Buffalo chicken flatbread is a delicious and savory dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Buffalo chicken flatbread is typically made with a flatbread base, shredded chicken that has been tossed in buffalo sauce, and a variety of toppings such as blue cheese crumbles, celery, and red onion. It is a relatively easy dish to make at home, and there are also many frozen and pre-made options available.
Buffalo chicken flatbread is a good source of protein and fiber. It is also a relatively high-calorie dish, with a single serving containing around 500-800 calories. However, there are ways to make buffalo chicken flatbread more healthy by using lighter ingredients and reducing the portion size.
Despite its high calorie content, buffalo chicken flatbread can be a part of a healthy diet if enjoyed in moderation. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Here are some of the benefits of eating buffalo chicken flatbread:
- It is a good source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
- It is a good source of fiber. Fiber helps to keep your digestive system healthy and can also help you feel full.
- It is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
- It is relatively easy to make at home.
- There are many frozen and pre-made options available.
Here are some tips for making buffalo chicken flatbread healthier:
- Use a whole-wheat flatbread base. Whole-wheat bread is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
- Use lean chicken breast. Chicken breast is a good source of protein and is lower in fat than other cuts of chicken.
- Use a light buffalo sauce. There are many light buffalo sauces available that are lower in calories and fat.
- Add healthy toppings. Add vegetables such as celery, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles to your buffalo chicken flatbread for extra nutrients.
- Control your portion size. A single serving of buffalo chicken flatbread is typically around 500-800 calories. Limit yourself to one serving to avoid overeating.
Buffalo chicken flatbread is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By making a few simple substitutions, you can make buffalo chicken flatbread a healthier option that still fits into your diet.
Calories in Homemade Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
The calorie count of homemade buffalo chicken flatbread can vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion size you eat. However, a typical serving of homemade buffalo chicken flatbread contains around 350-450 calories. This is lower than the calorie count of buffalo chicken flatbread from many restaurants.
Here is a breakdown of the calorie count of a typical serving of homemade buffalo chicken flatbread:
- Flatbread: 100-150 calories
- Shredded chicken: 150-200 calories
- Buffalo sauce: 50-100 calories
- Toppings (blue cheese crumbles, celery, red onion): 50-100 calories
As you can see, the majority of the calories in buffalo chicken flatbread come from the chicken and the sauce. If you are trying to reduce the calorie count of your flatbread, you can use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, and a light buffalo sauce. You can also reduce the amount of toppings you use.
Here are some tips for making lower-calorie homemade buffalo chicken flatbread:
- Use a whole-wheat flatbread base. Whole-wheat bread is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
- Use lean chicken breast. Chicken breast is a good source of protein and is lower in fat than other cuts of chicken.
- Use a light buffalo sauce. There are many light buffalo sauces available that are lower in calories and fat.
- Add healthy toppings. Add vegetables such as celery, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles to your buffalo chicken flatbread for extra nutrients.
- Control your portion size. A single serving of homemade buffalo chicken flatbread is typically around 350-450 calories. Limit yourself to one serving to avoid overeating.
Homemade buffalo chicken flatbread can be a delicious and healthy part of your diet. By making a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy buffalo chicken flatbread without sacrificing your health goals.
Related: Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: A Culinary Delight
Here is a recipe for homemade buffalo chicken flatbread that is lower in calories:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole-wheat flatbread
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
- ¼ cup light buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Spread buffalo sauce evenly over the flatbread.
- Top with chicken, blue cheese, celery, and red onion.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cut into slices and serve.
This recipe makes one serving of buffalo chicken flatbread. Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
Factors Affecting the Calorie Count of Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
The calorie count of buffalo chicken flatbread can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the flatbread, the type of chicken used, the sauce and toppings, and the cooking method.
Size of the flatbread:
The size of the flatbread is one of the most significant factors affecting the calorie count of buffalo chicken flatbread. A larger flatbread will contain more calories than a smaller flatbread. For example, a 10-inch flatbread will typically contain around 200 calories, while a 12-inch flatbread will contain around 240 calories.
Type of chicken used:
The type of chicken used in buffalo chicken flatbread can also affect the calorie count. Darker cuts of chicken, such as thighs, are higher in calories than lighter cuts, such as breast. For example, a 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken thigh contains around 210 calories, while a 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast contains around 165 calories.
Sauce and toppings:
The sauce and toppings used on buffalo chicken flatbread can also add to the calorie count. Buffalo sauce is typically made with oil, hot sauce, and butter, which can all contribute to the calorie count. Additionally, toppings such as blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, and bacon can all add calories. For example, a tablespoon of blue cheese crumbles contains around 30 calories, a tablespoon of ranch dressing contains around 50 calories, and a slice of bacon contains around 90 calories.
Cooking method:
The cooking method used to prepare buffalo chicken flatbread can also affect the calorie count. If the flatbread is fried, it will contain more calories than if it is baked. For example, a fried buffalo chicken flatbread can contain around 500 calories, while a baked buffalo chicken flatbread can contain around 350 calories.
Here is a table summarizing the factors that can affect the calorie count of buffalo chicken flatbread:
Factor | Effect on calorie count |
---|---|
Size of the flatbread | Larger flatbreads contain more calories than smaller flatbreads. |
Type of chicken used | Darker cuts of chicken, such as thighs, are higher in calories than lighter cuts, such as breast. |
Sauce and toppings | Buffalo sauce and toppings such as blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, and bacon can all add calories. |
Cooking method | Fried buffalo chicken flatbreads contain more calories than baked buffalo chicken flatbreads. |
By understanding these factors, you can make informed choices about how to reduce the calorie count of your buffalo chicken flatbread. For example, you can choose a smaller flatbread, use a lighter cut of chicken, skip the sauce or use a light sauce, and choose healthy toppings such as vegetables. You can also bake your buffalo chicken flatbread instead of frying it.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Chicken Flatbread a healthy food choice?
Buffalo chicken flatbread can be part of a healthy diet if enjoyed in moderation. It is a good source of protein and fiber, but it is also relatively high in calories and fat. To make buffalo chicken flatbread healthier, choose a whole-wheat flatbread base, use lean chicken breast, and use a light buffalo sauce. You can also control your portion size by eating half of a flatbread or sharing a flatbread with a friend.
What are some healthier alternatives to Buffalo Chicken Flatbread?
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to buffalo chicken flatbread, there are a few things you can do. First, you can choose a whole-wheat flatbread base. Whole-wheat bread is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. Second, you can use lean chicken breast. Chicken breast is a good source of protein and is lower in fat than other cuts of chicken. Third, you can use a light buffalo sauce. There are many light buffalo sauces available that are lower in calories and fat. Fourth, you can add healthy toppings. Add vegetables such as celery, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles to your buffalo chicken flatbread for extra nutrients. Fifth, you can control your portion size. A single serving of buffalo chicken flatbread is typically around 500-800 calories. Limit yourself to one serving to avoid overeating.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Flatbread at home?
Yes, you can make buffalo chicken flatbread at home. There are many recipes available online and in cookbooks. To make buffalo chicken flatbread at home, you will need a flatbread base, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and toppings such as blue cheese crumbles, celery, and red onion. To make the flatbread, simply spread buffalo sauce on the flatbread, top with chicken and toppings, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buffalo chicken flatbread is a delicious and savory dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. While it is a relatively high-calorie dish, it can be made healthier by using lighter ingredients and reducing the portion size. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy buffalo chicken flatbread without sacrificing your health goals.