1. Don't be afraid to modify. Ask for light oil, request sauce on the side so you can choose your portion, and alter ingredients to create a healthier meal. (For example, swap the bacon on a salad for avocado or nuts.)
2. Choose grilled. When it comes to proteins, go with grilled options when available. These are likely to be lower in fat and calories compared to fried and pan-fried options.
3. Load up on veggies. While restaurant veggies are likely to be cooked with more butter and oil than you use at home, they are often much lower in calories than other popular sides, like potatoes, rice, and mac & cheese. Make all of your sides vegetables to maximize fiber while limiting calories.

Those guidelines will help you make healthier, weight-loss-friendly choices at virtually any restaurant. But for specific recommended orders, we studied the menus at 14 major chain restaurants—from Applebee's to Outback Steakhouse—to find the #1 healthiest meal to order at each one if you're trying to lose weight. While the choices still may not be as healthy as what you would prepare at home, they are among the healthiest dishes available on these menus, which makes them a good bet. Read on, and next, check out the 4 Fast-Food Chains Dietitians Stay Away From.

Although steak is often a fattier piece of meat than poultry and fish options at a restaurant, this meal is still lower in calories than most other menu offerings at Chili's. This simple meal comes with a 6 oz steak topped with cilantro pesto and avocado slices, and a side of asparagus. This keeps the carb count low while providing plenty of protein and fiber for a filling meal.

RELATED: 5 Healthiest Meats To Eat, According to Dietitians

At a restaurant known for its pasta, Olive Garden's Grilled Chicken Margherita skips the noodles and instead loads up on protein-rich chicken. Grilled chicken breasts are topped with tomato, pesto, lemon garlic sauce, and mozzarella cheese. With a side of parmesan garlic broccoli, this meal is flavor-packed while maintaining a low carb count. To further aid your weight loss goals, save some fat grams and calories by skipping the lemon garlic sauce. Take it a step further and ask them to go light on the pesto or serve it on the side.

TGI Fridays' Simply Grilled Salmon comes with your choice of two sides, which makes it a great opportunity to load up on veggies to create a filling meal. With 11 grams of fiber, this is the highest fiber option on this list. You can choose a sauce for the salmon, but stick with the plain option to avoid extra empty calories. The Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad is another option for a veggie side if you are looking for variety. Unfortunately, you'll find even these healthy menu items pack tons of sodium. Skipping sauces and asking for light seasoning on side vegetables is one way to combat this.

Chicken breasts topped with tomato, artichokes, capers, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette make The Cheesecake Factory Tuscan Chicken a flavorful meal. While the capers and artichokes add flavor for few calories, they are likely to provide quite a bit of sodium. You can skip one or both of these ingredients to save yourself a few milligrams of sodium. Your grilled chicken is served over fresh vegetables and farro to create a balanced meal. Just note that this dish, which is on Cheesecake Factory's 'SkinnyLicious Specialities' menu, is very high in protein, so consider having half of the chicken and taking the rest home for a second meal. (This will drastically reduce the total calories, too!)

RELATED: 10 Unhealthiest Menu Items at The Cheesecake Factory

Another salmon dish on this list, Applebee's Blackened Cajun Salmon comes with broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes. However, this would be another good opportunity to make a modification for a higher fiber, lower calorie side. Swap the potatoes for double broccoli or garlicky green beans. Again, this dish is still quite high in sodium, but you could ask for the salmon to be grilled without the Cajun seasoning to reduce your salt intake.

The Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi with House Side Salad is a lunchtime favorite and a great option if weight loss is your goal. With just over 400 calories, this meal works in a variety of calorie needs and boasts plenty of protein to help keep you feeling fuller, longer. You could even save some calories and reduce the fat (and saturated fat) by asking them to go light on the lemon butter sauce when preparing the shrimp. The house salad makes for a good side option, and you can top it with the citrus vinaigrette for an extra 70 calories. Broccoli is an option as well, although it is a little higher in calories and fat.

