When it comes to building a healthy meal at Moe’s Southwest Grill, chicken is king. Lean, versatile, and marinated in a smoky chili blend, the Adobo Chicken is the go-to protein for fitness enthusiasts and calorie counters alike.

But not all chicken bowls are created equal. Depending on your toppings, a Moe’s chicken bowl can range from a lean 400-calorie lunch to a 1,200-calorie cheat meal.

In this guide, we’ll explore the nutrition facts of Moe’s chicken, compare white meat vs. dark meat, and show you exactly how to order for your goals whether you’re bulking up or slimming down.

The “Standard” Adobo Chicken Bowl

Before we start hacking the menu, let’s look at the baseline. Most people order a bowl with the “works.”

A Standard Chicken Bowl typically includes:

• Adobo Chicken (1 serving): 169 Calories, 5g Fat, 34g Protein.
• Seasoned Rice: ~280 Calories.
• Black Beans: ~150 Calories.
• Shredded Cheese: ~110 Calories.
• Pico de Gallo: ~25 Calories.
• Lettuce: ~5 Calories.

Total Calories: ~740 Calories Total Protein: ~45g

This is a solid, balanced meal. It provides ample carbohydrates for energy and a high dose of protein. However, 740 calories might be high for a light lunch.

For the Gains: The Double Protein Bowl

If you are a bodybuilder or an athlete, standard serving sizes rarely cut it. This is where the Double Meat hack comes in.

By asking for “Double Chicken,” you add an extra massive scoop of protein for a small upcharge (usually ~$2-$3).

The “Muscle Builder” Bowl:

• Double Adobo Chicken: 68g Protein!
• Beans: Fiber to keep you full.
• Rice: Glycogen replenishment.
• Guacamole: Healthy fats for hormone health.

Nutrition Totals: ~950 Calories, ~80g Protein. This bowl rivals any mass gainer shake, but it tastes infinitely better.

For Fat Loss: The “Naked” Chicken Bowl

Trying to stay under 500 calories? Moe has your back. The easiest way to slash calories is to ditch the rice and the cheese.

The “Cutting” Bowl Order:

1. Base: Skip the rice. Ask for a bed of shredded lettuce instead (the staff is happy to do this).
2. Protein: Adobo Chicken (Leanest option).
3. Fiber: Black Beans (Keep these! They keep you full).
4. Toppings: Load up on veggies Cucumbers, Pico de Gallo, Onions, Grilled Peppers, Fresh Jalapenos.
5. Sauce: Use salsa instead of heavy dressings like Chipotle Ranch.

Nutrition Totals: ~380 - 420 Calories, ~40g Protein. This volume-eating strategy allows you to eat a visibly huge bowl of food for very few calories.

Secret Menu Tip: The “Wrong Doug” Stack

While not a bowl, many chicken lovers are tempted by “The Stack” (Moe’s version of a Crunchwrap). Be warned: adding that crunch layer and the extra tortillas jumps the calorie count of a chicken meal from ~700 to over 1,200. Stick to the bowl if nutrition is your priority.

Conclusion

The Moe’s Chicken Bowl is arguably the best fast-casual menu item for high-protein dieting. It is customizable, affordable, and made with high-quality white meat chicken.

Whether you go Double Meat for gains or No Rice for weight loss, you are getting a meal that beats a burger drive-thru every single time.