Hey there, fellow foodies! Today I’m gonna spill the tea about one of my guilty pleasures – the Grilled Chicken Alfredo from BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. If you’ve ever wondered about the calories in BJ’s Restaurant Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Alfredo sauce you’re in for a surprise (and maybe a little shock). Let’s dive into the delicious details!
The Calorie Breakdown: What You’re Really Eating
Let’s not sugarcoat it – BJ’s Grilled Chicken Alfredo is a calorie bomb. According to both FastFoodNutrition.org and CalorieKing, this creamy pasta dish contains a whopping 1380 calories per serving. Yes, you read that right – almost 70% of the daily recommended calorie intake for an average adult on a 2000-calorie diet!
But where do all these calories come from? Let’s break it down
- Total Fat: 69g (106% of daily value)
- Saturated Fat: 35g (175% of daily value)
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Total Carbohydrates: 129g (43% of daily value)
- Protein: 60g (120% of daily value)
The calorie distribution looks something like this:
- 45% from fat
- 37% from carbohydrates
- 18% from protein
Working Off Those BJ’s Alfredo Calories
Ever wondered how long you’d need to exercise to burn off this pasta dish? According to CalorieKing, for a 35-year-old woman who is 5’7″ and weighs 144 lbs, you would need to:
- Swim for 115 minutes
- Jog for 158 minutes
- Cycle for 211 minutes
- Walk for 384 minutes (that’s over 6 hours of walking!)
FastFoodNutritionorg gives slightly different estimates, suggesting you’d need to run for 121 minutes or walk for 197 minutes Either way, we’re talking about a serious workout!
Beyond Calories: The Complete Nutritional Profile
It’s not just about calories, tho. Here’s the full nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1380 | – |
| Total Fat | 69g | 106% |
| Saturated Fat | 35g | 175% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | – |
| Cholesterol | 211mg | 70% |
| Sodium | 2201mg | 92% |
| Total Carbs | 129g | 43% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugars | 15g | – |
| Protein | 60g | 120% |
Whoa, that sodium content is pretty intense at 2201mg (92% of your daily value)! And the saturated fat at 175% of daily value? My arteries are crying just thinking about it.
Is BJ’s Grilled Chicken Alfredo Healthy?
This is where things get interesting. According to FastFoodNutrition.org’s website visitors, 60% of voters actually think the Grilled Chicken Alfredo is healthy! I’m not sure what criteria they’re using, but I guess the 60g of protein might be swaying opinions.
From a pure nutritional standpoint, however, this dish is definitely in the “occasional treat” category rather than an everyday meal. The high calorie, fat, and sodium content make it a less-than-ideal choice for regular consumption.
Weight Watchers Points – Yikes!
For those of you counting points, brace yourselves:
- 46 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points
- 47 WW SmartPoints
- 37 WW PointsPlus
That’s a lot of points for one meal!
Why I Still Order It (Sometimes)
Despite all these scary numbers, I still occasionally order BJ’s Grilled Chicken Alfredo. Why? Well, it’s pretty simple – it tastes amazing! According to FastFoodNutrition.org, 100% of voters think the Grilled Chicken Alfredo tastes good. And I gotta agree with them.
The creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly grilled chicken, and al dente pasta create a comfort food masterpiece that’s hard to resist. But knowing the nutritional info has changed how I approach this dish:
- I now share it with a friend or take half home
- I pair it with a side salad instead of an appetizer
- I save it for special occasions rather than regular visits
- I ask for light sauce to cut down some calories and fat
Healthier Alternatives at BJ’s
If you’re craving pasta but don’t want to blow your entire day’s calories on one meal, BJ’s does offer some lighter options. While I couldn’t find specific calorie counts for these alternatives, here are some strategies I’ve used:
- Ask if they can substitute whole wheat pasta
- Order a half portion (some locations offer this)
- Choose a tomato-based pasta sauce instead of cream-based
- Add extra veggies to your pasta
- Skip the extra cheese on top
How BJ’s Alfredo Compares to Other Restaurant Pasta Dishes
BJ’s isn’t the only restaurant serving up high-calorie pasta dishes. Most restaurant Alfredo dishes range from 1200-1500 calories, so BJ’s is pretty typical in this category. The combination of cream, butter, cheese, pasta, and protein almost guarantees a calorie-dense meal.
My Personal Experience
Last month, I went to BJ’s with my family and ordered the Grilled Chicken Alfredo without knowing the calorie count. I finished the entire plate and felt absolutely stuffed afterward. That night, I looked up the nutrition info and was shocked! No wonder I felt so full – I’d basically eaten my entire day’s worth of calories in one sitting.
Now, I’m not saying we should never enjoy these indulgent dishes. Food is meant to be enjoyed! But knowledge is power, and understanding what we’re consuming helps us make balanced choices.
Tips for Enjoying BJ’s Alfredo Responsibly
If you love this dish as much as I do but don’t want to completely wreck your nutrition goals, here are some suggestions:
- Plan ahead: If you know you’re having BJ’s Alfredo for dinner, eat lighter meals earlier in the day
- Share the dish: Split it with a dining companion
- Box half immediately: Ask your server to bring a to-go box with your meal and pack half away before you start eating
- Balance your week: If you indulge one day, focus on nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods the next day
- Enjoy mindfully: Savor every bite rather than rushing through it
The Bottom Line
At 1380 calories, BJ’s Restaurant Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Alfredo sauce is definitely an indulgence rather than an everyday meal. With 69g of fat, 129g of carbs, and 2201mg of sodium, it’s a dish that should be enjoyed in moderation.
But here’s the thing – sometimes it’s OK to enjoy food simply because it tastes good! The key is awareness and balance. Understanding what you’re eating empowers you to make choices that align with your overall health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make a healthier version of Chicken Alfredo at home?
A: Absolutely! Try using milk instead of heavy cream, less butter, and whole wheat pasta. Adding extra veggies also boosts the nutrition.
Q: Is the portion size at BJ’s meant for one person?
A: Technically yes, but given the calorie count, it might be more appropriate as a shared dish.
Q: Are there any lower-calorie pasta options at BJ’s?
A: While I couldn’t find specific information about lower-calorie pasta dishes at BJ’s, many restaurants offer lighter options or half portions upon request.
Q: How accurate are the calorie counts?
A: Restaurant calorie counts are typically estimates and can vary slightly based on preparation methods and exact portion sizes.
Q: Is it better to order something else entirely?
A: It depends on your goals! If you’re watching calories closely, there are definitely lighter options on BJ’s menu. But if you’re craving Alfredo, sometimes it’s better to have a reasonable portion of what you really want than to feel deprived.
In Conclusion
We all need to indulge sometimes, and BJ’s Grilled Chicken Alfredo is definitely a delicious choice for those occasions! Just be aware of what you’re consuming, and maybe plan for a little extra exercise afterward. Life is about balance, after all.
Until next time, happy (and informed) eating!
BJ’s Grilled Chicken Alfredo Nutrition Facts
*All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.Nutritional information source:
There are 1380 calories in a Grilled Chicken Alfredo from BJs. Most of those calories come from fat (45%) and carbohydrates (37%).
To burn the 1380 calories in a Grilled Chicken Alfredo, you would have to run for 121 minutes or walk for 197 minutes. — Advertisement. Content continues below — Popular Restaurants
According to our website visitors, a Grilled Chicken Alfredo is a healthy and nutritious option from BJs, with 60% of voters finding it to be healthy.
Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts above and then vote on whether you think a Grilled Chicken Alfredo is healthy or not.