Summary of The #1 Unhealthiest Order at 9 Fast-Food Chicken Chains:
*Chicken chains are a popular option for those looking for a quick and easy meal on the go. However, it’s important to be aware that not all menu items are created equal when it comes to healthiness.
When choosing options at chicken chains, there are three main factors to consider: calories, saturated fat, and sodium. These are important metrics to keep in mind, as they can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. It’s recommended that for one meal in a day, your choices should make up about 30% of your daily recommended amounts of calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
Let’s explore some of the unhealthiest options at 9 major fast-food chicken chains:
1. Chick-fil-A: One item to watch out for at Chick-fil-A is their salad. The Chick-fil-A salad contains 850 calories, 61 grams of fat (13 grams of saturated fat), 2,220 milligrams of sodium, and 34 grams of carbohydrates. This salad may seem like a healthy choice, but it actually provides 42% of your daily recommended calories and 59% of the recommended daily maximum of saturated fat. To make it healthier, consider swapping the breaded chicken for grilled options and reducing the amount of cheese and bacon.
2. Popeyes: Popeyes offers a chicken sandwich that is tasty but high in calories and sodium. With 830 calories, 53 grams of fat (19 grams of saturated fat), and 1,874.6 milligrams of sodium, this sandwich exceeds the recommended daily maximum for saturated fat and sodium. Instead, consider opting for a kid’s meal or a smaller portion of chicken nuggets.
3. KFC: KFC’s meal with mashed potatoes and a medium soda may seem like a good deal, but it’s actually a disaster for your healthy eating plan. This meal contains 1,240 calories, 60 grams of fat (13 grams of saturated fat), and 3,290 milligrams of sodium. It’s important to note that your body can’t efficiently utilize that much protein in one sitting. Consider opting for smaller portions or splitting a meal with a friend.
4. Raising Cane’s: Raising Cane’s combo meal includes 6 chicken fingers, fries, 2 servings of sauce, toast, coleslaw, and a large fountain drink. This single meal packs a whopping 1,790 calories, 104 grams of fat (16 grams of saturated fat), and 3,160 milligrams of sodium. If you’re ordering this regularly, it can lead to weight gain and put you at an increased risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases. Consider ordering a la carte and consuming less food.
5. Church’s Texas Chicken: Church’s Texas Chicken offers a meal that includes an original wing, leg, thigh, regular mashed potatoes with gravy, regular coleslaw, biscuit, and regular cola. This meal provides 1,600 calories, 80 grams of fat (24 grams of saturated fat), and 3,155 milligrams of sodium. This is far beyond the recommended daily maximum for calories, saturated fat, and sodium. If you’re craving Church’s Texas Chicken, consider ordering less food.
6. Zaxby’s: Zaxby’s Nibblerz sandwich, fries, and a small cola may appear to be a better choice, but it’s still high in calories, fat, and sodium. This meal contains 1,630 calories, 74 grams of fat (13 grams of saturated fat), and 3,545 milligrams of sodium. Consider opting for the grilled chicken sandwich without sauce and skipping the fries.
7. Bonchon: Bonchon serves Korean fried chicken dishes that are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Although not a chicken dish, their Bulgogi, made with thinly sliced marinated beef sautéed with mushrooms, scallions, sesame seeds, and onions served with white rice, should be avoided. The fried chicken options also provide excessive saturated fat and sodium.
8. Wingstop: Wingstop’s large 10-piece wing combo contains 2,333 calories, 134 grams of fat (28 grams of saturated fat), and 2,885 milligrams of sodium. This combo exceeds the daily recommended maximum for calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Consider opting for smaller portions or choosing healthier alternatives.
9. Jollibee: Jollibee offers a spaghetti dish with 2 pieces of spicy chickenjoy and gravy. This meal contains 1,205 calories, 54 grams of fat (14 grams of saturated fat), and 2,920 milligrams of sodium. While it may appear better than some other options on this list, it still exceeds the recommended daily maximum for calories, sodium, and saturated fat.
In conclusion, it’s important to be mindful of the choices you make when dining at fast-food chicken chains. While these establishments offer convenient meals, many menu items can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. If you’re craving fried chicken, consider smaller portions, avoiding high-fat sides, or even opting for grilled options. It’s always a good idea to check the menu ahead of time to plan out healthier options and make more informed choices for your overall health and wellbeing.
