If you're looking for a flavorful and filling meal, then Chicken Parmesan is a great choice. This Italian-inspired dish is made with breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. One container (567 g) of Chicken Parmesan contains 770 calories.
In addition to being delicious, Chicken Parmesan also provides a good amount of nutrients. Let's take a look at the macro and micronutrient content of Chicken Parmesan.
Whether you're a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a hearty meal, Chicken Parmesan is sure to satisfy. Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional profile of this dish.
Calories in Chicken Parmesan
As mentioned earlier, one container (567 g) of Chicken Parmesan contains 770 calories. This makes it a fairly high-calorie meal, so it's important to keep portions in check if you're trying to manage your weight. The calorie content of Chicken Parmesan comes mainly from the breaded chicken and melted cheese. The tomato sauce and any additional toppings, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, contribute relatively few calories. To reduce the calorie content of your Chicken Parmesan, consider using a leaner cut of chicken or reducing the amount of cheese in the dish.
Macro Nutrients in Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a good source of protein, with one container containing 48 g of protein. The dish also provides 37 g of carbohydrates and 31 g of fat. The protein in Chicken Parmesan comes from the breaded chicken, while the carbohydrates come from the tomato sauce and any pasta that may be served with the dish. The fat content comes mainly from the cheese and bread crumbs used in the breading. While Chicken Parmesan can be a good source of protein, it's important to keep portions in check to avoid consuming too many calories or too much fat.
Vitamins and Minerals in Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, calcium, and iron. One container contains 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 40% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, and 25% of the recommended daily intake of iron. The vitamin and mineral content of Chicken Parmesan comes from the chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese used in the dish. Specifically, the vitamin A comes from the tomato sauce and chicken, the calcium comes from the cheese, and the iron comes from the chicken. While Chicken Parmesan is not a significant source of most vitamins and minerals, it can contribute to your overall nutrient intake when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Serving Size of Chicken Parmesan
A serving size of Chicken Parmesan is typically 1 cup, or about 142 g. At this serving size, Chicken Parmesan provides approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the recipe used. If you're trying to manage your weight, paying attention to portion sizes is critical. It can be easy to overeat with a dish like Chicken Parmesan, especially if the serving size is not clearly defined. To make sure you're not over-consuming calories, use measuring cups or a food scale to portion out your Chicken Parmesan serving. You can also try serving the dish on smaller plates to help with portion control.
Calories from Fat in Chicken Parmesan
One container of Chicken Parmesan contains approximately 280 calories from fat. This makes up about 36% of the total calorie content of the dish. The fat in Chicken Parmesan comes from the cheese and bread crumbs used in the breading. To reduce the calorie content of the dish, use a smaller amount of cheese or choose a lower-fat cheese option.
Carbohydrates in Chicken Parmesan
One container of Chicken Parmesan contains 37 g of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates come from the tomato sauce and any pasta served with the dish. If you're trying to manage your carbohydrate intake, you can reduce the amount of pasta served with the dish or choose a pasta alternative, such as zucchini noodles.
Protein in Chicken Parmesan
One container of Chicken Parmesan contains 48 g of protein. The protein in the dish comes from the breaded chicken. Protein is an important nutrient for building and repairing muscle tissue. If you're trying to increase your protein intake, Chicken Parmesan can be a good option.
Sodium in Chicken Parmesan
One container of Chicken Parmesan contains approximately 2,050 mg of sodium. This is a fairly high amount of sodium, especially if you're trying to manage your blood pressure. To reduce the sodium content of your Chicken Parmesan, consider making your own tomato sauce and using low-sodium chicken stock. You can also reduce the amount of salt used in the breading and seasoning the chicken.
Cholesterol in Chicken Parmesan
One container of Chicken Parmesan contains approximately 156 mg of cholesterol. This is a significant amount, especially if you're trying to manage your cholesterol levels. To reduce the cholesterol content of your Chicken Parmesan, you can use egg substitute or egg whites in the breading instead of whole eggs. You can also choose a lower-fat cheese option to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish.
Fiber in Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is not a significant source of dietary fiber. One container contains approximately 3 g of fiber. To increase the fiber content of your Chicken Parmesan, you can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also try using whole wheat bread crumbs or whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish.
Chicken Parmesan is a flavorful and filling meal, but it can also be high in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. To enjoy the dish while maintaining a healthy diet, it's important to pay attention to portion sizes, choose leaner cuts of chicken and lower-fat cheese, and consider making your own tomato sauce to reduce the sodium content.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Parmesan
1. How many servings are in one container of Chicken Parmesan?
One container of Chicken Parmesan, weighing 567 g, typically contains 1-2 servings, depending on your appetite and dietary needs.
2. What are the ingredients in Chicken Parmesan?
Typically, Chicken Parmesan is made with breaded chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes may also include herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and garlic.
3. What is the nutritional value of Chicken Parmesan?
One container of Chicken Parmesan weighing 567 g typically contains about 770 calories, 87 g of carbohydrates, 36 g of fat, and 42 g of protein. The nutritional value may vary depending on the recipe or brand.
4. Is Chicken Parmesan healthy?
While Chicken Parmesan can be nutritious due to its high protein content, it is often high in calories and fat, especially if it is breaded and fried. To make Chicken Parmesan healthier, consider using baked chicken, less cheese, and a lower-fat sauce.
5. How can I serve Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is often served with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It can also be served with vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach, for a healthier option. Some people also enjoy Chicken Parmesan sandwiched between a bun or served with a side salad.