How Many Calories are in a KFC Chicken Pot Pie?

Chicken pot pie is a delicious comfort food that many of us love to indulge in However, with its creamy sauce and flaky crust, it can also pack quite a caloric punch. If you are watching your weight or just want to make healthier choices, you may be wondering exactly how many calories are in a KFC chicken pot pie. In this article, we’ll break down the nutrition facts so you know what you’re getting from this popular fast food menu item

An Overview of KFC Chicken Pot Pies

KFC first introduced their version of chicken pot pie back in 2009. It quickly became a popular menu choice. These individual chicken pot pies consist of diced white meat chicken with peas, carrots, and potatoes in a creamy sauce This filling is topped with a flaky, buttery crust.

KFC offers their chicken pot pie in the regular size only. Unlike some other pot pie recipes, there is no option for a smaller personal-sized portion. The chicken chunks and vegetables come pre-cooked in the creamy sauce. Employees simply heat up the pot pie and add the crust when you order one.

Calorie and Nutrition Information for KFC Chicken Pot Pies

So how many calories are actually in one of these chicken pot pies from KFC? Here are the nutrition facts for a regular size KFC chicken pot pie:

• Calories: 720
• Total fat: 41g
• Saturated fat: 25g
• Trans fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1,750mg
• Total carbs: 60g
• Dietary fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 26g

As you can see, a single KFC chicken pot pie packs a whopping 720 calories. To put that into perspective, that’s over one-third of the daily 2,000 calorie recommendation for most adults.

The 41 grams of total fat is also very high, accounting for over half the calories (52% to be exact). The American Heart Association recommends limiting total fat intake to just 25-35% of total daily calories.

With 25 grams of saturated fat, a KFC chicken pot pie exceeds the recommended daily limit of saturated fat as well. The 1,750 milligrams of sodium is also very high, providing over 70% of the daily 2,300 mg upper limit.

How KFC Chicken Pot Pie Compares to Other Chain Restaurant Pot Pies

KFC is not the only fast food chain that offers chicken pot pie on its menu. How does it compare calorie-wise to pot pies from other restaurants?

• KFC – 720 calories
• Boston Market – 530 calories
• Burger King – 670 calories
• Popeyes – 600 calories

As you can see, most fast food chicken pot pies range from 500-700 calories. KFC is on the higher end of the spectrum. However, even the “lighter” options still make up 25-30% of your daily caloric intake.

How to Lighten Up Your KFC Chicken Pot Pie

If you want to indulge in this tasty comfort food but don’t want all those calories, there are a few easy ways to lighten up your KFC chicken pot pie:

• Order a bowl without the crust. The crispy crust certainly adds flavor, but it also tacks on about 200 extra calories. Ordering your pot pie filling as a bowl eliminates those carbs and fat grams.

• Pick your portions. Since KFC only offers a regular sized pot pie, consider eating half and saving the rest for later. This lets you cut the calories in half.

• Skip the sides. Rather than adding fries, coleslaw, or biscuits, stick to the pot pie on its own to control calories.

• Use lower calorie dipping sauces. If you do want a sauce, go for barbecue sauce (50 calories) rather than honey mustard (140 calories).

• Balance with veggies. Enjoy a side salad with low-calorie dressing or a piece of fruit to add nutrients and fiber.

• Watch your drink. Skip high calorie sodas or shakes and go for water or unsweetened iced tea.

Healthier Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Alternatives

To control calories, sodium, and other nutrients, your best bet may be skipping the fast food version and making a healthier chicken pot pie at home. Here are some tips:

• Use reduced-fat cream soups or milk and flour to thicken. This cuts down on saturated fat.

• Increase veggies like carrots, peas, corn, and celery for added nutrition.

• Flavor with herbs and spices rather than salt.

• Opt for a whole wheat or mixed grain crust for more fiber.

• Brush crust lightly with olive oil instead of drenching in butter.

• Stick to a single-serving ramekin or small pie dish instead of a large casserole.

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and low-fat milk and cheese.

• Top with plain Greek yogurt rather than sour cream.

The Bottom Line

A KFC chicken pot pie clocks in at a hefty 720 calories, along with high amounts of fat, saturated fat, and sodium. While an occasional indulgence won’t hurt, making this a regular habit can lead to weight gain and other health issues. If trying to cut calories, go for a smaller portion, skip high-calorie sauces and sides, or look for lighter homemade alternatives. Knowing the nutrition facts is key to balancing the foods you love with healthier choices.