Understanding the Calorie Count
Knowing the exact calorie count for your meals can be a crucial part of managing a healthy diet. The Lemon Garlic Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse offers a delicious and relatively lean option compared to many other restaurant entrees. The calorie count depends on the portion size you order.
For the standard 9 oz serving of Lemon Garlic Chicken, the calorie count is 330 calories. If you choose the larger 12 oz version, the calorie count increases to 420 calories. These figures represent the entree itself and do not account for any accompanying sides, dressings, or bread served with the meal, which can significantly increase the total caloric intake.
Macronutrient Breakdown for Each Portion
While calories are a key factor, the macronutrient composition provides a more complete picture of the meal's nutritional value. The Lemon Garlic Chicken is notably high in protein, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and feeling full longer. Below is a detailed breakdown of the macronutrients for both sizes.
For the 9 oz Lemon Garlic Chicken:
- Protein: 53g
- Total Fat: 12g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
For the 12 oz Lemon Garlic Chicken:
- Protein: 70g
- Total Fat: 15g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Comparison with Other Longhorn Chicken Entrees
To put the Lemon Garlic Chicken's nutrition into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other popular chicken dishes on the Longhorn menu. This can assist you in making the best choice for your dietary goals, whether you are focusing on lower calories, higher protein, or limiting fat intake.
| Entree | 9 oz Lemon Garlic Chicken | 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken | 6 ct. Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 330 | 650 | 420 |
| Total Fat | 12g | 36g | 22g |
| Total Carbs | 2g | 12g | 22g |
| Protein | 53g | 68g | 40g (approx) |
As you can see from the table, the Lemon Garlic Chicken is significantly lower in fat and carbohydrates than the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, making it a preferable choice for those watching their calorie intake or following a low-carb diet. It also provides a substantial amount of protein, which is excellent for satiety.
How to Create a Healthier Meal at Longhorn
Ordering the Lemon Garlic Chicken is a great start, but the choices you make for sides can be just as important. Here are some tips for building a balanced and healthy meal:
- Choose the right sides: Opt for steamed vegetables, a side salad with light dressing (dressing on the side), or fresh fruit. Avoid high-calorie sides like loaded potatoes, french fries, or mac and cheese.
- Control your dressing: Request any dressing for your salad on the side to control how much you use. A lighter vinaigrette is often a better choice than a creamy dressing.
- Skip the bread: The complimentary bread and butter are delicious but add extra calories and fat. Skipping this will save you several hundred calories before your entree even arrives.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water with your meal instead of sugary soft drinks or high-calorie alcoholic beverages. This can help with digestion and hydration without adding unnecessary calories.
Longhorn Steakhouse provides detailed nutritional information on its website for informed decisions.
Conclusion
Longhorn's Lemon Garlic Chicken is a smart choice for a savory, lower-calorie, and high-protein entree. With 330 calories for the 9 oz portion and 420 for the 12 oz, it provides excellent flavor without an excessive caloric load. By thoughtfully selecting your side dishes and skipping unnecessary add-ons, you can enjoy a complete and satisfying meal that aligns with your health and wellness objectives.
