Quick Answer
A Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit without the biscuit contains approximately 140 calories. The chicken fillet itself is the main source of calories, providing protein and fat. Removing the buttermilk biscuit eliminates around 160 calories from the total 300 calorie biscuit sandwich.
Calculating Calories in a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit
To determine the calories in a Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit without the biscuit, we need to break down the nutritional contents of the entire biscuit sandwich and then subtract the calories from the biscuit itself.
A Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit contains the following:
– Buttermilk Biscuit
– Breaded Chicken Breast Filet
– Butter
Here is the full nutrition information for a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit (with biscuit):
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 810mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 16g |
The buttermilk biscuit itself contains approximately:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 490mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
So by subtracting the 160 calories in the biscuit from the total 300 calories, we can estimate that the chicken fillet itself contains about 140 calories.
Nutritional Contents of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Breast Fillet
The chicken breast fillet provides the protein and majority of fat and calories in the chicken biscuit.
A standard Chick-fil-A chicken breast fillet contains:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 13g |
The calories come primarily from the 8g of fat and 4g of carbohydrates. Protein contains 4 calories per gram, carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, and fat contains 9 calories per gram. So:
– Fat: 8g x 9 calories/g = 72 calories
– Carbohydrates: 4g x 4 calories/g = 16 calories
– Protein: 13g x 4 calories/g = 52 calories
Total: 72 + 16 + 52 = 140 calories
So the chicken fillet alone provides 140 of the total 300 calories in the full chicken biscuit sandwich.
Does Removing the Biscuit Change the Nutrition of the Chicken?
Importantly, removing the biscuit does not significantly change the nutritional contents of the chicken breast fillet itself.
The cooking method and ingredients in the breaded chicken fillet stay the same whether it is served on a biscuit or not. The biscuit simply acts as an additional carbohydrate source.
So we can reliably calculate the calories of a Chick-fil-A chicken fillet by subtracting the calories of the biscuit from the total calories of the chicken biscuit sandwich.
Comparing Calories to Other Chick-fil-A Menu Items
At 140 calories, a Chick-fil-A chicken fillet without the biscuit contains a moderate amount of calories compared to other Chick-fil-A menu items:
– Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich: 440 calories
– Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich: 450 calories
– Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 300 calories
– Waffle Fries: 330 calories
– Kale Crunch Side: 70 calories
– Fruit Cup: 60 calories
So the chicken fillet alone has fewer calories than a full chicken sandwich meal with waffle fries, but more calories than lower calorie side options like the kale crunch or fruit cup.
Low Calorie Options for Serving Chicken Fillets
To make a lighter meal, Chick-fil-A chicken fillets can be enjoyed without the biscuit in the following healthy ways:
– Over a salad with low-calorie dressing
– In a wrap or sandwich with veggies instead of a bun
– Over roasted veggies
– On top of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
– As the protein in a grain bowl
Seasoning the chicken with spices, herbs, and low-calorie condiments can also add lots of flavor without adding many calories.
Health Benefits of Chicken Breast
While the breading adds some sodium and saturated fat, a Chick-fil-A grilled chicken fillet still provides lean protein and some valuable nutrients and health benefits.
Some benefits of chicken breast meat include:
– High in protein: A fillet provides 13g protein, which helps build muscle, repairs tissue, and keeps you feeling full.
– Low in fat when breaded and fried in moderation: The fillet has 8g total fat when breaded and fried in oil. The grilled version has only 3g fat.
– Source of B vitamins: Chicken contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, and B12. These support energy and red blood cell production.
– Provides selenium: Chicken contains the antioxidant mineral selenium, which supports thyroid and immune system function. Just 85 grams provides over 30% of the Daily Value.
– Low in sodium when avoiding sauces: The fillet itself has just 320mg sodium, compared to 800-1200mg when served with savory sauces.
– Lean source of calories: With no carbs and just 140 calories, chicken fillets can be part of a healthy weight loss diet.
When preparing a Chick-fil-A chicken fillet, the healthiest options are to get it grilled and avoid sugary sauces to maximize the nutrition in chicken while minimizing excess saturated fat, sodium and added sugar.
