, you can definitely include Braums chicken strips in your meal plan without derailing your nutritional goals.
So next time you’re craving that crispy, juicy goodness, go ahead and enjoy – just be mindful of your overall intake for the day. And remember, no single food is “good” or “bad” – it’s your overall dietary pattern that matters most!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Braums chicken strips? Do you have any tips for making them fit into a healthier lifestyle? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Why Braum’s Chicken Strips Stand Out
Let’s face it — not all chicken strips are created equal. So what makes Braum’s Chicken Strips better than the rest?
- Made from 100% all-white meat chicken
- Breaded fresh and cooked to perfection
- Served hot and crispy every time
- Available in 4-piece or 6-piece servings
- Comes with a choice of dipping sauces
Unlike frozen or reheated strips found at other chains, Braum’s prepares them fresh, delivering that satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside.
Can I order Braum’s Chicken Strips without sauce?
Absolutely — sauce is optional.