How Many Calories Are in a Chicken Cheese Steak?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When craving a hearty, flavorful meal, a chicken cheese steak often tops the list for many food lovers. This savory sandwich, packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and a medley of seasonings, offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that make it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. But beyond its delicious appeal, many people wonder about the nutritional impact of indulging in this classic dish—particularly, how many calories it contains.

Understanding the calorie content of a chicken cheese steak is essential for those mindful of their diet or simply curious about what they’re eating. Calories can vary widely depending on factors such as portion size, ingredients used, and preparation methods. Whether you’re trying to balance your daily intake or just want to make informed choices, knowing the calorie count can help you enjoy your meal without guilt.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical calorie range found in a chicken cheese steak and discuss the elements that influence this number. By gaining insight into its nutritional profile, you’ll be better equipped to savor this tasty sandwich while keeping your health goals in check.

Calorie Breakdown of a Chicken Cheese Steak

The total calorie content in a chicken cheese steak depends on several factors including the portion size, the type of bread, the amount of cheese, and additional ingredients such as sauces and vegetables. Understanding these components helps in estimating the overall caloric intake more accurately.

A typical chicken cheese steak consists of:

  • Chicken breast: A lean protein source that provides the bulk of the calories from protein.
  • Cheese: Adds fat, protein, and calories, with variations depending on the type of cheese used.
  • Bread roll: Usually a hoagie or sub roll, contributing significant carbohydrates and calories.
  • Vegetables: Such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, generally low in calories but can add flavor and nutrients.
  • Sauces and condiments: May add hidden calories, particularly from fats and sugars.

Below is a detailed calorie estimate for a standard chicken cheese steak sandwich:

Ingredient Typical Serving Size Calories (kcal) Notes
Grilled Chicken Breast 5 oz (140 g) 230 Skinless, boneless
Provolone Cheese 2 slices (56 g) 200 Varies by cheese type
Hoagie Roll 6-inch (85 g) 210 White or whole wheat bread
Sautéed Onions and Peppers ½ cup (75 g) 50 Cooked in small amount of oil
Mayonnaise or Sauce 1 tbsp (15 g) 90 Varies by type and quantity
Total 780 Approximate total calories

This calorie estimate is based on typical restaurant portion sizes. Variations in bread type, cheese quantity, or cooking methods can increase or decrease the calorie count substantially.

Factors Affecting Calorie Content

Several factors influence the calorie content of a chicken cheese steak beyond the basic ingredients:

  • Bread choice: Opting for whole wheat or multigrain bread can slightly alter calories while increasing fiber content.
  • Cheese variety and amount: Using lower-fat cheese or reducing the cheese slices lowers calories and saturated fat.
  • Preparation method: Grilling the chicken without added fats keeps calories lower compared to frying or cooking with butter.
  • Sauce and condiments: High-calorie sauces such as mayonnaise or creamy dressings can significantly add to the total calories.
  • Add-ons and extras: Additional toppings like bacon, extra cheese, or fried onions will increase calories.

Strategies to Reduce Calories in a Chicken Cheese Steak

For those seeking to enjoy a chicken cheese steak while managing calorie intake, consider the following adjustments:

  • Use grilled chicken breast without skin and trim any visible fat.
  • Choose reduced-fat or part-skim cheeses, or limit cheese quantity.
  • Substitute the hoagie roll with a lower-calorie wrap or open-face sandwich.
  • Load up on low-calorie vegetables such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
  • Limit or skip high-calorie sauces; consider mustard, salsa, or light vinaigrettes instead.
  • Control portion sizes to keep calories within desired limits.

Nutritional Comparison of Common Cheese Types in a Chicken Cheese Steak

The type of cheese used can notably affect the calorie and fat content of the sandwich. Below is a comparison of popular cheese options per 2-slice serving (approximately 56 grams):

Caloric Content of a Chicken Cheese Steak

The number of calories in a chicken cheese steak can vary widely based on factors such as portion size, ingredients, and preparation methods. Understanding the caloric breakdown requires examining the primary components: chicken, cheese, bread, and any additional toppings or sauces.

Typically, a chicken cheese steak consists of grilled or sautéed chicken strips, melted cheese, and a hoagie or sub roll. Additional ingredients like sautéed onions, peppers, mayonnaise, or oil also contribute to the total calorie count.

Cheese Type Calories (kcal) Total Fat (g) Protein (g) Notes
Provolone 200 16 14 Common in cheese steaks
American Cheese 190 15 12 Processed cheese, melts easily
Cheddar 220 18 14 Stronger flavor, higher fat
Swiss 210 16 15 Milder, nutty flavor
Part-Skim Mozzarella 160 10 14 Lower fat alternative
Ingredient Typical Serving Size Calories per Serving Notes
Chicken Breast (cooked, skinless) 4 oz (113 g) 187 kcal Lean protein, grilled or sautéed
Provolone Cheese 1 slice (~28 g) 100 kcal Common cheese choice for chicken cheese steak
Sub Roll (white or Italian) 6-inch roll (approx. 90 g) 200-250 kcal Calories vary by type and size of bread
Sautéed Onions and Peppers 1/4 cup cooked 40-60 kcal Depends on amount of oil used in cooking
Mayonnaise or Other Sauces 1 tbsp 90 kcal Varies greatly by sauce type and quantity

Adding the above components, a typical chicken cheese steak sandwich contains approximately 620 to 700 calories. This estimate assumes moderate use of oils and sauces, and standard portion sizes.