RELATED: How Much Protein You Need To Eat Every Day To Lose Weight

You'll see plenty of poultry and seafood on this list, and that is because it is naturally lean. With only 8 grams of fat, this is the lowest fat option on this list (though not the lowest in saturated fat). Unfortunately, it has the lowest fiber count, too. Still, compared to the rest of the menu, Ruby Tuesday's Deconstructed Kabobs with Shrimp is a decent choice. It comes with shrimp, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion, all served over rice pilaf. Skip the rice to drop your carbs down to just 5 grams, and consider adding another serving of veggies in its place.

The California Pizza Kitchen Banh Mi Power Bowl packs loads of veggies with quinoa, grilled chicken, and sunflower seeds to make a nutrient-packed option. A chili-lime vinaigrette loads in the flavor, all for under 500 calories. The nutrition numbers on this meal are great for weight loss, with plenty of fiber and protein, and a reasonable number of carbs. That said, 31 grams of fat is a lot for a single meal, so ask for the dressing on the side and only use half to save several grams.

RELATED: 9 Best High-Fiber Vegetables—Ranked!

Outback may be known for its Bloomin' Onion, which packs over 1600 calories, but fortunately, the chain also offers leaner options. The Tasmanian Chili Crock, which can be ordered in a cup or a bowl, is made with steak and no beans. This makes for a great protein count, but also increases the saturated fat in the meal. However, staying mindful of your fat sources for the rest of the day is one way to balance this out. If you have some calories to spare, add a small house salad for more veggies and fiber. (Another good menu option at Outback is the Seared Peppered Ahi. Although this meal packs a day's worth of sodium, it is a lower saturated fat option.)

At first glance, you may notice the 23 grams of sugar in Texas Roadhouse's Grilled BBQ Chicken and wonder why a dietitian would recommend ordering it. Although delicious, BBQ sauce is notorious for containing added sugar, making it less than ideal for weight loss. Because of this, we recommend skipping the BBQ sauce and instead enjoying the natural grilled flavors of the chicken. This will bring down the total sugar in this meal to just 9 grams and 510 calories. Stick with double veggie sides for a fiber-packed meal with just over 500 calories.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Menu Items at Texas Roadhouse

Compared to full eggs, egg whites are much lower in fat. This creates a lower-calorie meal and also saves cholesterol. Luckily, Denny's Fit Slam still packs 27 grams of protein, making it a balanced option. This dish combines scrambled egg whites with spinach and tomatoes, with sides of turkey bacon, fruit, and an English muffin. Have just half of the muffin to reduce calories and carbs, and skip jam to avoid extra grams of sugar.

Red Robin's Ensenada Chicken Platter includes two chicken breasts with a side salad topped with a salsa-ranch dressing. At only 400 calories and 13 grams of carb, you could enjoy the full meal even while working toward weight loss. Alternatively, you could order a single chicken breast in this dish for only 210 calories. That would leave room to add another tasty side, like coleslaw or garlic parmesan broccoli.

RELATED: Are Eggs Good for You? 10 Science-Backed Effects of Eating Them Every Day

You'll notice Cracker Barrel's Egg Sandwich is much higher in fat than the previous egg white option on this list, and that is because this dish uses whole eggs. While fat is a satiating nutrient, it also increases calories, and in this case, saturated fat. To improve the nutrition on this option, ask for egg whites instead. You could also skip the mayo to save additional fat grams. Go with fresh fruit as your side option to increase fiber. You could even ask for additional tomatoes for another boost of produce!

Egg whites, mushrooms, tomatoes, nut-free pesto, and avocado come together to make the IHOP Pesto Veggie Egg White Omelette a nutritious meal. While pesto is largely made up of healthy fats like olive oil, it is still a high-calorie condiment. To reduce fat grams at this meal, ask for the pesto on the side so you can choose your portion. This omelet is served with fresh fruit, making for a hearty breakfast under 500 calories.

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Unlike the watered-down dishes found in some Americanized restaurants, which people in Greece definitely don't actually eat, these are the types of recipes that pay homage to their homeland, made with legit ingredients and techniques.

