Yard House Chicken Bowl Calorie Breakdown
According to the official Yard House nutritional information, the standard Chicken Bowl is listed at 480 calories. However, a closer look at the nutritional details reveals a more complete picture of what makes up those calories. This popular dish combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a potentially balanced meal, though one with a very high sodium content. Understanding the macronutrient breakdown can help you decide if it fits into your dietary goals.
Official Macronutrient Facts
For a single serving of the Chicken Bowl, the macronutrient breakdown is detailed as follows:
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 1700mg (a staggering 74% of the recommended daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 44g
What's in the Chicken Bowl?
The flavor of the Yard House Chicken Bowl comes from a carefully selected combination of ingredients:
- Grilled chicken
- Stir-fried sesame brown rice & red quinoa
- Mushrooms
- Snap peas
- Bok choy
- Carrots
- Red onion
- Red pepper flakes
The preparation methods and sauces used in the stir-fry contribute significantly to the calorie and sodium counts. The combination of grilled chicken and healthy grains like quinoa and brown rice is a strong foundation, but the addition of sauces and the preparation style can change the nutritional outcome.
Comparison of Yard House Bowls
To put the Chicken Bowl's nutritional information in perspective, here is a comparison with other popular bowl options on the Yard House menu:
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Bowl | 480 | 16 | 44 | 1700 |
| Gardein™ Chicken Bowl | 470 | 18 | 32 | 1680 |
| Steak Bowl | 500 | 19 | 41 | 1660 |
| Shrimp Bowl | 400 | 12 | 31 | 1460 |
As the table shows, the Chicken Bowl is not the highest in calories, but it's important to consider the differences. The Gardein™ (plant-based) option is very similar, while the Shrimp Bowl is a significantly lighter choice across the board. The Steak Bowl is slightly higher in calories and fat, but surprisingly contains less sodium than the Chicken Bowl. The primary takeaway here is that while the calorie counts are comparable, the sodium can vary, and healthier alternatives exist depending on your goals.
How to Reduce Calories and Sodium
While a restaurant meal is often a treat, you can still make smarter choices to align with your health goals. Here are some strategies for modifying your Yard House Chicken Bowl:
- Request less sauce: The stir-fry sauce likely contains a significant portion of the bowl's calories and nearly all of its sodium. Asking for it on the side gives you control over how much you add.
- Increase vegetables: Most restaurants are happy to accommodate requests for extra vegetables. More veggies mean more fiber and a larger, more filling meal for a minimal calorie increase.
- Opt for less rice: The combination of brown rice and red quinoa is healthy, but reducing the portion size of the grain will lower the overall calorie and carbohydrate count.
- Share the meal: The bowl is a sizable portion, and splitting it with a friend is a simple way to cut the calorie and sodium intake in half.
- Consider an alternative: As shown in the comparison table, the Shrimp Bowl is a lower-calorie and lower-sodium option that still offers a delicious and complete meal.
Conclusion
The Yard House Chicken Bowl offers a flavorful and filling meal for 480 calories, making it a relatively moderate-calorie option on a typical restaurant menu. However, its extremely high sodium content and moderate fat make it less ideal for frequent consumption or for those on a sodium-restricted diet. By understanding the ingredients and making simple modifications, such as reducing the sauce or increasing the vegetables, you can enjoy this dish while better managing your nutritional intake. Always remember that nutritional data can vary slightly due to handcrafted preparation, as noted in the Yard House nutritional guide. For the most up-to-date and specific information, consulting the official source is always recommended. For a more in-depth look at their complete menu, you can view the official nutrition guide here: Food & Beverage Nutrition Guide | Yard House.
