According to El Chico's official website, this restaurant chain was founded in 1940, and as of 2010, it has more than 75 locations. El Chico's website explains that each of its locations prepares a wide variety of food, including classic Mexican dishes as well as modern Mexican cuisine. Although chicken and other healthy ingredients are included in many of El Chico's dishes, they can often be high in calories, so check nutrition facts carefully if you are dieting.
Cheese Enchilada
Cheese enchiladas combine several high-calorie ingredients, such as cheese and tortillas, and thus this dish is not among the healthiest choices at El Chico. The nutrition information from MyFitnessPal explains that each cheese enchilada provides 410 calories, with 24 g of fat, 27 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of protein. MyFitnessPal notes that each enchilada provides 12 g of saturated fat. The American Heart Association notes saturated fat may increase your risk of stroke, and recommends a limit of 16 g daily.
Tortilla Soup
El Chico's Tortilla Soup provides chicken, cheese, tortilla strips and vegetables in broth. This soup contain 350 calories per cup, according to MyFitnessPal. The Tortilla Soup is high in fat, with 31 g, and protein, with 34 g. Each cup contains 25 g of protein as well.
Salsa
Salsa is a popular dip for chips and other Mexican foods. According to the nutrition facts provided by weight loss website Buddy Slim, each 59 g serving of salsa contains just 14 calories. The website notes that the salsa is virtually fat-free.
Corn Tortilla
El Chico's restaurant offers fajitas, which allow you to fill tortillas with meat and vegetables. If you are limiting carbohydrate intake, you may want to skip the corn tortillas. MyFitnessPal notes that each corn tortilla contains 9 g of carbohydrates, with just 1 g of fiber. Each tortilla provides 42 calories.
Controlling Calorie Content
If you have special dietary restrictions or concerns, you can remove certain ingredients to fit your needs. To limit carbohydrates, remove toppings such as beans and tortilla strips, and avoid chips and dips. To limit fat, avoid toppings such as sour cream, guacamole and cheese. To limit protein, choose vegetarian entrees that are meatless and limit bean intake.
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