As Peter Tsaglis, executive chef of Miami's Joia Beach, explains, a key part in authenticity is simplicity. From seafood dishes and spreads to salads and desserts, Tsaglis notes that "these dishes are best cooked and served in a simple preparation using clean ingredients that are cooked with respect," such as a simple squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil. "Greek food is much more than a few dishes, but this is a great place to start," he says.

With that ethos in mind, these are seven authentic dishes to order at a Greek restaurant.

When it comes to simplicity, it doesn't get any more pure than a classic Greek salad. The standout dish is among the most recommended by Greek chefs, including Demetrios "Jimmy" Loizides, owner of Vega Vineyard & Farm in Buellton, Cali., whose family owned several Greek restaurants in Los Angeles for more than two decades.

"Due to the nature of farming in Greece, we have some of the best-tasting tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, oregano, and olive oil," says Georgios Vogiatzis, owner of Santorini by Georgios in Miami. "This is also a dish that has been around for thousands of years in Greek culture."

RELATED: The Best Greek Restaurant In Every U.S. State

Another dish that benefits immensely from simple technique and simple ingredients is octopus, a nautical starter that represents Greece's abundant seafood. "With over 600 islands in Greece, we have some of the most accessible and fresh seafood," says Vogiatzis. "Octopus is a very healthy dish, and growing up, Greeks learn how to properly cook it." His favorite preparation is grilled over charcoal, with not a lot of bells and whistles needed.

Speaking of healthy, lamb is one of the better-for-you proteins found on authentic Greek menus, and when prepared with diligence and tradition in mind, it's a menu must. That's according to Vogiatzis, who likes to order Greek-style roasted lamb with lemon potatoes.

"With almost every Greek village having a herd of free-walking lambs, it is one of the most healthy dishes, since the lambs walk over 10 kilometers daily and feed on natural dishes," says Vogiatzis. "Paired perfectly with potatoes that absorb the magical taste of the lamb, and coated with oregano, olive oil, lemon, garlic and rosemary to create a delicious meal."

Another lamb fan is Vasiliki Vourliotaki, executive chef at Kellari Taverna in New York City. Calling it a specialty in Greece since the ancient years, Vourliotaki explains that the meat is cooked in many different ways throughout the country, from roasted or baked to stewed, stuffed, or fricassee-style. And you can't go wrong with any of it.

RELATED: 7 Most Authentic Dishes to Order at a Thai Restaurant, According to Chefs

Octopus isn't the only requisite seafood order at a Greek restaurant. Vourliotaki recommends any number of simply prepared grilled fish options to try. "Grilled fish is one of the most popular Greek-made dishes, especially on the islands," he notes. "The most common way to try it is with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and garlic."

A layered dish of ground meat, potatoes, and eggplant, moussaka is one dish that requires a little more preparation and ingredients—but is just as laudable as its simpler menu options. It's another favorite for Vourliotaki, who refers to it as "layers of goodness," with its minced meat, tomato, eggplant, potato, and béchamel sauce.

RELATED: 8 Overrated Italian Dishes That Chefs Never Order

If there's one menu item that can fall prey to inauthentic Americanization, it's the gyro. After all, when a dish as ubiquitous and widespread as this gets served at places like Arby's, then things are bound to veer from tradition a bit. But when prepared the right way, it can be a real winner.

"The last few years, we've sees gyros in the best Greek restaurants in a very upscaled way," says Vourliotaki of America's gyro renaissance. "The word gyro comes from the ancient Greek for 'turn.' It refers to the way that the meat is pressed on a rotating spit." While the spit-roasted meat can be served on a plate with rice, fries, or salad, his favorite order is as a wrap with tzatziki sauce, tomato, potato, and red onion.

Gerry Sizemore, chef de cuisine of Haven in Tampa, is another endorser of the gyro. "You can't go wrong ordering a gyro," he says. "Authenticity shows in the bite, so while there are many gyro options out there, you will always remember a great gyro."

When it's time for dessert, it turns out that baklava isn't exactly the most authentic. Instead, do as chefs like Loizides do and opt for the lesser-known (at least in the U.S.) galaktoboureko.

"For dessert, I recommend trying galaktoboureko," says Tsaglis, another endorser of the confection. "It's made with semolina and milk custard wrapped in phyllo dough, baked, and drizzled with honey-lemon syrup." Baklava, eat your heart out.

