Hey there, foodies! If you’re like me and can’t resist the cheesy goodness of a Taco Cabana quesadilla, you’ve probably wondered about the calories in that delicious large chicken quesadilla. Well, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and I’m here to spill all the details about this Tex-Mex favorite.
Taco Cabana Chicken Quesadilla Large: Nutrition at a Glance
Let’s cut to the chase – the large chicken quesadilla from Taco Cabana packs a whopping 1590 calories. Yep, that’s more than many people consume in an entire meal! But there’s more to this cheesy delight than just calories.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting in that 23 oz order:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1590 | – |
| Total Fat | 105g | 162% |
| Saturated Fat | 44g | 220% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 265mg | 88% |
| Sodium | 3250mg | 135% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 86g | 29% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 70g | – |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet
Whoa! I don’t know about you, but those numbers are pretty eye-opening. The large chicken quesadilla contains more than half a day’s worth of calories for most adults, and the fat content is through the roof!
Small vs. Large Chicken Quesadilla: Know Your Options
If you’re watching your calorie intake but still craving that Taco Cabana quesadilla fix consider ordering the small size instead
| Size | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 850 | 54g | 37g |
| Large | 1590 | 105g | 70g |
That’s quite a difference! By choosing the small quesadilla, you can save 740 calories and 51g of fat while still enjoying that cheesy chicken goodness.
What’s Actually in a Taco Cabana Chicken Quesadilla?
According to Taco Cabana’s nutritional guide, their chicken fajita quesadilla includes:
- Flour tortilla
- Grilled chicken
- Melted cheese
- Served with lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream
These additional toppings and sides are included in the nutrition information I’ve shared, so keep that in mind if you decide to customize your order
How Long Would It Take to Burn Off a Large Chicken Quesadilla?
Curious about how much exercise it would take to burn off this indulgence? Based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs:
- Swimming: 133 minutes
- Jogging: 183 minutes
- Cycling: 243 minutes
- Walking: 443 minutes (that’s over 7 hours!)
Yeah… I might need to rethink my quesadilla choices after seeing this!
Calorie Breakdown: Where Do They Come From?
Let’s look at where all those calories in the large chicken quesadilla come from:
- Fat: With 105g of fat contributing 945 calories (105g × 9 calories per gram), about 59% of the total calories come from fat.
- Protein: With 70g of protein contributing 280 calories (70g × 4 calories per gram), about 18% of the total calories come from protein.
- Carbs: With 86g of carbs contributing 344 calories (86g × 4 calories per gram), about 22% of the total calories come from carbohydrates.
As you can see, most of the calories in this dish come from fat, which isn’t surprising given all that cheese and the addition of guacamole and sour cream.
Health Considerations
Sodium Content
One thing that really jumps out is the sodium content – 3250mg is a lot! The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2300mg of sodium per day, with an ideal limit of 1500mg for most adults. This single quesadilla exceeds even the higher recommendation by nearly 1000mg!
High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease, so this is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Positive Nutritional Aspects
It’s not all bad news! The large chicken quesadilla does provide a significant amount of protein (70g), which is important for muscle maintenance and repair. Plus, it contains 7g of dietary fiber, which is about 28% of your daily recommended intake.
Making It Healthier: Customization Options
If you’re craving a Taco Cabana quesadilla but want to make it a bit healthier, here are some tips:
- Go for the small size – As we’ve seen, this saves you 740 calories right off the bat
- Ask for light cheese – Reduces fat and calories significantly
- Skip the sour cream – Saves you calories and fat
- Go easy on the guacamole – While avocado is a healthy fat, it’s still calorie-dense
- Add extra vegetables – Increases nutrition and fiber
When to Indulge
Look, I’m not saying you should never enjoy a large chicken quesadilla from Taco Cabana! Food is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes a cheesy, satisfying meal is exactly what we need. Here are some situations when it might make sense to indulge:
- After an intense workout when your body needs calories and protein
- As an occasional treat shared with friends or family
- When split between two people as part of a balanced meal
- On special occasions when you’re not worrying about calories
Alternatives at Taco Cabana
If you’re at Taco Cabana but want something lighter than the large chicken quesadilla, consider these alternatives:
- Chicken Fajita Taco: Only 210 calories with 6g fat and 18g protein
- Cabana Bowl with Black Beans: 1070 calories (still high but better than the large quesadilla)
- Cabana Salad with Chicken Fajita: Approximately 680 calories (490 for the salad + 190 for the chicken)
My Personal Experience
I’ve gotta be honest with y’all – I used to order the large chicken quesadilla ALL the time without realizing just how many calories I was consuming! It was literally my go-to comfort food after a long day. Since learning about the nutrition facts, I’ve switched to the small size or share the large with a friend when I’m in the mood for that cheesy goodness.
And ya know what? I don’t feel deprived at all. The small size is actually pretty filling, especially if I pair it with some salsa or a side of black beans for extra fiber and protein.
Comparing to Other Fast Food Options
How does the Taco Cabana large chicken quesadilla stack up against similar items from other fast food chains? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Restaurant | Item | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taco Cabana | Large Chicken Quesadilla | 1590 | 105g | 70g |
| Taco Bell | Chicken Quesadilla | 510 | 26g | 27g |
| Chipotle | Chicken Quesadilla | ~1060 | ~57g | ~55g |
| Qdoba | Chicken Quesadilla | ~1050 | ~54g | ~50g |
As you can see, Taco Cabana’s large chicken quesadilla is significantly higher in calories, fat, and protein compared to similar items at other fast food restaurants. This is partly due to the larger portion size, but also because of the inclusion of sides like guacamole and sour cream in the nutritional information.
Final Thoughts
Alright, so we’ve covered a lot about the Taco Cabana large chicken quesadilla and its 1590 calories. Here’s my take: it’s definitely an indulgence, but sometimes indulgences are worth it! The key is being informed about what you’re eating so you can make choices that align with your personal health goals.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider the small chicken quesadilla at 850 calories, or look into some of the other menu options I suggested. And remember, no single food is “bad” – it’s all about balance and moderation in your overall diet.
FAQs About Taco Cabana Chicken Quesadilla
Q: Are Taco Cabana quesadillas gluten-free?
A: No, Taco Cabana quesadillas contain wheat in the flour tortillas, so they are not gluten-free.
Q: Does Taco Cabana offer any vegetarian quesadillas?
A: Yes, Taco Cabana offers a cheese quesadilla without meat that’s suitable for vegetarians.
Q: How many calories are in just the quesadilla without the sides?
A: The nutritional information provided includes the lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream. Without these sides, the calorie count would be lower, but Taco Cabana doesn’t provide that specific breakdown.
Q: Does Taco Cabana use real cheese in their quesadillas?
A: Yes, Taco Cabana uses real cheese in their quesadillas, which contributes to the high fat and calorie content.
Q: Can I order a Taco Cabana quesadilla with corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: According to their menu, quesadillas are typically made with flour tortillas, but you can always ask if they’re able to make a substitution.
