The Truth About BJ’s Restaurant Loaded Nachos with Chicken: A Calorie Bomb You Should Know About

Ever walked into BJ’s Restaurant feeling hungry and thought, “I’ll just get an appetizer to share”? Well, if you’ve got your eye on those loaded nachos with chicken, I’m about to drop some knowledge that might make you think twice! As someone who’s both a foodie and tries (sometimes unsuccessfully) to watch what I eat, I was SHOCKED when I researched the calorie content of this popular appetizer.

Just How Many Calories Are We Talking About?

According to BJ’s official nutritional guide released in June 2025, their Deep Dish Nachos with Chicken packs a whopping 1750 calories per serving. Yep, you read that right – nearly a full day’s worth of calories in just one appetizer!

But wait, it gets more interesting… Some independent food tracking websites like MyFoodDiary and CalorieKing list this same item at a mind-boggling 2760 calories! That’s a huge discrepancy of over 1000 calories. What’s going on here?

After digging deeper I realized the external sites might be using outdated information or possibly referring to a larger portion size than what’s currently served at BJ’s. Either way, even the official 1750 calories is still pretty intense for an appetizer!

Breaking Down the Nutritional Nightmare

Let’s look at what you’re actually consuming when you order these nachos

*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Holy guacamole! (Which, by the way, is probably on these nachos too). The saturated fat alone is nearly THREE TIMES what you should consume in an entire day!

What Does This Mean For Your Body?

Let’s get real about what happens when you down these nachos:

• You’d need to walk for approximately 8 hours at a moderate pace to burn off these calories
• Your sodium intake would exceed the daily recommended amount by 60%
• You’d consume more saturated fat than recommended for almost 3 days

But They Taste So Good… Are They Worth It?

Look, I’m not here to be the food police. We all have those days when we just want to indulge. But I do think it’s important to make informed choices.

If you’re still craving those nachos, here are some ways to enjoy them without completely derailing your health goals:

1. Share with 3-4 friends – This reduces your portion to a more reasonable 440-580 calories
2. Make it your main meal – Skip the entrée and just have the nachos
3. Ask for modifications – Request less cheese or sour cream to cut down on fat
4. Balance your day – If you know you’re having nachos later, go lighter on other meals

Healthier Alternatives at BJ’s

If you’re looking for appetizers that won’t use up your entire day’s calorie budget, BJ’s does offer some better options:

• Ahi Poke – Only 500 calories with 34g of protein
• Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts – A surprisingly tasty 220 calories
• Chicken Pot Stickers – 510 calories with 22g of protein

The Bottom Line

We all deserve treats and splurges sometimes. The loaded nachos at BJ’s Restaurant might be delicious, but they’re definitely in the “occasional indulgence” category rather than regular fare. If you’re watching your weight or health, this is definitely an appetizer to share with several friends!

Next time you’re at BJ’s, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make choices that align with your health goals. And if you do decide to go for those loaded nachos with chicken? Enjoy every bite without guilt – just maybe plan for a longer workout the next day!

FAQ About BJ’s Restaurant Loaded Nachos with Chicken

How many calories are in BJ’s loaded nachos without chicken?

According to BJ’s nutritional guide, the regular Deep Dish Nachos without chicken contain 1640 calories – only 110 calories less than the chicken version!

Are BJ’s nachos gluten-free?

Looking at BJ’s allergen menu, their nachos contain gluten, so they aren’t suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

How many people should share the loaded nachos?

Based on the calorie content, I’d recommend sharing with at least 3-4 people if you’re also ordering main courses.

What’s actually in BJ’s loaded nachos with chicken?

While the exact recipe isn’t listed, typical ingredients include tortilla chips, grilled chicken, cheese, beans, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Are there any low-calorie nachos options at BJ’s?

Unfortunately, nachos by nature are calorie-dense. Your best bet is to share them or look at other appetizer options if you’re counting calories.