If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and filling Indian breakfast, besan chilla deserves a permanent spot on your plate.
Also called a besan cheela, this savoury chickpea-flour pancake is a staple across Indian households.
But how many calories does 1 besan chilla actually have?
And is it really as healthy as people claim? As a nutritionist, I get asked this every week. Here’s everything you need to know — with real numbers.
How Many Calories Are in 1 Besan Chilla?
One medium besan chilla (40g) contains 67 kcal. A small chilla (30g) has 50 kcal. A large chilla (50g) has 84 kcal.
These numbers are for a plain chilla cooked with a small amount of oil. Adding paneer, cheese, or extra oil will increase the calorie count.
Here is the complete nutritional profile of 1 medium besan chilla (40g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 67 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8g |
| Protein | 2.5g |
| Fat | 3.2g |
| Sodium | 102mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
It contains 42% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 43% fat. The fat mainly comes from the cooking oil used.
Is 1 Besan Chilla Enough for Breakfast?
For most adults, 2 medium besan chillas (134 kcal total) make a satisfying and nutritious breakfast.
Pair them with green coriander chutney or mixed vegetables to add more fiber and micronutrients without many extra calories.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a healthy breakfast should provide 20–25% of daily calorie needs.
Two chillas with chutney meet this requirement beautifully for people on a calorie-controlled diet.
Besan Chilla and Weight Loss
Besan chilla is an excellent weight-loss breakfast. At just 67 kcal per piece, it is very low in calories.
The combination of protein and fiber reduces hunger hormones and prevents mid-morning cravings.
Research on chickpea-based foods consistently shows they support satiety and calorie reduction.
A 2012 review in the British Journal of Nutrition found that chickpea consumption significantly reduced appetite and total calorie intake.
For weight loss, make your chilla with minimal oil on a non-stick pan and load the batter with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and spinach.
Besan Chilla for Diabetes and PCOS
Chickpea flour has a glycemic index (GI) of just 44, which is well within the low-GI range.
This means besan chilla does not spike blood sugar.
It provides slow, steady energy. For women with PCOS, who often struggle with insulin resistance, besan chilla is one of the best breakfast choices.
Pair it with a flaxseed or sesame chutney for added healthy fats that further lower the meal’s glycemic impact.
How to Boost Protein in Besan Chilla?
You can easily increase the protein content of your besan chilla. Add crumbled paneer to the filling.
Mix a spoonful of moong dal flour into the batter. Beat in one egg for extra protein and binding.
Top it with low-fat curd.
These small changes can take your chilla from 2.5g protein to over 7g per piece — making it a much stronger muscle-building breakfast.
End Note
One medium besan chilla has just 67 kcal, making it one of the lowest-calorie breakfasts in the Indian diet.
It is rich in plant protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
It supports weight loss, diabetes management, gut health, and PCOS control.
Whether you eat one or three, besan chilla is a smart, science-backed breakfast choice.
Make it a regular part of your morning — your energy levels, hunger hormones, and waistline will all benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in 1 besan chilla?
One medium besan chilla (40g) has 67 kcal. A small piece (30g) has 50 kcal. A large piece (50g) has 84 kcal. Calories increase with added oil, paneer, or cheese.
Is besan chilla good for weight loss?
Yes. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and has a low GI. Two chillas with chutney make a filling breakfast under 200 kcal — ideal for weight loss.
How much protein does 1 besan chilla have?
One medium besan chilla (40g) has about 2.5g of protein. You can boost this significantly by adding paneer, egg, or moong dal flour to the batter.
Can I eat besan chilla every day?
Yes. Besan chilla is highly nutritious and safe to eat daily. It is especially beneficial for weight management, blood sugar control, and gut health.
Is besan chilla better than bread for breakfast?
Yes. Besan chilla has more fiber, protein, and micronutrients than white bread. Its low GI also makes it a smarter choice for sustained energy and blood sugar stability.
Is besan chilla suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes. Chickpea flour has a GI of just 44. This makes besan chilla an excellent diabetes-friendly breakfast that supports steady blood sugar levels.
Also Read:
🥞 1 Besan Chilla = Just 67 Calories!
This humble chickpea pancake is your secret weapon for a healthy Indian breakfast. 🌿
✅ Low in calories ✅ High in fiber & plant protein ✅ GI of just 44 — great for diabetes & PCOS ✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
2 chillas + green chutney = a complete, filling breakfast under 200 kcal 🙌
📖 Full nutrition breakdown + weight loss tips → [link in bio]
💬 Do you add veggies to your chilla batter? Tell us below! 👇
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