Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken Carb Breakdown
Understanding the carb content of Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crucial for those following specific dietary plans like the keto diet or just tracking their macros. The main takeaway is that the carb count is not static; it differs based on the portion size you order. The key carbohydrate contributors are typically the crusted topping, which includes breadcrumbs, and any sauces used.
The 9 oz vs. 12 oz Carb Count
Longhorn typically offers different sizes of this popular dish, and their nutritional information reflects this. The lunch portion, which is approximately 6-9 oz depending on location and availability, and the standard 12 oz dinner portion have distinct carbohydrate counts. This means a simple miscalculation could impact your daily goals. The primary difference comes from the sheer amount of the crusted sauce and cheese topping used on the larger piece of chicken.
Impact of the Crusted Topping on Macros
The signature parmesan crust is what makes this dish so appealing, but it's also where the majority of the carbohydrates come from. The topping is not just cheese; it is a creamy, breadcrumb-based mixture. For those on a very low-carb or ketogenic diet, this breading is the main component to consider. However, as noted on sites like Reddit and discussed in copycat recipes, it is sometimes possible to request a version without breadcrumbs for a much lower carb count. This customized approach can drastically reduce the carb impact of the meal. The following list highlights the key ingredients contributing to the carbohydrate content:
- Breadcrumbs: A staple in many crusting recipes, breadcrumbs add a significant amount of carbs.
- Creamy Sauce Base: The sauce that holds the cheese and breadcrumbs together can also contain thickeners or added ingredients with carbs.
- Cheese: While parmesan itself is low in carbs, the way it is prepared and combined with other ingredients can change the final count.
- Seasonings: Some pre-mixed seasonings can contain hidden starches or sugars.
Comparison Table: Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken Nutrition
To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the key nutritional data for different portion sizes of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken. All values are approximate and based on publicly available data.
| Nutrient | 6 oz Lunch Portion | 9 oz Dinner Portion | 12 oz Dinner Portion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 560 | 650 | 1120 |
| Total Carbs | 12 g | 12 g | 24 g |
| Net Carbs | 10 g | 10 g | 20 g |
| Protein | 51 g | 68 g | 102 g |
| Total Fat | 34 g | 36 g | 69 g |
| Fiber | 2 g | 2 g | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1580 mg | 1860 mg | 3160 mg |
It is important to note that these values do not include any side dishes. A simple swap of a carb-heavy side like rice pilaf or loaded baked potato for a low-carb alternative such as fresh steamed broccoli or a mixed greens salad can significantly alter the meal's total carb count.
Managing Your Meal: Keto and Low-Carb Options
For those on a ketogenic diet, the primary focus is on the net carbs (Total Carbs minus Dietary Fiber). For the 9 oz version, the 10g net carb count may fit into a moderate low-carb plan, but the 12 oz version's 20g net carbs may exceed many daily keto allowances. As previously mentioned, requesting the crust without breadcrumbs can be a game-changer for strict keto followers. Another strategy is to choose lower-carb side dishes. Instead of the standard offerings, consider the following list of substitutions:
- Instead of: Loaded Baked Potato Choose: Fresh Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus
- Instead of: Rice Pilaf Choose: A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Instead of: French Fries Choose: Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions
- Instead of: House Salad with High-Carb Dressing Choose: Caesar Side Salad with Caesar Dressing
Conclusion
Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a versatile meal when you're aware of the nutritional details. The carbohydrate content is determined by the portion size, with the larger 12 oz dinner version containing 24g of total carbs (20g net) compared to the 9 oz version's 12g (10g net). Understanding where the carbs come from—namely the sauce and breadcrumbs in the crust—allows for informed choices. By being mindful of portion size and selecting low-carb side dish alternatives, it is possible to incorporate this popular dish into a balanced or even low-carb eating plan.
