In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the carb content of LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, compare it to other chicken dishes, and provide tips on how to enjoy the dish while keeping your carb intake in check. You’ll also discover some easy ways to modify the recipe at home for a lower-carb version, without sacrificing the flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Nutritional Breakdown of Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Before we dive into the specifics of carb content, it’s essential to understand the complete nutritional breakdown of LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Whether you choose the 9 oz or 12 oz option, you’ll get different levels of calories, fat, and protein. The carbs, however, are mostly contributed by the breading and the cheesy crust.
Here’s a look at the nutritional values for both servings:
- 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 68g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Calories: 1120
- Fat: 69g
- Protein: 102g
- Carbohydrates: 14-16g
As you can see, the carb content is relatively low compared to the protein and fat content. However, for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, even 10-16 grams of carbs can take up a significant portion of your daily allowance. This is particularly true if you are following a strict keto regimen that limits carbs to 20-50 grams per day.
This variation in carb count primarily stems from the breading and parmesan crust. The breading used in the preparation is often responsible for a significant portion of the carbohydrates, while the cheese contributes relatively fewer carbs. You can view more detailed information for the 9 oz version here: 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken Nutrition Facts.
Carb Content of LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1. Carb Content in the 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken
When it comes to how many carbs are in LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, the answer depends on the portion size and preparation method. For the 9 oz serving, you can expect around 10-12 grams of carbs, while the larger 12 oz serving contains 14-16 grams of carbs. Most of the carbs come from the breading and cheese used to create the crust.
By knowing exactly how many carbs are in LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you can decide whether this dish fits your dietary goals, especially if you’re limiting your daily carb intake.
This portion is suitable for those on a moderately low-carb diet. It offers a good balance between protein and fat, making it a filling meal that could fit into your daily carb allowance, especially if you pair it with low-carb sides.
2. Carb Content in the 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you choose the larger 12 oz option, the carb count rises slightly to about 14-16 grams. While the difference isn’t huge, the increase can be significant for those following very low-carb or keto diets. The larger portion also means more breading, which leads to higher carb content.
Choosing this option might make it more difficult to stay within a low-carb limit, particularly if you pair it with higher-carb sides. That said, this serving is rich in protein and fat, making it satisfying enough to keep you full for a longer period.
How Preparation Methods Affect Carb Content
The way parmesan crusted chicken is prepared can also significantly affect the carb count. The breaded crust contributes most of the carbs, and traditional frying can sometimes add hidden carbohydrates through oil absorption and added coatings.
Here are some preparation-related factors to consider:
- Breading: The primary source of carbs in this dish is the breading. Standard breadcrumbs contain around 20-22 grams of carbs per cup, which can quickly add up.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese itself is low in carbs, with just 1 gram per ounce, making it a great choice for low-carb dieters.
- Cooking Method: Baking the chicken reduces the risk of oil absorption, which could add extra fat but doesn’t necessarily add carbs. Frying, on the other hand, might lead to more carbs being absorbed if flour is used.
If you’re preparing this dish at home, you can modify the ingredients to control the carb content more effectively, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Comparison of Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Other Chicken Dishes
Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is unique in flavor, but how does it compare to other chicken dishes in terms of carb content? Let’s take a look at some popular alternatives.
1. Longhorn Chicken Tenders
Longhorn’s chicken tenders are another favorite on their menu, but they tend to have more carbs than parmesan crusted chicken due to the thicker breading. Chicken tenders at Longhorn can contain between 15-25 grams of carbs depending on the portion size and breading thickness. For those following a low-carb diet, parmesan crusted chicken might be a slightly better choice than chicken tenders.
You can explore other low-carb chicken meal options from Kinsley Recipes, which offers ideas that balance flavor with carb control.
2. Chicken Parmesan vs Parmesan Crusted Chicken
While both chicken parmesan and parmesan crusted chicken may sound similar, their carb content is quite different. Chicken parmesan is usually served with pasta and marinara sauce, which can increase the carb count to 30-50 grams or more per serving. The carbs in the pasta alone can outweigh the chicken and cheese components.
On the other hand, parmesan crusted chicken contains fewer carbs because it doesn’t include pasta. If you’re choosing between the two, parmesan crusted chicken is a better option for those looking to limit their carb intake.
Lowering the Carb Content of Parmesan Crusted Chicken
You don’t have to give up this dish to stick to your low-carb diet. There are several ways you can modify the recipe to enjoy parmesan crusted chicken while keeping the carbs low.