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On Sept. 28, Mike Haracz, who previously served as the manager of culinary innovation at McDonald's, took to TikTok to explain why the fast-food chain doesn't serve the popular fried side dish.

"McDonald's is most profitable when it is the most efficient and that efficiency in scale," Haracz said in his video, which has since racked up more than 51,000 views and nearly 225 comments. The chef then went on to explain that if McDonald's started selling onion rings, it would "probably be a limited-time offer" due to "efficiencies." Haracz noted that selling onion rings would reduce the number of people ordering french fries—a menu item he highlighted as "over-the-top profitable" for McDonald's.

@chefmikeharacz

Replying to @mikeyday00 Former #McDonalds corporate chef explains why they won't have onion rings anytime soon. #mcdonaldssecrets #McDonaldssecret #mcdonaldslife #McDonaldsMenu #mcdonaldsfries #mcdonaldsfrenchfries #mcdonaldsfriesaresogood #mcdonaldsfriesmhmm #FastFood #FastFoodSecrets #FrenchFries #Fries #FYP

♬ original sound – Chef Mike Haracz

RELATED: Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Are Back—With a Few Upgrades

Haracz added that the chain currently overcharges for its fries compared to other menu items. A New Jersey location currently sells a small order of fries for $2.99, a medium for $3.89, and a large for $4.89.

Additionally, the chef said McDonald's would likely charge at least an extra dollar for onion rings because it isn't as efficient at making them as it is with french fries.

This strategy isn't limited to onion rings, though. Haracz told The New York Post that offering, say, too many chicken options, would have a similar effect: it would not attract new customers and reduce the volumes of available items, ultimately decreasing their profitability and efficiency.

The chef concluded that he doesn't see McDonald's rolling out onion rings anytime soon.

RELATED: McDonald's Worker Reveals That Eggs & Hotcakes Aren't Made Fresh

After Haracz posted his video on TikTok, many people flocked to the comments section to rave about McDonald's fries, while some expressed interest in the possibility of the fast-food chain selling onion rings.

"Their fries are the best on the planet. We love the fries," one TikToker wrote. "I would gladly pay an extra $1 for onion rings. $1.50 if panko breaded," another one commented.

Back in May, McDonald's released onion rings at its global headquarters location in Chicago, as first reported by the food Instagram account @snackolator.

This wasn't the first time a fried onion menu item hit McDonald's, though. The fast-food chain tested onion nuggets in select U.S. markets between 1978 and 1979 before replacing them with the iconic Chicken McNugget in 1983.

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The popular regional fast-food chain just announced that its famous CurderBurger is returning to menus on Oct. 2, mere days from now. For the uninitiated, the CurderBuger is an indulgent combination of two of the chain's most iconic menu items: Butterburgers and Wisconsin Cheese Curds. But rather than just piling curds onto a beef patty, Culver's fries up giant patty-sized pucks of the squeaky cheese and stacks them on its Deluxe Butterburgers

RELATED: 5 Fast-Food Chains That Serve the Most Over-the-Top Burgers

While the burger is very much a real thing now, Culver's actually first announced it as an April Fool's Joke back in 2021. The chain ended up receiving so many requests for the item that it released it for just one day that year.

To say that the burger was polarizing would be a grand understatement. Some guests swore it was one of the most delicious creations to ever hit Culver's menu.

"It was heavenly, probably the best thing Culver's has ever created," one fan raved on Reddit back in 2021.

Meanwhile, others thought it was just "decent" or said they didn't enjoy it at all.

Despite the divided reaction, there's no denying the success the burger has brought in for Culver's. The chain said that guests started lining up for the burger as early as 7 a.m. on launch day and they ended up selling 136,000 of the novelty sandwiches nationwide. Some locations, the majority of which were in Culver's home state of Wisconsin, even sold out of Curderburgers within a mere two hours.

RELATED: Fast-Food Burger Fans Just Crowned the #1 Best-Quality Patty—Do You Agree?

