Church’s Texas Chicken offers a variety of side dishes to complement their popular fried chicken meals. While known for indulgent comfort foods, the chain also provides some lighter options for health-conscious diners.
This article explores 10 of the healthiest side dish choices available at Church’s Texas Chicken locations. By selecting nutritious sides, customers can create a more balanced meal while still enjoying the restaurant’s signature flavors.
1) Spicy Cajun Rice
Spicy Cajun Rice offers a flavorful and nutritious side dish option at Church’s Texas Chicken. This dish combines aromatic long-grain rice with a blend of Cajun spices, creating a bold and satisfying accompaniment to chicken meals.
The rice is typically prepared with a mix of bell peppers, onions, and celery, adding essential vitamins and minerals to the dish. These vegetables contribute fiber and antioxidants, boosting the nutritional value.
Cajun seasoning, which usually includes paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, not only enhances flavor but may also offer potential health benefits. Some spices have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost metabolism.
While exact calorie content may vary, Spicy Cajun Rice generally provides a moderate calorie option compared to other side dishes. It offers a good balance of carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein from the vegetables.
For those watching their sodium intake, it’s worth noting that Cajun-style dishes often contain higher levels of salt. Customers concerned about sodium can request a lower-sodium preparation if available.
2) Honey-Butter Biscuits
Honey-Butter Biscuits are a beloved staple at Church’s Texas Chicken. These golden, flaky biscuits are freshly baked and covered in a unique honey-butter sauce.
While delicious, they are not considered one of the healthiest side options on the menu. The combination of refined flour, butter, and honey contributes to a higher calorie and sugar content compared to other sides.
A typical serving size is 3 biscuits. For those watching their calorie intake, it’s worth noting that these biscuits can add a significant amount to a meal.
Despite their indulgent nature, Honey-Butter Biscuits remain a fan favorite. Their sweet and savory flavor profile complements the restaurant’s signature fried chicken.
For health-conscious diners, enjoying these biscuits in moderation or opting for lower-calorie sides like corn on the cob might be advisable. Corn on the cob typically contains around 70-90 calories per serving, making it a lighter alternative.
3) Cole Slaw
Cole slaw is a popular side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken, offering a refreshing contrast to their savory main courses. This crisp and creamy salad consists of shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with a tangy dressing.
From a nutritional standpoint, cole slaw can be a healthier option compared to some other sides. The cabbage and carrots provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal.
However, the calorie content of cole slaw can vary depending on the dressing used. A typical serving at Church’s Texas Chicken likely contains between 100-200 calories.
For those watching their calorie intake, cole slaw can be a lighter alternative to fried sides. It also adds a cool, crunchy texture that complements the restaurant’s signature fried chicken.
When paired with grilled chicken options, cole slaw creates a well-rounded meal with a mix of flavors and textures. Its tanginess can help cut through richer dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
4) Jalapeño Cheese Bombers
Jalapeño Cheese Bombers are a popular side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken. These appetizers feature a crispy exterior with a soft, creamy center filled with jalapeño bits and cheddar cheese.
The combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick. They offer a balance of crunch and smoothness, with the heat of jalapeños complemented by the richness of cheese.
Church’s Texas Chicken offers these bombers in various serving sizes, including 5-piece, 10-piece, and 20-piece options. This allows customers to choose according to their appetite or group size.
While tasty, Jalapeño Cheese Bombers are not typically considered a health-focused option. They are likely higher in calories and fat compared to some other side dishes on the menu due to their cheese content and deep-fried preparation method.
For those watching their calorie intake, it’s advisable to enjoy these bombers in moderation. They can be part of a balanced meal when paired with lighter options like grilled chicken or vegetables.
5) Fried Okra
Fried okra is a popular side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken. This Southern favorite is made by cutting okra into bite-sized pieces and frying them until crispy.
While fried okra offers a satisfying crunch, it’s important to note that it may not be the healthiest option on the menu. The frying process adds extra calories and fat compared to other preparation methods.
Okra itself is a nutritious vegetable, containing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the breading and oil used in frying can significantly increase its calorie content.
For those watching their calorie intake, it’s advisable to enjoy fried okra in moderation. Church’s Texas Chicken offers other side options that may be lower in calories and fat.
To make fried okra a bit healthier, consider blotting it with a paper towel to remove excess oil. This can help reduce some of the added fat from frying.
6) Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a popular side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken, offering a healthier option for customers. This classic vegetable provides essential nutrients and fiber while being relatively low in calories.
A typical serving of corn on the cob at Church’s Texas Chicken contains approximately 70-90 calories. This makes it one of the lighter side dish choices on the menu, suitable for those watching their calorie intake.
Corn is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, thiamin, and folate. It also contains antioxidants that may contribute to eye health and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
The preparation method at Church’s Texas Chicken keeps the corn simple and wholesome. It’s usually served steamed or grilled, preserving its natural flavors and nutritional benefits without adding excessive fats or seasonings.
For customers seeking a balanced meal, corn on the cob pairs well with grilled chicken options on the menu. This combination provides a mix of lean protein and complex carbohydrates, creating a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.
