Ever found yourself at On The Border, trying to make a healthier choice but completely lost about what you’re actually eating? I’ve been there too! Today, I’m diving deep into one of their most popular options – the Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without all the extras.
As someone who’s always counting calories (ok, maybe not always) I wanted to get the real scoop on these fajitas when ordered without the rice beans, tortillas, or condiments. Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting nutritionally when you order this dish!
Nutrition Facts at a Glance
First things first. let’s look at the basic nutritional information for On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas (without rice beans tortillas or condiments)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Total Fat | 16g (25% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 3g (15% DV) |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 195mg (65% DV) |
| Sodium | 1260mg (53% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11g (4% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g (4% DV) |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 48g |
Wait, something seems off here I found conflicting information from different sources about the calorie count. While CalorieKing and Ketogenic.com both list this dish as having 370 calories, Chef’s Resource suggests it’s only 190 calories with 22g of protein in a 326g serving
Based on the more consistent data across multiple sources, I’m going with the 370 calories and 48g protein as the most accurate.
What Makes Up These Fajitas?
When you order the Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas without the extras, you’re essentially getting:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Grilled bell peppers
- Grilled onions
- Seasonings and spices
The high protein content (48g!) comes primarily from the chicken, which makes this a great option for anyone focused on protein intake. The carbohydrates (11g) likely come from the vegetables and possibly some marinades or seasonings.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Let’s look at how the calories break down by macronutrient:
- Protein: 48g × 4 calories/g = 192 calories (52% of total)
- Fat: 16g × 9 calories/g = 144 calories (39% of total)
- Carbs: 11g × 4 calories/g = 44 calories (12% of total)
For those following a keto diet, it’s worth noting that the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) would be 10g per serving.
Calorie Burn Time
Ever wonder how long it would take to burn off these fajitas? According to the data:
- Swimming: 31 minutes
- Jogging: 42 minutes
- Cycling: 57 minutes
- Walking: 103 minutes
These calculations are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your mileage may vary depending on your own stats!
Pros of These Fajitas
- High protein content: With 48g of protein, this dish provides almost a full day’s worth for many people.
- Relatively low carb: Only 11g of carbs makes this suitable for moderate low-carb diets.
- No trans fat: Always a plus for heart health!
- Decent fiber: While not huge, the 1g of fiber is better than nothing.
Cons to Consider
- High sodium: At 1260mg, this dish contains over half of the recommended daily sodium intake.
- High cholesterol: With 195mg (65% DV), this might be a concern for those watching their cholesterol.
- Sugars: 13g of sugars is higher than you might expect for a dish without condiments or sweet sauces.
How Does This Compare to a Full Fajita Meal?
The beauty of ordering fajitas without all the extras is that you can significantly reduce your calorie intake. A full order of fajitas with rice, beans, tortillas and condiments can easily exceed 1000 calories! By skipping those additions, you’re saving hundreds of calories while still getting a flavorful, protein-rich meal.
Tips for Making This Even Healthier
If you’re trying to make your On The Border experience as healthy as possible:
- Ask for the fajitas to be prepared with less oil
- Request extra veggies instead of more meat
- Skip the cheese that sometimes comes on top
- Drink water instead of soda or alcoholic beverages
- If you do want tortillas, ask for corn instead of flour (they’re typically lower in calories)
Can These Fajitas Fit Into Special Diets?
Keto Diet
With 10g net carbs, these fajitas could potentially fit into a keto diet, especially if it’s your main meal of the day. The high fat and protein content make it a decent keto option.
Low-Carb Diet
Definitely! With just 11g total carbs, these fajitas are suitable for most low-carb approaches.
Paleo Diet
Mostly yes, though there might be some non-paleo ingredients in the marinades or seasonings. Ask your server about specific ingredients if you’re strictly paleo.
Gluten-Free Diet
The fajitas themselves (without tortillas) should be gluten-free, but always check with the restaurant about cross-contamination and hidden ingredients in marinades.
DIY Alternative: Make Your Own Healthier Version
If you love these fajitas but want to control the ingredients more carefully, here’s a quick recipe to make your own at home:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder
- Grill until cooked through
- Slice bell peppers and onions and sauté with a small amount of olive oil
- Combine and serve with optional lime wedges
By making them yourself, you can control the sodium and oil content while keeping all the flavor!
Final Thoughts
Without the extras, On The Border’s Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas have 370 calories and 48g of protein, making them a pretty healthy restaurant choice. One thing to keep an eye out for is the high sodium level, but that’s pretty normal for restaurant food.
If you’re keeping track of calories or macros, this dish gives you a good protein base that you can change up by adding some healthy extras. You could add guacamole for healthy fats or a small amount of black beans for extra fiber.
I personally love ordering this when I’m out with friends but still trying to stay on track with my nutrition goals. It’s filling, tasty, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out while everyone else is enjoying restaurant food!
Have you tried these fajitas without the extras? What did you think? Let me know in the comments, or ask me a question!
FAQs About On The Border Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Are On The Border Classic Grilled Chicken Fajitas gluten-free?
The fajita meat and vegetables should be gluten-free, but always ask about marinades and potential cross-contamination.
How many Weight Watchers points are in these fajitas?
While I don’t have the exact point value, the high protein content and moderate fat would make this a reasonable option on most WW plans.
Can I eat these fajitas if I’m diabetic?
These are a better choice than many other menu items because they have fewer carbs, but you should always talk to your doctor before making restaurant choices.
What are the best sides to order with these fajitas if I’m watching calories?
Consider a side salad with dressing on the side or extra grilled vegetables.
Do these fajitas contain dairy?
The basic fajitas without condiments should be dairy-free, but always check with your server as preparation methods can vary.