That success spurred Culver's to bring it back for an encore in 2022, but unlike the first time, the chain ramped up supplies and offered it for a couple of weeks. This time around, Culver's is selling the burger through Oct. 31 or while supplies last. Considering the frenzy that the burger has caused in the past, customers vying to get a taste of the legendary sandwich shouldn't wait too long before heading over to the nearest Culver's to grab one.

This isn't the only coveted limited-edition fast food item that customers can try next month. Taco Bell just brought back its super popular Nacho Fries yesterday and is debuting its first-ever vegan item that will be available nationwide—Vegan Nacho Sauce—on Oct. 12.

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The post Culver's Weirdest, Most Polarizing Burger In History Is Coming Back appeared first on Eat This Not That.

The hearty fare of Southern cuisine does come with an unfortunate downside, though. Many stick-to-your-ribs dishes at Southern-themed restaurants are brimming with excess calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. We scoped out the menus at some popular Southern chains to find the eight unhealthiest orders. Read on, and for more healthy dining out tips, check out The #1 Unhealthiest Sandwich at 12 Major BBQ Chains.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is known for down-home, Texas-style smoked meats and filling sides. Some options, such as baked beans and cabbage slaw, make for healthy eating. But watch out for the Pork Rib Plate. Before you even add side dishes, this plate will set you back 1,133 calories, 73 grams of fat, 33 grams of sugar, and 4,444 milligrams of sodium (185% of the recommended daily value).

RELATED: The #1 Unhealthiest Order at 10 Major BBQ Chains

If you live in Virginia, North Carolina, or South Carolina, chances are you've tried Biscuitville. True to its name, this chain features a menu of flaky, Southern-style biscuits and biscuit sandwiches, plus breakfast platters, sides, and sweets. Tasty as the menu may be, choose carefully when you order at Biscuitville—opting for the Southern Steak and Cheese Biscuit will blow more than your whole day's saturated fat budget. And at 820 calories, it's a seriously high-calorie breakfast choice.

Texas Roadhouse isn't the only restaurant chain to feature a "blossom" of fried onions with a creamy dipping sauce—Outback Steakhouse holds the claim to fame for the original. But the Texas Roadhouse version is every bit as disastrous for health as the Outback version. Even though the cactus blossom features onions, it's not quite the same thing as eating vegetables.

Much like its Australian predecessor, Texas Roadhouse's appetizer is heavy on several nutrients, including calories, saturated fat, and sodium. If you do order this one, make it an appetizer for the whole table (and stick to a few bites before dinner).

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Fried Onion Appetizer?

When dining out for breakfast, pass on the Steak and Egg Hashbrown Casserole at Cracker Barrel, says Mandy Tyler, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD. A heavy load of sodium and saturated fat will only weigh you down for the rest of your day.

"It is important to note that the nutrition information does not include the buttermilk biscuits served on the side with the meal, which will add another 160 calories per biscuit, as well as two grams of saturated fat," Tyler adds. "For a healthier option, you can build your homestyle breakfast with two eggs, chicken sausage, and multigrain toast on the side."

Popeyes' large Homestyle Mac and Cheese is considered a side dish, but for all the calories and fat it contains, it's more than a meal in its own right. And since this side is low in both fiber and protein, it's seriously lacking nutritionally. Maybe Popeye should get back to his roots and focus more on spinach.

RELATED: 10 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Chili

Cracker Barrel isn't shy about frying their foods, especially this quintessential dish of Southern cuisine. But though fried chicken is synonymous with Southern cooking, it's not synonymous with health.

"[This meal] has a whopping 1,640 calories and over 200% of the daily recommended amount of salt. Not to mention, it has 23 grams of saturated fat, which just about meets the entire day's worth," says Haley Bishoff, RDN, owner of Rūtsu Nutrition in Las Vegas, NV. "This doesn't even account for the two sides that you add with this meal." The combination of high saturated fat and high sodium makes this dish particularly problematic for heart health.