7) Green Beans
Green beans are a nutritious side dish option at Church’s Texas Chicken. These vibrant vegetables offer a low-calorie alternative to some of the heavier sides on the menu.
Green beans provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They are typically steamed or lightly seasoned, preserving their natural nutrients and flavor.
At Church’s Texas Chicken, green beans are often prepared simply, allowing their natural taste to shine through. This preparation method helps keep the calorie count low while maximizing nutritional benefits.
Choosing green beans as a side dish can help balance out a meal that includes fried chicken or other higher-calorie main courses. They add color, texture, and a fresh element to the plate.
For those watching their calorie intake or seeking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, green beans are a smart choice at Church’s Texas Chicken. They offer a tasty way to enjoy a nutritious side without compromising on flavor.
8) Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Mashed potatoes with gravy are a beloved side dish at Church’s Texas Chicken. This classic comfort food offers a creamy texture and savory flavor that complements many main dishes.
The mashed potatoes are made from real potatoes, resulting in a smooth and hearty consistency. They are typically prepared with milk and butter, adding richness to the dish.
The gravy served alongside the mashed potatoes is a flavorful sauce that enhances the overall taste. It is usually made with chicken stock and seasonings, creating a savory complement to the potatoes.
While mashed potatoes and gravy can be high in calories and fat, they do provide some nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
To make this side dish healthier, customers can opt for a smaller portion or request the gravy on the side. This allows for better control over the amount of gravy consumed, potentially reducing calorie intake.
9) Fruit Side Salad
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a refreshing Fruit Side Salad as a healthier alternative to their traditional sides. This option provides a burst of natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
The salad typically contains a mix of fresh seasonal fruits. These may include sliced apples, grapes, melon chunks, and berries. The variety of fruits offers a range of vitamins and antioxidants.
Fruit salads are generally low in calories and fat. They provide natural sugars for energy without the added fats found in many other side dishes. This makes them an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
The fiber content in fruit salads aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This can help prevent overeating during the meal. Fruit salads also offer hydration due to the high water content of most fruits.
Choosing a Fruit Side Salad at Church’s Texas Chicken can be a smart way to balance out a meal. It complements the savory flavors of chicken dishes while adding nutritional value to the overall dining experience.
10) Macaroni and Cheese
Church’s Texas Chicken offers a creamy Baked Mac & Cheese as a side dish option. This comfort food favorite provides a satisfying blend of pasta and cheese sauce.
While tasty, the Baked Mac & Cheese is one of the higher-calorie side options on the menu. A large serving contains approximately 640 calories and 36 grams of fat.
The sodium content is also quite high at around 2,760 mg, which is more than the recommended daily intake for most adults. The dish does provide some protein, with about 26 grams per large serving.
For those watching their calorie or sodium intake, it’s advisable to choose a smaller portion size or opt for lower-calorie sides. Pairing a small serving with a vegetable side can help balance the meal.
Despite its indulgent nature, the Baked Mac & Cheese can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet. It remains a popular choice for its rich flavor and comforting texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Healthy Side Dishes
Healthy side dishes offer essential nutrients and support a balanced diet. They complement main courses by providing additional vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds.
Enhancing Dietary Fiber Intake
Fiber-rich side dishes promote digestive health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Legumes such as black beans or lentils pack a high fiber punch when included as sides. These options can contribute significantly to the recommended daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams for adults.
Whole grains like brown rice or quinoa also boost fiber content in meals. They provide sustained energy and aid in feeling full for longer periods.
Balancing Macronutrients
Healthy side dishes play a crucial role in achieving a balanced macronutrient profile. Lean protein sources like grilled chicken breast pair well with complex carbohydrates from whole grains or starchy vegetables.
Healthy fats can be incorporated through sides like avocado slices or olive oil-based dressings. These fats support nutrient absorption and contribute to heart health.
Vegetable-based sides offer low-calorie options that are rich in micronutrients. They help increase the overall nutrient density of meals without adding excessive calories.
Combining different side dishes allows for a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This balance supports various bodily functions and helps maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
Incorporating Healthy Ingredients
Church’s Texas Chicken has made efforts to include more nutritious options on their menu. These changes focus on adding whole grains and fresh vegetables to their side dishes.
Use of Whole Grains
Church’s Texas Chicken has introduced whole grain options to some of their side dishes. Brown rice is now available as an alternative to white rice in select locations. This change provides more fiber and nutrients to customers.
Whole wheat buns are used for some sandwich offerings. These buns contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than their refined counterparts.
The chain has also experimented with adding quinoa to certain salads and bowls. Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that offers a complete amino acid profile.
Inclusion of Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetable options have expanded at Church’s Texas Chicken. Corn on the cob is a popular choice, providing fiber and essential nutrients. It’s typically prepared with minimal added fats or seasonings.
Side salads now feature a mix of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. These offer a low-calorie option rich in vitamins and minerals.
Steamed broccoli has been added to the menu in some locations. This cruciferous vegetable is high in vitamin C and fiber.
Sliced bell peppers and carrots are sometimes included in salads or as standalone sides. These colorful vegetables boost the nutritional content of meals.