Are you tryin’ to enjoy Mexican food while watching your waistline? Lemme tell ya, I’ve been there! When that fajita craving hits but you’re counting macros, knowing exactly what you’re eating becomes super important. Today, I’m diving into the nutritional breakdown of one of my favorite restaurant options – On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without all those carb-heavy extras.
The Skinny on Fajita Nutrition
Before we dive in, let’s get straight to the point: On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without rice, beans, tortillas or condiments contain 370 calories per order. Pretty reasonable for a restaurant meal, right?
But calories aren’t everything. When I’m watching my diet, I want the full picture. So here’s what you’re actually getting in that sizzling skillet:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 370 | – |
| Total Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 195mg | 65% |
| Sodium | 1260mg | 53% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 13g | 40-44%** |
| Protein | 48g | 50-96%** |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
**Values vary slightly across sources
Why I Love This Fajita Option
Whenever I’m trying to stick to a higher protein, lower carb eating style, these fajitas are my go-to With a whopping 48 grams of protein and only 11 grams of carbs (10g net carbs if you’re tracking that), they’re practically designed for muscle building while keeping carbs in check
The thing I really appreciate is that by skipping the tortillas, rice, and beans, I’m cutting out a TON of extra calories and carbs that would normally come with a Mexican restaurant meal. Instead, I’m getting mostly grilled chicken, veggies, and those amazing fajita seasonings.
Breaking Down the Macros
Let’s talk about where those 370 calories actually come from:
- Protein: 48g (192 calories) = ~50% of total calories
- Fat: 16g (144 calories) = ~38% of total calories
- Carbs: 11g (44 calories) = ~12% of total calories
This macro breakdown makes these fajitas potentially compatible with several popular eating styles:
- Keto-friendly: With only 10g net carbs, it can fit into many ketogenic diets
- High-protein: Great for muscle recovery and satiety
- Lower-carb: Significantly less carbs than a standard fajita meal
What’s Actually On That Sizzling Plate?
When you order the Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without the extras. what you’re getting is
- Grilled chicken breast (the main protein source)
- Sautéed bell peppers and onions
- Fajita seasonings and oils used during cooking
That’s it! Simple, delicious, and relatively straightforward from a nutritional standpoint.
The Sodium Situation
One thing I gotta point out – these fajitas pack a pretty significant sodium punch at 1260mg, which is about 53% of the recommended daily value. This is pretty typical for restaurant food, especially anything with seasonings or marinades.
If you’re watching your sodium intake due to blood pressure concerns or other health reasons, you might want to keep this in mind. Maybe drink extra water with your meal and balance out your sodium intake for the rest of the day.
How Long Will It Take to Burn Off?
Ever wonder how much exercise it takes to work off your meal? According to the calorie burn estimates:
- Swimming: 31 minutes
- Jogging: 42 minutes
- Cycling: 57 minutes
- Walking: 103 minutes
These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs Your actual calorie burn will vary based on your age, weight, gender, and exercise intensity
How It Compares to Other On The Border Fajita Options
If you’re deciding between different fajita options at On The Border, here’s how they stack up (all without rice, beans, tortillas or condiments):
| Fajita Type | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Grilled Chicken | 370 | 48g | 16g | 11g |
| Classic Grilled Steak | 470 | – | – | – |
| Classic Grilled Shrimp | 370 | – | – | – |
| Classic Portobello & Vegetables | 210 | – | – | – |
| Carnitas | 920 | – | – | – |
| Monterey Ranch Chicken | 740 | – | – | – |
| Ultimate Fajitas | 1130 | – | – | – |
As you can see, the Classic Grilled Chicken and Grilled Shrimp options are tied for the second-lowest calorie options, with only the veggie version coming in lower. The Ultimate Fajitas will set you back over 1100 calories before you even add any tortillas or sides!
Making It Work with Different Diets
For Keto Followers
With 10g net carbs per order, these fajitas can potentially fit into a ketogenic diet, especially if you’re following a more liberal approach that allows up to 50g of carbs per day. The high protein content (48g) might be higher than some keto plans recommend, but the overall carb count is reasonable.
For Low-Carb Eaters
At 11g total carbs, this is definitely a solid low-carb restaurant option. For comparison, a single flour tortilla typically adds about 15-20g of carbs to your meal.
For Calorie Counters
At 370 calories, this is one of the lower-calorie complete protein options you’ll find at most restaurant chains. If you’re on a calorie-restricted diet, this leaves room for a small side or appetizer while still keeping your meal under 500-600 calories.
Tips for Ordering and Customizing
When I order these fajitas, I usually ask for:
- No oil on the veggies (saves some fat calories if you’re really counting)
- Extra veggies instead of the rice and beans (more nutrition for the same price!)
- A side of salsa or pico de gallo (adds flavor for minimal calories)
- A side salad with dressing on the side instead of the typical sides
What To Pair With Your Fajitas
If you’ve got some extra calories to play with, here are some lower-impact additions:
- Pico de Gallo: Only about 10 calories per serving
- Side salad with vinaigrette on the side: About 100-150 calories if you go light on dressing
- Single corn tortilla: Around 70 calories if you just want one to enjoy the fajita experience
- Guacamole: Higher in calories (about 50-100 per tablespoon) but provides healthy fats
The Bottom Line
On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without rice, beans, tortillas or condiments are a solid choice for anyone watching their calories or carbs while dining out. With 370 calories, 48g of protein, 16g of fat, and 11g of carbs, they provide a satisfying, protein-rich meal that won’t derail most healthy eating plans.
The biggest watch-out is the sodium content (1260mg), which is something to be mindful of if you’re monitoring your salt intake.
My Personal Experience
I’ve ordered these fajitas countless times when dining out with friends or family. While everyone else loads up their plates with all the fixings, I enjoy the flavorful protein and veggies, sometimes with just one tortilla or none at all. I usually leave feeling satisfied but not stuffed, and I don’t have that post-Mexican food regret that sometimes comes from overindulging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are On The Border’s fajitas healthy?
The chicken fajitas without the extras are relatively healthy from a macronutrient perspective – high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs. The sodium content is high, which is typical for restaurant food.
Can I eat fajitas on a keto diet?
Yes, if you skip the tortillas, rice, and beans! The Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas have only 10g net carbs, making them potentially compatible with many ketogenic diets.
What’s the lowest calorie fajita option at On The Border?
The Classic Portobello & Vegetables Fajitas (without the extras) are the lowest at 210 calories per order.
How many calories are in the full fajita meal with all the sides?
While we don’t have exact figures for the complete meal, adding flour tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans could easily bring the total to 800-1000+ calories.
In Conclusion
Finding healthier options at Mexican restaurants doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor! By choosing On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without the carb-heavy sides, you’re getting a delicious, protein-packed meal that works with many dietary approaches.
Whether you’re following keto, low-carb, high-protein, or just trying to make better choices, this fajita option gives you the sizzle without the nutritional fizzle. Just watch that sodium intake, drink plenty of water, and enjoy your guilt-free Mexican food experience!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy fajitas while keeping things healthier? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!
On The Border Menu Nutrition
Updated: 8/12/2021