The Ultimate Guide to Calories in On The Border Classic Chicken Chimichanga: With Rice, Without Rice & Beans

Are you craving that delicious Tex-Mex flavor but worried about your calorie intake? Well, I’ve been there too! Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about one of On The Border’s most popular menu items – their Classic Chicken Chimichanga. We’ll look at the calorie count with rice, without rice and beans, and give you all the nutritional info you need to make informed choices while still enjoying your favorite Mexican food

Nutritional Breakdown: What’s Really in That Chimichanga?

Let’s start with the basic calorie count that everyone wants to know According to the most recent nutritional information

A single On The Border Classic Chicken Chimichanga

• With rice, without rice & beans: 810 calories
• With rice & beans: 1130 calories
• Without rice & beans (just the chimichanga): 670 calories

The discrepancy between sources (some list 810 calories while others show 880) is likely due to slight variations in portion sizes or updated nutritional information. According to CalorieKing, which has the most recent data, the 810 calorie count is accurate.

Detailed Nutritional Facts

Let’s break down the full nutritional profile of the Classic Chicken Chimichanga with rice, without beans:

*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet

One thing that jumps out at me is the saturated fat content – at 21g, that’s over 100% of your recommended daily intake! The sodium is also pretty high at almost 2000mg, which is about 82% of the recommended daily limit.

The Good and the Bad: Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• High protein content: With 48g of protein, this dish will definitely keep you full longer
• Good fiber content: 10g of fiber (40% of daily recommended intake)
• Generous portion size: You’re getting a substantial meal for your calorie investment
• Delicious taste: Let’s be honest, it’s super tasty!

The Cons:

• High in calories: At 810 calories, it’s a significant portion of your daily intake
• Very high in saturated fat: 21g is more than a full day’s worth
• High sodium content: Nearly 2000mg of sodium is quite high
• Not ideal for weight loss: Unless carefully planned into your daily calorie goals

Calorie Burn Time: Working Off That Chimichanga

If you’re wondering how long it would take to burn off this meal, here’s a breakdown based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs:

• Swimming: 68 minutes
• Jogging: 93 minutes
• Cycling: 124 minutes
• Walking: 225 minutes (that’s almost 4 hours!)

When I look at these numbers, I think it’s important to remember that food isn’t just about calories in vs. calories out. The chimichanga provides important nutrients too. But it’s good to be aware of what you’re consuming!

Making It Healthier: Modification Options

If you love this dish but want to reduce the calorie count, here are some modifications you can request:

1. Skip the rice and beans: This can save you around 360-460 calories
2. Ask for less cheese: This will reduce fat content significantly
3. Request grilled instead of fried: If they can make your chimichanga grilled rather than fried, you’ll save a lot of calories
4. Get sauce on the side: Control how much sour cream, queso, or other sauces you add
5. Share with a friend: Split the dish and order a side salad to fill up

Alternative Menu Options

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still craving some Tex-Mex flavors, consider these alternatives from On The Border:

• Border SmartSM Chicken Fajitas: Only 630 calories with 18g of fat and 44g of protein
• Grilled Chicken Burrito without sauce: 720 calories with 33g of fat and 54g of protein
• Chicken Fajita Taco (Tacos al Carbon): About 375 calories per taco
• Border Chicken Bowl: 680 calories with 20g of fat and 37g of protein

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the On The Border Classic Chicken Chimichanga gluten-free?

No, the chimichanga contains wheat flour in the tortilla, so it’s not gluten-free.

What are the main ingredients in the Classic Chicken Chimichanga?

The main ingredients include a flour tortilla, chicken, cheese, various spices, and it’s deep-fried. When ordered with rice, it comes with Mexican rice on the side.

Is the Classic Chicken Chimichanga spicy?

The basic chimichanga isn’t particularly spicy, but it does have some seasoning. You can always ask for additional hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

Can I order this for takeout and reheat it later?

Yes! It’s best reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but might make it a bit soggy.

How does the calorie content compare to other Tex-Mex restaurant chimichangas?

On The Border’s chimichanga is actually fairly comparable to other restaurant chains. Most restaurant chimichangas range from 700-1100 calories depending on fillings and sides.

Making Your Own Healthier Version at Home

If you love the taste but want to control the ingredients and calorie count, here’s a quick guide to making a healthier chimichanga at home:

1. Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour
2. Opt for baking instead of deep frying
3. Use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall
4. Load up on vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes
5. Choose lean chicken breast and season well
6. Use brown rice instead of Mexican rice if you want the rice component
7. Top with fresh salsa instead of heavy sauces

Understanding Portion Sizes

One thing that’s important to remember is that restaurant portions are typically much larger than recommended serving sizes. The chimichanga at On The Border is designed to be filling and satisfying, which is why it contains 810 calories.

For context, a moderate calorie intake for an average adult might be around 2,000 calories per day, meaning this single item represents about 40% of your daily calorie needs. That’s not inherently bad – many people eat larger meals at dinner and smaller ones at breakfast and lunch – but it’s good information to have.

The Bottom Line: Enjoyment vs. Nutrition

Look, I love a good chimichanga as much as anyone. The crispy tortilla, the flavorful chicken, the melty cheese… it’s all delicious! But as with most restaurant foods, it’s probably best as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal if you’re watching your calorie intake or trying to reduce saturated fat and sodium.

If you do decide to indulge, you might want to:

• Plan the rest of your day’s meals to be lighter
• Skip appetizers or dessert
• Share with a friend
• Take half home for another meal
• Get extra veggies on the side

The most important thing is to enjoy your food mindfully. Savor each bite of that delicious chimichanga without guilt, and then maybe balance it out with some healthier choices for your next few meals.

Final Thoughts

Food is more than just fuel – it’s pleasure, culture, and sometimes just a darn good treat. The On The Border Classic Chicken Chimichanga with rice (without rice & beans) is definitely on the higher end of the calorie spectrum at 810 calories, but it also delivers on protein, fiber, and most importantly, flavor!

Whether you decide to enjoy it in all its 810-calorie glory or make some modifications to lighten it up, now you have all the information you need to make that choice confidently. And isn’t that what smart eating is really about? Not avoiding all indulgences, but making informed choices about when and how to enjoy them.

So next time you’re at On The Border, you can order with confidence knowing exactly what you’re getting – and maybe save half for tomorrow!

What’s your favorite Tex-Mex dish? Do you have any tips for making restaurant meals healthier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!