Navigating a restaurant menu while adhering to a specific diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to dishes with hidden carbs. Longhorn Steakhouse's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular menu item, and understanding its nutritional profile is essential for diners focused on their carbohydrate intake. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the carbohydrate content, break down the numbers by portion size, and offer advice on how to enjoy this dish within a balanced diet.
Nutritional Breakdown by Portion Size
The carbohydrate count for the Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Longhorn Steakhouse is dependent on the serving size. It's important to be aware of which size you're ordering, as the difference in carbs is substantial.
The 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken
For a standard 9 oz lunch or dinner portion, the nutritional profile is as follows:
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 10g (Total Carbs - Dietary Fiber)
- Protein: 68g
- Total Fat: 36g
- Calories: 650
This smaller portion offers a more manageable carb count for those on a low-carb diet, but it still contributes a significant amount of carbs from the crust.
The 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you opt for the larger 12 oz dinner portion, your carb intake will double:
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 20g (Total Carbs - Dietary Fiber)
- Protein: 102g
- Total Fat: 69g
- Calories: 1120
This larger serving is considerably higher in carbohydrates and should be approached with caution by anyone monitoring their intake. It's important to note that the total calorie count is also much higher due to the increased portion size.
What Contributes to the Carbohydrate Count?
The carbohydrates in Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken do not come from the chicken breast itself, as plain chicken is naturally carb-free. Instead, the carbs come from the crust and any associated toppings.
Key carbohydrate sources include:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Many copycat recipes and ingredient lists suggest the use of panko breadcrumbs, which are a major source of carbohydrates for the crispy crust.
- Ranch Dressing: The Parmesan crust mixture often includes ranch dressing, which contains sugar and other ingredients that add to the carb count.
- Flour or Other Breading Agents: Some variations may also use flour as a dredging agent before adding the crust, further contributing to the total carb number.
How to Incorporate This Meal into Your Diet
While the parmesan crusted chicken is not carb-free, it can be worked into different diet plans with some adjustments:
- Request No Crust: The most effective way to reduce the carb count is to ask for the chicken to be served without the crust. Instead, ask for plain grilled chicken with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Choose the Smaller Portion: Opt for the 9 oz lunch portion to limit your carb intake significantly.
- Modify Side Dishes: Avoid carb-heavy sides like baked potatoes, rice pilaf, or seasoned fries. Instead, choose low-carb options such as steamed broccoli, a side salad with a low-sugar vinaigrette, or asparagus.
Carb Comparison: Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken vs. Other Options
To provide context, here is a comparison of the carb content of Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken against other options.
| Meal | Total Carbs (g) | Net Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken (9 oz) | 12 | 10 | 68 | 36 |
| Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken (12 oz) | 24 | 20 | 102 | 69 |
| Plain Grilled Chicken Breast | 0 | 0 | ~53 (approx.) | ~6 (approx.) |
| Homemade Low-Carb Parmesan Chicken | Varies | Low | Varies | Varies |
Conclusion
Understanding the carb content of restaurant meals is a crucial part of managing your dietary goals. For Longhorn's Parmesan Crusted Chicken, the number of carbs hinges on the portion size you choose. The 9 oz portion contains 12g of total carbs (10g net carbs), while the 12 oz portion doubles that to 24g total carbs (20g net carbs). This information is essential for anyone following a low-carb diet, such as keto. By understanding what contributes to the carb count—primarily the crust and sauce—diners can make informed choices or request modifications to better fit their nutritional needs. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive nutrition information, always consult Longhorn Steakhouse's official nutrition information page.
