What Defines BJ's Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken?
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse's 'Enlightened' menu features dishes designed for a healthier dining experience. The enlightened Mediterranean chicken is a flavorful option available as a bowl or pita tacos, both featuring lean protein and fresh ingredients. The Mediterranean flavor profile comes from vegetables, a tangy vinaigrette, and creamy Greek yogurt crema.
The Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
The bowl version includes grilled chicken, Peruvian quinoa, and brown rice, topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and cilantro. It is dressed with a red wine vinaigrette and Greek yogurt crema.
- Key Components: Grilled chicken, quinoa/brown rice, fresh vegetables.
- Flavor Boosts: Feta cheese, cilantro, vinaigrette, and crema.
The Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos
The pita tacos offer a lighter, low-calorie alternative with oven-roasted chicken in chargrilled pita bread. They are filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta, and served with a side of seasonal bistro grains. The tacos are finished with the same Greek yogurt crema and red wine vinaigrette as the bowl.
- Key Components: Oven-roasted chicken, chargrilled pita, fresh toppings.
- Sides and Sauces: Seasonal bistro grains, Greek yogurt crema, and red wine vinaigrette.
Flavor Profile and Taste
Both the bowl and pita tacos share a fresh, bright flavor profile. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and savory chicken is enhanced by the acidity of the red wine vinaigrette and the smoothness of the Greek yogurt crema. Reviewers often find the dishes satisfying and delicious without being heavy.
Comparison: Bowl vs. Pita Tacos
The table below outlines the key differences between the Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Bowl and the Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos:
| Feature | Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Bowl | Enlightened Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Grilled chicken, quinoa + brown rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta, cilantro, red wine vinaigrette, Greek yogurt crema | Oven-roasted chicken, chargrilled pita, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta, cilantro, red wine vinaigrette, Greek yogurt crema, seasonal bistro grains |
| Carbohydrate Source | Peruvian quinoa and brown rice | Chargrilled pita and seasonal bistro grains |
| Protein | Grilled chicken breast | Oven-roasted chicken |
| Presentation | Served in a bowl, with ingredients mixed together | Served as individual handheld tacos |
| Typical Calories | Approximately 680 calories for the large bowl | Approximately 720 calories per order |
| Best For | A hearty, substantial meal with a focus on grains and vegetables | A lighter, more casual meal with a street-food feel |
Why This Dish is a Popular Healthy Choice
The enlightened Mediterranean chicken is a popular healthy choice due to its lean protein and fresh ingredients. It is part of BJ's 'Enlightened' menu, focusing on nutrient-dense foods. Reviews often praise its taste and how satisfying it is.
Conclusion
BJ's enlightened Mediterranean chicken is a healthy and flavorful menu item. Available as a bowl or pita tacos, it combines lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing for a light yet satisfying meal. It is a good example of the healthy options available at BJ's. For more details, consult the {Link: BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse website https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/}.