1. Substitute Breadcrumbs with Almond Flour or Crushed Nuts
In parmesan crusted chicken, traditional breadcrumbs typically serve as the main source of carbohydrates. However, variations of the recipe may use low-carb alternatives like almond flour for a keto-friendly version. By replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed nuts, you can significantly reduce the carb content. Almond flour contains just 2 grams of net carbs per ¼ cup, making it an excellent low-carb alternative. Crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts can also provide a similar crunch without the carbs.
2. Use Parmesan Cheese as the Main Coating
Instead of combining parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs, you can use the cheese alone as the crust. Parmesan is naturally low in carbs, with just 1 gram of carbs per ounce, and still gives you the crispy texture you love. For added flavor, mix it with herbs like garlic powder and oregano.
3. Bake Instead of Fry
Frying food can sometimes result in hidden carbs, especially if the breading absorbs oil. Baking your chicken instead allows you to achieve a crispy crust without the added fat from oil, while also avoiding any unnecessary carbs.
Low-Carb Side Dishes to Pair with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
To keep your meal balanced and low-carb, it’s essential to pair parmesan crusted chicken with appropriate side dishes. Many traditional sides, like mashed potatoes and fries, are high in carbohydrates. Here are some low-carb alternatives that work perfectly with this dish.
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, and cauliflower are not only low in carbohydrates but also rich in fiber, which makes them excellent choices for side dishes. Broccoli contains just 3.6 grams of net carbs per cup, while roasted cauliflower has 2.8 grams of net carbs per cup.
2. Cauliflower Mash
If you’re looking for a creamy side dish that mimics mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is the perfect substitute. It has the texture of mashed potatoes but only 5 grams of net carbs per serving, making it ideal for those on low-carb diets.
3. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are an excellent low-carb pasta substitute. They’re low in calories and contain just 3.5 grams of net carbs per cup, allowing you to enjoy a pasta-like experience without the carbs.
Tips for Ordering Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Restaurants
When dining out, you might not have as much control over the preparation of your meal, but there are still ways to reduce the carb content of your parmesan crusted chicken.
1. Request No Breadcrumbs
Ask the server if the kitchen can prepare the dish without breadcrumbs or with minimal breading. This can significantly reduce the carb content, making it more suitable for a low-carb diet.
2. Choose Low-Carb Sides
Instead of pairing your meal with carb-heavy sides like mashed potatoes or fries, opt for low-carb sides like steamed vegetables or a side salad. Make sure to ask for dressings on the side, as some can contain hidden sugars or carbs.
3. Skip the Sauce
Some variations of parmesan crusted chicken may come with sauces that add carbs through sugars or thickeners. Ask for the sauce on the side, or skip it altogether to avoid extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many carbs are in the Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Longhorn?
The carb count in Longhorn’s parmesan crusted chicken varies by portion size. The 9 oz serving contains around 10-12 grams of carbs, while the 12 oz serving contains approximately 14-16 grams.
How many carbs are in parmesan crusted chicken in general?
On average, a standard serving of parmesan crusted chicken from restaurants contains 10 to 20 grams of carbs depending on the portion size, breading, and preparation. Homemade versions using low-carb alternatives can reduce this number significantly.
Does chicken parmesan have carbs?
Yes, chicken parmesan typically contains carbs from both the breading and the pasta or marinara sauce. A traditional serving of chicken parmesan with pasta can contain 30-50 grams of carbs or more.
How many carbs are in Longhorn chicken tenders?
Longhorn’s chicken tenders are higher in carbs than parmesan crusted chicken due to the thicker breading. A serving can contain 15-25 grams of carbs, depending on the portion size.
Conclusion: Is Parmesan Crusted Chicken Suitable for Low-Carb Diets?
LongHorn’s parmesan crusted chicken can fit into a low-carb diet if you opt for the 9 oz portion and pair it with low-carb sides. With around 10-12 grams of carbs, this dish is manageable for many low-carb plans. For those following stricter ketogenic diets, modifications like removing breadcrumbs and choosing lighter sides can make the dish more suitable.
By understanding the nutritional content and making informed choices when dining out, you can still enjoy this flavorful dish without exceeding your carb limits. For more tips and low-carb chicken recipes, check out the low-carb chicken recipes from Kinsley Recipes