How Many Calories Are in a Chicken Burrito? The Complete Breakdown

Ever found yourself staring at a delicious chicken burrito, wondering if you should eat it or if your diet plan is gonna hate you tomorrow? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves Mexican food but also tries to keep track of my nutrition, I wanted to find out exactly how many calories are in a chicken burrito

Let’s dive into the truth about chicken burritos and their calorie content – and trust me some of these numbers might surprise you!

The Quick Answer: Calories in a Chicken Burrito

If you’re in a hurry here’s what you need to know

A large chicken burrito contains approximately 886 calories.

But the calorie count varies significantly depending on the size:

• Small chicken burrito: 271 calories
• Medium chicken burrito: 455 calories
• Large chicken burrito: 886 calories

These numbers represent standard chicken burritos without extra add-ons or modifications.

Nutrition Breakdown of a Large Chicken Burrito

When we look at a large chicken burrito, here’s the complete nutritional profile:

*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet

Looking at the macronutrient breakdown:

• Fat: 28% of calories
• Carbohydrates: 37% of calories
• Protein: 35% of calories

What Makes Up Those Calories?

The calorie content in a chicken burrito comes from several components:

The Tortilla

A standard large flour tortilla alone can contribute around 200-300 calories. This is one of the biggest calorie contributors!

The Chicken

Chicken is actually the protein hero here, providing substantial nutrition without too many calories. Typically, the chicken in a large burrito contributes about 200-250 calories but provides most of the protein.

Rice and Beans

These staples add both carbs and some protein:

• Rice: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Beans: Around 100-150 calories

Cheese and Sour Cream

These dairy additions can quickly increase the calorie count:

• Cheese: 100-150 calories
• Sour cream: 50-100 calories

Extras

• Guacamole: 50-100 calories
• Salsa: Usually minimal calories (10-25)
• Lettuce and vegetables: Minimal calories but add nutrients

How Chicken Burritos Compare to Other Varieties

If you’re considering other options, it’s worth knowing how chicken burritos stack up:

• Beef burrito: Usually higher in calories and fat compared to chicken
• Bean burrito: Typically lower in calories but still substantial
• Chicken and cheese burrito: Similar protein but often fewer calories than a fully loaded burrito
• Burrito bowls: Without the tortilla, these save approximately 200-300 calories

Making Your Chicken Burrito Healthier

Want to enjoy your burrito without all the calories? Here are some tips:

1. Go smaller – Choose a small or medium size instead of large
2. Skip the tortilla – Opt for a burrito bowl to instantly cut 200-300 calories
3. Limit the cheese and sour cream – Ask for “light” portions or skip them entirely
4. Load up on veggies – They add volume and nutrients without many calories
5. Choose black beans – They typically have fewer calories than refried beans
6. Watch the rice portion – Ask for half the usual amount

The Sodium Concern

While we’re focused on calories, it’s worth noting that a large chicken burrito contains 2213mg of sodium – that’s 96% of your daily recommended intake! High sodium intake can contribute to water retention and blood pressure issues for some people.

Are Chicken Burritos Healthy?

So are chicken burritos healthy? Well, it’s complicated!

The Good Stuff:

• High in protein (76.75g in a large burrito)
• Contains dietary fiber (5.6g)
• Provides important nutrients like iron (46% DV) and potassium (21% DV)
• Can include vegetables for additional nutrients

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• High calorie count (886 for large)
• Very high sodium content (2213mg)
• Significant fat content (27.14g)

I personally think chicken burritos can be part of a healthy diet if you:

1. Don’t eat them everyday
2. Are mindful of portions
3. Make smart modifications
4. Balance your other meals accordingly

Real-World Calorie Variations

It’s important to note that the calories we’ve discussed are for standard burritos. In the real world, calories can vary widely based on:

• Restaurant chains vs. homemade
• Portion sizes (which can be inconsistent)
• Specific ingredients and recipes
• Additional toppings or sauces

For example, some restaurant chains might serve burritos with over 1,000 calories due to larger portions and additional ingredients.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Chicken Burrito

If you want full control over the calories, making your own chicken burrito at home is the way to go!

Here’s a simple recipe for a lower-calorie chicken burrito:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium whole wheat tortilla (120 calories)
• 3 oz grilled chicken breast (140 calories)
• 1/4 cup black beans (55 calories)
• 1/4 cup brown rice (55 calories)
• 2 tbsp salsa (10 calories)
• Small handful of lettuce and diced tomatoes (10 calories)
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) (15 calories)
• 1 tbsp reduced-fat cheese (30 calories)

Total calories: Approximately 435 calories – much better than the 886 in a large standard burrito!

Tracking Chicken Burrito Calories

If you’re serious about tracking calories, here are some approaches:

1. Use a food tracking app – Many allow you to log individual ingredients or search for similar menu items
2. Check restaurant websites – Many chains provide detailed nutritional information
3. Estimate components – Break down the burrito into its parts and estimate each
4. Weigh your burrito – If you know the calories per 100g (approximately 191 calories), you can calculate based on weight

Burning Off Those Burrito Calories

If you’ve enjoyed a large chicken burrito with 886 calories, here’s approximately how long it would take to burn it off:

• Walking (3 mph): About 3.5 hours
• Jogging (5 mph): About 1.5 hours
• Swimming: About 1.5 hours
• Cycling: About 1-2 hours depending on intensity
• Weight training: About 2-3 hours

When a Chicken Burrito Fits Your Diet

Despite the calories, there are times when a chicken burrito might actually be a good choice:

1. After intense exercise – The protein and carbs can help muscle recovery
2. When needing a high-protein meal – With 76.75g protein in a large burrito
3. As an occasional treat – Balanced diets can include occasional higher-calorie foods
4. When shared with someone – Split a large burrito to halve the calories
5. As your main meal of the day – If you plan lighter meals for breakfast and dinner

The Bottom Line on Chicken Burrito Calories

A chicken burrito can range from 271 calories (small) to 886 calories (large), with most of those calories coming from the tortilla, rice, and additions like cheese and sour cream.

While chicken burritos provide substantial protein and some important nutrients, they’re also high in sodium and can be high in calories depending on the size and ingredients.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, opt for smaller sizes, burrito bowls, or make modifications to reduce the calorie content while preserving the flavors you love.

And remember – no single meal defines your diet! It’s all about balance and making choices that work for your personal nutrition goals and lifestyle.

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy chicken burritos while keeping the calories in check? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments!

A large burrito’s calorie count can range significantly, from 700 to over 1,800 calories, depending on the ingredients and size, with a Chipotle-style chicken burrito around 1,200 calories and some Mission-style burritos reaching 1,500 to 1,800 calories. Calorie-dense ingredients like cheese, french fries, guacamole, sour cream, and large portions of meat or rice significantly increase the total.