Cost of Buying Chicken Fillets Without Biscuits
At Chick-fil-A, ordering a chicken fillet by itself costs:
– Grilled Chicken Fillet: $4.45
– Breaded Chicken Fillet: $4.25
This is less expensive than a full Chicken Biscuit sandwich, which costs around $3.89.
For comparison:
– Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit: $3.89
– Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich: $5.09
– 8-count Chick-fil-A Nuggets: $4.45
Ordering just the chicken fillets allows you to save money while controlling portions and calories.
You can also find similar breaded chicken fillets at the grocery store to prepare at home for less. For example, at Target, their Good & Gather breaded chicken breast fillets cost $3.79 for a box of 6, bringing each fillet to just $0.63. Watch for sales and store coupons to save even more.
Cooking Chicken Breast Fillets at Home
To recreate the flavors of Chick-fil-A chicken fillets at home:
Ingredients:
– Chicken breast fillets
– Flour
– Milk
– Eggs
– Spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
– Canola oil for frying
Steps:
1. Pound chicken to an even thickness and pat dry. Season with spices.
2. Set up a breading station with flour, milk, and egg wash (beaten eggs).
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in milk, then coat with egg.
4. Repeat breading to make extra crispy. Refrigerate for 30 mins.
5. Heat 1⁄4 inch oil to 350°F. Fry 4-5 minutes each side.
6. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Enjoy hot!
This will provide a close match to the Chick-fil-A breaded fillet for a fraction of the cost. Pair it with a healthier side like a salad or roasted vegetables instead of a biscuit.
Low Calorie Chicken Breast Recipes
Beyond enjoying chicken fillets on their own, you can also use chicken breast in many flavorful recipes while keeping calories in check:
Greek Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
– 4oz grilled chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
– 1/4 cup tomato, chopped
– 1/4 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup feta cheese
– 2 Tbsp light Greek dressing
Directions:
Toss all ingredients together. Top with additional dressing if desired. Enjoy this light summery salad for under 300 calories.
Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
– 1 chicken breast, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– Fajita seasoning
– 1 tortilla
– Optional toppings like salsa, Greek yogurt, avocado
Directions:
Coat chicken and veggies with seasoning. Grill or saute until chicken is cooked through. Wrap in a tortilla with toppings.
Chicken Soup
Chicken noodle soup is comfort food that can be lightened up by using chicken breast, broth, and lots of vegetables. Use whole grain noodles or rice to increase fiber.
Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken can be the protein in a veggie packed stir fry. Opt for lower sodium soy or teriyaki sauce and lean meat for a 300 calorie meal. Serve over cauliflower rice to cut carbs.
Nutrition Facts Label for Chicken Breast
Here is an example nutrition facts label for a 6oz raw, skinless, boneless chicken breast:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
| Sodium | 130mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 60g |
As you can see, chicken breast is high in protein, low in fat, and contains no carbs or sugar. The protein keeps you feeling fuller longer on fewer calories.
FAQs
Is Chick-fil-A chicken fried or grilled?
Chick-fil-A chicken fillets can be ordered either fried or grilled. The original chicken biscuit and sandwich come with a fried breaded fillet. Opt for the grilled version to reduce calories, fat, and sodium.
Is Chick-fil-A grilled chicken healthy?
A grilled Chick-fil-A chicken fillet is a healthy source of lean protein and nutrients without too much saturated fat or sodium, especially when avoiding sugary sauces. The grilled version is better than fried.
How many calories in just Chick-fil-A chicken?
A Chick-fil-A breaded fried chicken fillet contains around 140 calories. A grilled fillet has closer to 120 calories. A whole grilled chicken breast has 280 calories.
Is Chick-fil-A chicken processed?
Chick-fil-A states its chicken is minimally processed without artificial ingredients. The chicken is marinated, breaded or grilled, and cooked. It’s not as processed as chicken nuggets, but not as natural as homemade.
The Bottom Line
A Chick-fil-A chicken fillet without the biscuit contains about 140 calories and 13g of protein. This comes mostly from the fat and protein in the fried chicken breast. Removing the 160 calorie biscuit significantly cuts carbohydrates, fat, and calories for a lighter meal option. Chicken fillets can be enjoyed on salads, in wraps, and in healthy recipes for a hit of lean protein without all the excess calories of fried fast food sides and biscuits.
