The Ultimate Guide to Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Calories and Nutrition Breakdown

Hey foodies! Today I’m diving deep into one of the most popular dishes at Longhorn Steakhouse – their mouth-watering Parmesan Crusted Chicken. If you’ve been wondering about the calories in Longhorn Steakhouse’s 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken or just curious about what’s really in this cheesy delight, you’re in the right place!

I recently visited Longhorn and couldn’t resist ordering this dish again, but afterwards found myself wondering about its nutritional impact. So I did some digging, and wow – there’s a lot to unpack here. Let’s jump right in!

Calorie Breakdown: The Hard Truth About This Cheesy Delight

Let’s not sugarcoat it – the 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse packs a serious caloric punch:

Total Calories 1120

Yep, you read that right. Over 1,100 calories in a single serving! That’s more than half the daily recommended calorie intake for many adults. But where do all these calories come from? Let’s break it down:

• Calories from Fat: 620 (55% of total calories)
• Calories from Protein: 408 (36% of total calories)
• Calories from Carbs: 96 (9% of total calories)

It’s pretty clear that the majority of calories in this dish come from fat, followed by protein. The carbs are actually surprisingly low for a restaurant dish!

Complete Nutritional Profile

I know some of you are counting more than just calories so here’s the full nutritional breakdown for the 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken

*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Some things really stand out to me here

• Protein: With 102g of protein, this dish delivers more than double your daily needs! Great for muscle building, but probably overkill for most people.
• Sodium: At 3,160mg, you’re getting way more than the recommended daily limit (2,300mg) in just one dish.
• Saturated Fat: 28g is 140% of your daily recommended intake. Yikes!

Burn It Off: The Exercise Reality Check

Ever wonder how much exercise it would take to burn off this delicious chicken dish? According to the data:

• Running: You’d need to run for 98 minutes (that’s over 1.5 hours!)
• Walking: Or walk for 160 minutes (almost 3 hours!)

That’s a pretty serious workout commitment for one meal!

Weight Watchers Points (If You’re Counting)

For my friends on Weight Watchers, here’s the points breakdown:

• Freestyle Points: 30
• SmartPoints: 32
• PointsPlus: 29

No matter which WW program you’re following, this dish is gonna use up a big chunk of your daily points allowance.

Lighter Option: 9 oz Portion

If you’re still craving that Parmesan crusted goodness but want to cut back on calories, Longhorn does offer a 9 oz portion with significantly fewer calories:

9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken: 650 calories

That’s a savings of 470 calories! Not exactly a “light” meal, but definitely a more reasonable option if you’re watching your intake.

What Makes It So Calorie-Dense?

So why is this chicken dish such a calorie bomb? I’m pretty sure it comes down to these factors:

1. The Parmesan Crust: Cheese is naturally high in fat and calories, and when combined with breadcrumbs and other ingredients to make a crust, those numbers climb quickly.

2. Cooking Method: The chicken is likely pan-fried to get that crispy, golden crust, adding extra fat in the process.

3. Portion Size: 12 ounces is a generous serving of chicken, larger than what many nutritionists would recommend for a single meal.

4. Added Sauces: Any creamy sauces or buttery toppings will contribute additional calories and fat.

How It Compares to Other Menu Items

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is actually one of the higher-calorie entrées at Longhorn, surprisingly even higher than some of their steaks! Here’s a quick comparison:

• 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken: 1,120 calories
• 9 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken: 650 calories

If you’re counting calories but still want to enjoy a meal at Longhorn, there are definitely lighter options on their menu.

The Taste Factor: Is It Worth It?

I’ve gotta be honest – this chicken is DELICIOUS. The crispy, savory Parmesan crust gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s seasoned perfectly and has that comforting, indulgent taste that keeps people coming back.

Is it worth the calorie splurge? That’s totally up to you and your personal nutrition goals. I think of it as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal choice. When I do order it, I usually:

• Split it with someone else
• Ask for a to-go box right away and save half for later
• Skip the higher-calorie sides and opt for veggies instead
• Consider the 9 oz portion instead

Making It Healthier: Modifications and Side Choices

If you’re set on ordering this dish but want to make it a bit healthier, here are some tips:

Modifications:

• Ask if they can go lighter on the Parmesan crust
• Request that it be cooked with less butter/oil
• Ask for any sauces on the side so you can control the amount

Healthier Side Options:

• Fresh steamed vegetables
• Side salad with dressing on the side
• Swap out higher-calorie sides like loaded potatoes

Recreating a Lighter Version at Home

One option I’ve tried is making a similar but lighter version at home. Here’s a quick recipe idea:

Lighter Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Use chicken breasts pounded thin (about 4-6 oz per person)
• Create a lighter crust with a mixture of Parmesan, a small amount of panko breadcrumbs, and herbs
• Spray with olive oil instead of pan-frying
• Bake at 425°F until crispy and chicken reaches 165°F internally
• Serve with roasted vegetables and a side salad

It’s not exactly the same, but it can satisfy that craving with a fraction of the calories!

My Personal Take

Whenever I visit Longhorn, I’m always torn between ordering what I know I’ll love (this chicken!) and making healthier choices. Honestly, sometimes I splurge and get the Parmesan Crusted Chicken because life’s too short, ya know? But I try to balance it out by eating lighter the rest of the day and getting some extra exercise in.

I think the key is moderation and awareness. Now that we know exactly what we’re consuming when we order this dish, we can make informed decisions about how to fit it into our overall diet.

The Bottom Line on Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken

At 1,120 calories for the 12 oz portion, Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is definitely an indulgence rather than an everyday meal. It’s high in protein but also high in fat, saturated fat, and sodium.

If you’re watching your calorie intake or following a specific diet plan, consider:

• Opting for the 9 oz portion instead (650 calories)
• Sharing the dish with someone
• Choosing lighter sides to accompany it
• Making it an occasional treat rather than a regular choice

We all need to indulge sometimes, and this dish is certainly a tasty way to do it! Just be aware of what you’re consuming so you can plan accordingly.

Have You Tried It?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken! Is it one of your favorites? Do you have any tips for making it healthier or alternatives you enjoy? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it!

Until next time, happy (and hopefully balanced) eating!

Note: Nutritional information is based on data from Longhorn Steakhouse as of 2021. Menu items and their nutritional content may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the most current information on their website or ask at the restaurant.

A 12 oz Parmesan Crusted Chicken from LongHorn Steakhouse contains 1120 calories. This dish also provides 69g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 102g of protein.

For a healthier meal at LongHorn Steakhouse, opt for grilled seafood like salmon or shrimp, or a chicken entree, such as the Farmer’s Market Chicken. Choose a mixed greens salad or steamed broccoli as your side, and remember that portion control is key, so consider lunch-sized options or a smaller portion of your favorite steak.

The calorie count for parmesan-crusted chicken varies significantly, with restaurant versions ranging from approximately 250 to over 1,300 calories per serving depending on size and preparation.