Calorie Breakdown of LongHorn Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
The nutritional content of a LongHorn grilled chicken sandwich is not a single, fixed number. The total calories depend on which specific menu item you order and whether the restaurant has made recent changes to its recipes or portion sizes. Several nutritional trackers and older menu data provide varying figures for different versions of the sandwich. Below is a detailed look at the calories for the most commonly referenced versions.
The Lunch Combo Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 440 Calories
Historically, and as noted by several third-party nutrition sites using data from older menus, the Lunch Combo Grilled Chicken Sandwich contained approximately 440 calories. This lighter option is a popular choice for diners seeking a more moderate lunch. The general nutritional profile for this version included:
- Total Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 840mg
It is important to remember that this calorie count is for the sandwich alone and does not include any sides, dressings, or sauces. The final meal's caloric impact will increase with additions like seasoned fries or a side salad with dressing.
The Standard Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Archived): 580 Calories
Some older nutrition information, particularly from sources like CalorieKing and MyFoodDiary, lists a standard Grilled Chicken Sandwich at 580 calories. This higher calorie count may be due to a larger portion size or a different recipe used on a previous menu. The macronutrient breakdown for this version was notably different, especially concerning the protein content:
- Total Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 1230mg
The discrepancy in protein and overall calories highlights how menu items can change over time. It is a good practice to verify the most current nutrition information directly with the restaurant.
The Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich: 679 Calories
Another significant variation was the Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich, which featured additional ingredients like cheese. According to nutritional tracking sites, this sandwich contained around 679 calories. This version is considerably higher in calories, fat, and protein due to the additions.
- Calories: 679
- Total Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 59g
- Sodium: 1330mg
This demonstrates that specific ingredient add-ons can substantially alter the final nutritional count. The addition of creamy Fontina cheese is the primary driver for the increased calorie density.
Comparing LongHorn to Competitors
To put the LongHorn grilled chicken sandwich in perspective, here's how its calorie count compares to similar menu items at other popular restaurant chains:
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Approximately 390 calories. This is a leaner, lower-calorie alternative compared to the LongHorn options. It comes with different toppings and bun.
- Fuddruckers Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Around 550 calories. This is closer to the older LongHorn version, indicating a similar level of calorie density for a fast-casual grilled chicken option.
- Wendy's UK Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Approximately 321 kcal (calories). The international menu item is an even leaner choice, though the toppings and preparation method may differ.
Factors That Influence Calorie Count
Beyond the specific version, several factors can affect the final calorie count of your meal:
- Sauces and Dressings: Many sandwiches come with a signature sauce or mayonnaise. Requesting these on the side or omitting them can save significant calories. For instance, LongHorn's ranch dressing has over 200 calories per serving.
- Bread: The type of bread or bun used can have a large impact. While specific details on LongHorn's buns are limited, bread is a notable source of carbohydrates and calories.
- Toppings: Added cheese, bacon, or creamy spreads will always increase the caloric load. Opting for extra vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or onion adds negligible calories but more nutrients.
- Side Dishes: The biggest variable in your meal's total calories is often the side dish. A baked potato (440 calories loaded) or seasoned fries (440 calories) will significantly increase the total, while steamed broccoli is a much lighter option.
LongHorn Grilled Chicken Sandwich Nutrition Facts: A Quick Comparison
| Sandwich Version | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Total Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Source Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch Combo Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 440 | 23 | 33 | 26 | 840 | Older Menu (e.g., CalorieKing) |
| Standard Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Archived) | 580 | 25 | 44 | 45 | 1230 | Older Menu (e.g., CalorieKing) |
| Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich | 679 | 26 | 52 | 59 | 1330 | Older Menu (e.g., Eat This Much) |
Healthier Choices and Modifications
If you are watching your calorie intake, there are several modifications you can make to your order to align with your health goals:
- Skip the Cheese: Eliminating cheese, especially from a sandwich like the Fontina version, can save a considerable number of calories and saturated fat.
- Order Sauces on the Side: Ask for any sauces or dressings on the side. This allows you to control the amount you add, or simply skip them altogether.
