How many carbs are in a Long John Silver's chicken plank?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official nutrition guide updated in June 2024, a single Long John Silver's chicken plank contains 7 grams of total carbohydrates. This number can vary slightly depending on the source and specific batter, but it provides a solid basis for understanding its role in your diet, especially for those counting carbs. A deeper look reveals the composition of these carbs and how they compare to other menu items.

Quick Summary

A Long John Silver's chicken plank contains 7 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from its batter. This macronutrient information is crucial for those tracking intake, such as people following a low-carb diet. The total carbohydrate count is relatively moderate for a fast-food item, but other menu choices may have higher or lower carb content.

Key Points

Carb Count: A single Long John Silver's chicken plank contains 7 grams of carbohydrates.
Source of Carbs: The majority of carbohydrates come from the fried batter covering the chicken.
Net Carbs: With 1 gram of dietary fiber, the net carb count is approximately 6 grams per plank.
Comparison: Chicken planks have a moderate carb count compared to higher-carb items like popcorn shrimp (29g) but more than battered shrimp (4g).
Healthier Alternatives: To reduce carbs, consider fewer planks or choosing a side like corn on the cob instead of fries.
Dietary Consideration: The carb count is crucial for those on a low-carb diet or counting macros.

A Detailed Look at Chicken Plank Carbs

For anyone monitoring their carb intake, knowing the precise nutritional information for their food choices is essential. In the case of a Long John Silver's chicken plank, the total carbohydrate count is reported to be 7 grams per piece. This figure is important for individuals on specific diet plans, such as keto or general low-carb eating.

The majority of these carbohydrates come from the crispy batter that encases the chicken. While the chicken breast itself contains almost no carbohydrates, the deep-fried coating is the primary source of carbs. The batter is made from a combination of flour and other ingredients, which adds both flavor and texture but also increases the carb load of the final product.

The Role of Net Carbs

When evaluating the carb content of a food, some people focus on "net carbs," which are total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber. In the case of the Long John Silver's chicken plank, with 7 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of fiber, the net carb count is 6 grams. This distinction is useful for those following specific dietary restrictions, as fiber is not digested and does not affect blood sugar in the same way as other carbs.

How Cooking Methods Impact Carbohydrates

It's also worth noting how the preparation of the chicken affects its nutritional value. The classic chicken planks are battered and deep-fried. This cooking method adds a significant amount of fat and carbohydrates from the batter. Long John Silver's occasionally offers grilled chicken options. A grilled piece of chicken would have a drastically lower carb count, as it lacks the high-carb batter. This demonstrates how even within the same restaurant, different preparation methods can lead to wildly different nutritional outcomes.

Comparison with Other Menu Items

To put the chicken plank's carbohydrate content into perspective, let's compare it with other popular items on the Long John Silver's menu. This can help diners make informed decisions based on their dietary goals.


Menu Item	Serving Size	Total Carbs (grams)	Calories
Chicken Plank	1 piece	7g	145
Battered Alaskan Cod	1 piece	13g	212
Battered Shrimp	3 pieces	4g	111
Popcorn Shrimp	1 portion	29g	159
Crab Cake	1 piece	17g	280
French Fries (Regular)	1 serving	250 calories	Data Not Available*

*Note: While FatSecret reports calorie counts for fries, specific carb data was less consistently available for the latest menus. As of June 2024, the best data available shows approximate values.

Analyzing the Comparisons

From the table, it's clear that the chicken plank is not the highest-carb item on the menu, nor is it the lowest. The popcorn shrimp, for instance, has a much higher carbohydrate content due to its heavier batter-to-protein ratio. The battered cod is also higher in carbs per piece than a chicken plank. For those watching carbs, options like battered shrimp or, if available, any grilled alternatives, are significantly lower.

Making Healthier Choices

Understanding the carb count of a Long John Silver's chicken plank is just one part of making a healthy meal choice. Here are some tips for building a more balanced meal:

Pair with healthier sides: Instead of high-carb options like french fries or hushpuppies, consider pairing your chicken planks with corn on the cob (19g carbs), which offers some fiber, or see if other low-carb vegetables are available.
Limit your planks: Controlling portion size is key. Sticking to one or two chicken planks can help manage your total carbohydrate intake for the meal.
Consider the combo: Be mindful of combo meals, as the sides and drink can dramatically increase the overall carb count. A large soda alone can add over 50 grams of sugar and carbohydrates to your meal.
Look for lighter options: If you are strictly monitoring carbs, check the menu for non-battered items or salads, if offered. While these might not be as readily available, they are typically lower in carbohydrates.

Conclusion

In summary, a single Long John Silver's chicken plank contains 7 grams of carbohydrates, with a net carb count of around 6 grams. This is primarily from the deep-fried batter. While this isn't excessively high for a fast-food item, it is an important consideration for anyone managing their carbohydrate intake for health reasons or dieting. By understanding this nutritional information and making smart choices with your sides and portion sizes, you can better control the nutritional impact of your fast-food meal.

For more detailed nutritional information directly from the source, consider consulting the official nutritional guide provided by Long John Silver's on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Long John Silver's chicken plank has 7 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of dietary fiber, resulting in approximately 6 grams of net carbs per piece.

Yes, the batter is the primary source of carbohydrates in a Long John Silver's chicken plank. The chicken meat itself contains almost no carbohydrates.

A single chicken plank (7g carbs) is lower in carbohydrates than a piece of battered Alaskan Cod (13g carbs).

While less common, some Long John Silver's locations may offer grilled chicken options, which would be significantly lower in carbs than the battered planks. Always check the current menu for availability.

A combo meal's total carb count will be much higher due to the addition of sides like fries and hushpuppies, as well as a sugary drink. For example, regular French fries can add a significant amount of carbs.

Given that a single chicken plank has 6 grams of net carbs, it could fit into a ketogenic diet in moderation, especially if it's the only source of carbohydrates for the meal. However, other sides would likely need to be avoided.

The most reliable nutritional information is typically found on the official Long John Silver's website or their official nutritional guide, which is often a PDF document available online.