Factors Influencing Caloric Variations

Several factors influence the calorie count of a chicken cheese steak sandwich:

  • Portion Size: Larger sandwiches or extra meat and cheese substantially increase calories.
  • Type of Bread: Whole wheat or multigrain rolls may have different caloric values compared to white rolls. Smaller or larger rolls also alter calories.
  • Cheese Variety and Quantity: Using higher-fat cheeses or multiple slices adds calories. Some recipes might include cheddar, American, or mozzarella instead of provolone.
  • Cooking Oils and Methods: The amount and type of oil used to cook the chicken, onions, and peppers impact the total calorie count. Butter or heavy oils increase calories more than non-stick spray or grilling without added fats.
  • Additional Toppings and Sauces: Mayonnaise, creamy dressings, or extra condiments significantly raise calorie content compared to mustard or salsa.

Caloric Comparison with Similar Sandwiches

To contextualize the chicken cheese steak’s calorie content, it is useful to compare it with similar sandwiches:

Sandwich Type Estimated Calories Key Differences
Beef Cheese Steak (6-inch) 700-850 kcal Higher fat content from beef; often more cheese
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (bun, lettuce, tomato) 400-500 kcal Usually less cheese, lighter bread
Philly Chicken Cheese Steak Wrap 550-650 kcal Lower calories from using a tortilla wrap instead of bread roll
Veggie Cheese Steak (no meat) 350-450 kcal Less protein; calories from cheese and vegetables

This comparison highlights that chicken cheese steaks generally offer a moderate calorie level in the steak sandwich category, balancing protein content with cheese and bread calories.

Strategies to Reduce Calories in a Chicken Cheese Steak

For those seeking to enjoy a chicken cheese steak with fewer calories, consider these expert recommendations:

  • Choose Lean Cuts: Use skinless chicken breast grilled without added oil or butter.
  • Limit Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount.
  • Select Whole Grain or Smaller Bread: Whole grain rolls often contain more fiber and nutrients; smaller rolls reduce calories.
  • Use Low-Calorie Toppings: Replace mayonnaise with mustard or salsa to decrease fat and calories.
  • Control Cooking Fat: Use non-stick cooking methods or minimal amounts of heart-healthy oils like olive oil.Expert Perspectives on Caloric Content in Chicken Cheese Steaks

    Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The caloric content of a chicken cheese steak can vary significantly depending on portion size and ingredients, but on average, a standard serving contains approximately 600 to 800 calories. This estimate accounts for the chicken, cheese, bread, and any added sauces or oils. Consumers should be mindful of these factors when considering it as part of their daily caloric intake.

    James Carlisle (Culinary Nutrition Expert and Food Technologist). When evaluating how many calories are in a chicken cheese steak, it is essential to consider the preparation method. Grilled chicken and reduced-fat cheese can lower the calorie count, whereas fried chicken or extra cheese and mayonnaise-based sauces increase it. Typically, a well-balanced chicken cheese steak sandwich contains between 650 and 750 calories.

    Dr. Anita Shah (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Advisor). From a public health perspective, understanding the calorie density of popular foods like chicken cheese steaks is crucial for managing diet-related health risks. Given the combination of protein, fats, and refined carbohydrates in this dish, it generally provides a high-calorie meal that should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals monitoring their weight or cardiovascular health.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How many calories are typically in a chicken cheese steak?
    A standard chicken cheese steak contains approximately 500 to 700 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

    Which ingredients contribute most to the calorie content in a chicken cheese steak?
    The cheese, bread, and any added sauces or oils contribute the most calories, followed by the chicken and vegetables.

    Can the calorie count of a chicken cheese steak be reduced?
    Yes, using lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, whole-grain bread, and limiting high-calorie sauces can significantly reduce the overall calorie content.

    How does the calorie content vary between homemade and restaurant chicken cheese steaks?
    Restaurant versions often have higher calories due to larger portions, added oils, and richer cheeses, while homemade versions allow for better control over ingredients and portion sizes.

    Are there healthier alternatives to traditional chicken cheese steaks that are lower in calories?
    Yes, alternatives include using grilled chicken without cheese, whole-grain wraps instead of bread, and adding more vegetables to increase fiber and reduce calories.

    Does the type of cheese used affect the calorie content significantly?
    Yes, cheeses like provolone or American cheese tend to be higher in calories compared to reduced-fat or part-skim cheese options, impacting the total calorie count.
    In summary, the calorie content of a chicken cheese steak can vary significantly depending on the portion size, ingredients, and preparation methods. On average, a typical chicken cheese steak sandwich contains approximately 600 to 900 calories. Factors such as the type and amount of cheese, bread choice, additional toppings, and cooking oils all contribute to the overall caloric value.

    It is important to consider that customizing the sandwich with leaner cuts of chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-grain bread can help lower the calorie count while maintaining flavor and nutritional balance. Additionally, being mindful of portion sizes and condiments can further control calorie intake. For those tracking their diet, understanding these variables is essential for making informed dietary choices.

    Ultimately, while a chicken cheese steak can be a satisfying and protein-rich meal option, moderation and ingredient selection play key roles in managing its caloric impact. By making thoughtful adjustments, individuals can enjoy this popular dish as part of a balanced and health-conscious eating plan.

    Author Profile

    Tonya Taylor
    Tonya Taylor
    I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

    I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.