- Choose Healthier Sides: Instead of seasoned fries (440 calories) or a loaded baked potato (440 calories), opt for steamed broccoli (90 calories) or a fresh side salad with a lighter vinaigrette dressing.
- Consider an Alternative: If a lower-calorie grilled chicken is a priority, consider the Grilled Chicken Tenders (140 calories) or a grilled chicken salad without heavy dressing.
Conclusion
The calorie content of a LongHorn grilled chicken sandwich is not straightforward, varying from 440 to 679 depending on the specific item and the version on the menu. The Lunch Combo Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the lowest-calorie option at 440 calories, while the more decadent Fontina version pushes the count to nearly 700. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, it is always recommended to consult the official LongHorn Steakhouse website or their in-restaurant nutritional guide. Understanding these variations empowers you to make informed decisions that suit your dietary needs, whether you are counting calories or simply curious about what you're consuming. You can make an overall healthier choice by being mindful of your add-ons and side dishes.
LongHorn Steakhouse Nutrition Information
Key takeaways
- Multiple Sandwich Versions: Calorie counts differ greatly between the Lunch Combo (440 cal), standard/archived (580 cal), and Fontina (679 cal) grilled chicken sandwiches.
- Cheese Adds Calories: The Fontina version has significantly more calories and fat due to the creamy cheese topping.
- Sides are Key: Total meal calories depend heavily on your choice of side, with options like loaded potatoes or fries adding hundreds of extra calories.
- Older Data Exists: Older nutrition information, found on third-party sites, reflects past menu items and may not match the current offerings.
- Healthier Options Available: Controlling sauces and choosing lighter sides can significantly reduce the overall calorie count of your meal.
- Verify Official Sources: For the most accurate, up-to-date nutritional facts, always check LongHorn's official nutritional guide.
FAQs
Q: How many calories are in the standard LongHorn grilled chicken sandwich? A: Based on archived nutritional data, a standard grilled chicken sandwich contained approximately 580 calories. This may vary as menu items and recipes change over time.
Q: What is the calorie count for the LongHorn Lunch Combo grilled chicken sandwich? A: The Lunch Combo version of the grilled chicken sandwich is listed at 440 calories, based on nutritional information from older menu versions.
Q: How many calories are in the LongHorn Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich? A: The Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich contains approximately 679 calories, due to the added creamy Fontina cheese topping.
Q: Does adding cheese to a grilled chicken sandwich increase the calories significantly? A: Yes, adding cheese, particularly a creamy variety like Fontina, substantially increases the calorie count, fat, and sodium content of the sandwich.
Q: What are the macronutrients for the 440-calorie grilled chicken sandwich? A: The 440-calorie Lunch Combo grilled chicken sandwich provides 23g fat, 33g carbohydrates, and 26g protein.
Q: Is the LongHorn grilled chicken sandwich a healthy option? A: While it is generally a leaner protein choice than a beef burger, the overall healthiness depends on the version ordered and accompanying sides. Choosing lighter sides and forgoing cheese and sauces can make it a healthier meal.
Q: Where can I find the most current and official nutrition information for LongHorn? A: For the most reliable information, you should always consult the official LongHorn Steakhouse website or their nutritional guide, which details the current menu items.
Citations
LongHorn Steakhouse Lunch Combo, Grilled Chicken Sandwich. CalorieKing, n.d. [https://www.calorieking.com/us/en/foods/f/calories-in-lunches-lunch-combo-grilled-chicken-sandwich/niJksrsqQPiXXwCcPS6bLA]
LongHorn Steakhouse Grilled Fontina Chicken Sandwich. Eat This Much, n.d. [https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/grilled-fontina-chicken-sandwich-600287]
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION - LongHorn Steakhouse. LongHorn Steakhouse, 2021. [https://media.longhornsteakhouse.com/images/site/ext/pdfs/longhorn-steakhouse-nutrition-v1121-1222.pdf]
LongHorn Steakhouse Nutrition Facts. Calories, carbs, fat, sodium & more. MyFoodDiary, n.d. [https://www.myfooddiary.com/brand/longhorn-steakhouse]
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Nutrition and Description - Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A, n.d. [https://www.chick-fil-a.com/menu/grilled-chicken-sandwich]
