The Complete Breakdown: Calories in BJ’s Restaurant Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken

Ever found yourself craving that mouthwatering Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken at BJ’s Restaurant but worried about the calorie count? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves dining out but also tries to keep track of my nutrition, I decided to dig deep into this popular menu item and share everything I found.

The Quick Answer: Calories and Basic Nutrition Facts

If you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know BJ’s Restaurant Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken contains 520 calories per serving. But there’s so much more to this dish than just its calorie count!

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes up those 520 calories:

*Based on a 2000 calorie daily diet

What immediately jumps out to me is the impressive protein content – 51 grams! That’s over 100% of what many people need in a day. The dish also provides 8 grams of fiber, which is 32% of your daily value.

Macronutrient Distribution

If you’re counting macros here’s how the Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken breaks down

• Protein: 51g (40% of total calories)
• Carbs: 44g (34% of total calories)
• Fat: 15g (26% of total calories)

For those following a keto diet, it’s worth noting that the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) comes to 36g per serving, which might be too high if you’re strictly limiting carbs.

How Long Will It Take to Burn Off?

We all wonder this sometimes! Based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, here’s how long it would take to burn off the 520 calories in this dish:

• Swimming: 43 minutes
• Jogging: 46-60 minutes
• Cycling: 80 minutes
• Walking: 74-145 minutes

Is BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken Healthy?

This is where things get interesting! While 520 calories might seem high for a single dish, let’s consider the nutritional value:

The Good Stuff:

• High in protein (51g)
• Good source of fiber (8g)
• No trans fat
• Relatively low in sugar (3g)

The Not-So-Good Stuff:

• High in sodium (2223-2239mg, which is 93% of daily value)
• Contains 15g of fat
• Has 44g of carbohydrates

Weight Watchers Points

For those of you following Weight Watchers, this dish counts as:

• 10 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points
• 12 WW SmartPoints
• 13 WW PointsPlus

How Does It Compare to Other Menu Items?

When dining at BJ’s Restaurant, it’s always good to know how your choice stacks up against other options. The Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken, at 520 calories, is actually on the moderate side compared to many restaurant entrees that can easily exceed 1,000 calories.

Tips for Making It Healthier

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy this dish, here are some suggestions:

• Ask for the sauce on the side and use it sparingly
• Share with a friend and order a side salad
• Skip any additional sides that might come with it
• Drink water instead of a calorie-laden beverage

My Personal Experience

I’ve ordered this dish several times, and I gotta say, it’s pretty satisfying! The high protein content keeps me full for hours, and I don’t feel that post-meal sluggishness that often comes with heavier restaurant foods. The flavor is amazing – that barbacoa seasoning really kicks things up a notch!

Last time I went to BJ’s with my family, we actually split this dish along with a salad, and it was the perfect amount of food. We didn’t feel deprived at all, and I didn’t have the guilt that sometimes comes with restaurant dining.

Is It Keto-Friendly?

With 36g of net carbs, the Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken isn’t ideal for a strict ketogenic diet, where many people aim to stay under 20g of net carbs per day. However, if you’re following a more liberal low-carb approach or are on a targeted keto diet where you consume more carbs around workout times, this could potentially fit into your plan.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Calories?

At 520 calories, BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken offers a decent nutritional profile, especially when it comes to protein. The sodium content is quite high, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to be cautious.

In my opinion, if you’re looking for a restaurant meal that offers good nutritional value and isn’t just empty calories, this is a solid choice. The combination of protein and fiber helps make it satisfying, and the flavor makes it enjoyable to eat.

Remember, one meal doesn’t make or break your diet – it’s about balance over time. So if you’re craving BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken, go ahead and enjoy it as part of your overall balanced approach to eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in BJ’s Restaurant Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken?

There are 520 calories in one serving of BJ’s Restaurant Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken.

Is BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken high in protein?

Yes! With 51 grams of protein per serving, it’s very high in protein, providing about 102% of the daily recommended value based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Is BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken keto-friendly?

Not really. With 36g of net carbs per serving, it exceeds the typical daily carb limit for most people following a strict ketogenic diet.

How much sodium is in BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken?

The sodium content is between 2223-2239mg, which represents about 93% of the recommended daily value. This is quite high, so be mindful if you’re watching your sodium intake.

How many Weight Watchers points is BJ’s Fire-Roasted Barbacoa Chicken?

It counts as 10 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points, 12 WW SmartPoints, or 13 WW PointsPlus.

Next time you’re at BJ’s, you can order with confidence knowing exactly what you’re getting. And if you’ve tried this dish, I’d love to hear what you think of it in the comments!