The Sonny's Sampler at Sonny's BBQ serves up a mix of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and a quarter barbecue chicken. That's a lot of food for one person. In its favor, this plate of meat packs a wealth of protein at 127 grams, but protein isn't the only thing it has in abundance. It's high in just about everything else—and not everything is good. A cavalcade of sugar (60 grams) gives these barbecue meats their sweetness, while added sodium (3,060 milligrams) tempers them with saltiness. Stick to one of Sonny's smaller sandwiches for a taste of barbecue without the excess.

RELATED: 10 Seafood Chains That Serve the Highest Quality Fish

Not to be confused with Jack in the Box, Jack's is a Southern fast-food chain out of Homewood, Alabama. Typical fare at their 200 restaurants includes burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of fried chicken.

As you peruse their menu, take note: their three-piece Chicken Finger Dinner is among the unhealthiest choices. Three pieces of battered, fried chicken rack up 950 calories all by themselves (before the addition of sides). And since fried foods have been linked to heart disease and even mental health problems, we say steer clear of this order.

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The original Texas Roadhouse didn't attempt to be upscale by any means, but rather aimed to create a warm southwestern environment "where everyone, of all ages, could come and have a great meal and great fun for a great price," according to the company.

I can certainly attest to this mission, based on my many visits to the chain as an adolescent. My family never descended on one of the restaurants with a group smaller than at least five, the music was always cranked loud, and the steaks were always hearty and satisfying. Moreover, it's a place where sweet rolls come in droves, you can ride a saddle in honor of your birthday, and peanut shells routinely covered the floors (at least in the pre-Covid days)—making it more of a honky-tonk circus than a steakhouse.

On the surface, this is what Texas Roadhouse is all about: fun and hand-cut steaks. But, if you dig past the 44% of its menu that is purely beef offerings, you'll find there is actually much more to discover—like "fall-off-the-bone" ribs, country-style dinners, and lesser-known chicken specialties.

As a carnivore and avid steak lover, I will admit that I had never given this poultry section a second glance. So, I was eager to discover a whole new side of the steakhouse never before explored. At my local Texas Roadhouse in Columbus, Ohio—one of some 661 locations worldwide, according to the chain's most recent quarterly report—I counted six total chicken entrées, each with its own special flair. With some help, I ordered each one and got to work.

So, listen up, y'all. Here is my final verdict, starting with my least favorite and ending with the finest chicken dish the chain has to offer.

If you're striving to sniff out the healthiest chicken dish on the menu, look no further than the Herb Crusted Chicken. The poultry pick comes in at a mere 260 calories–the second lowest of all Texas Roadhouse entrées, behind only the 6-ounce USDA Choice Sirloin. It also holds just 4 grams of fat and 12 carbs while still packing in 47 grams of protein. Before it reaches your plate the boneless chicken breast is marinated, rubbed with herbs and spices, and flame-grilled. Scattered parsley flakes and a caramelized lemon are the cherries on top of this $14.49 plate, which includes two sides.

The Look: The butterfly cut of this chicken clearly distinguishes it from the others, but also makes it one of the thinnest options. Judging by its singed surface, the grill undoubtedly did its job. As for the herbs and spices, however, they didn't work quite as hard. With a name like "herb crusted," you would naturally expect a visible crust of herbs, right? But, all I could really detect was the parsley and a few last-minute grains of salt.

The Taste: Dry, with an insufficient amount of seasoning to make up for it. This is the most healthful option and it certainly shows. The flavoring of the herbs and spices was palatable, and my group and I could identify what we thought to be hints of salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and maybe even a smidgen of basil. But, I could've gone for a double dose of this blend in order to better stomach the meat itself, which was relatively tough and even laborious to cut. The caramelized lemon, served on the side for "extra flavor," was certainly a saving grace here and brought some much needed moisture to the dish.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Fried Onion Appetizer?

No southern-style eatery worth its salt is complete without a country fried chicken on its menu. The Texas Roadhouse rendition is "hand-battered, golden-fried and topped with choice of gravy" with the options being either brown or cream gravy (what other restaurants call country or white). I opted for the cream gravy–the standard and obvious choice, but one which added an extra 270 calories to the $14.49 meal.

The Look: A prototypical and sizable piece of country fried chicken. Although, it came out somewhat thinner than I would have expected–less than an inch thick in most spots. The coating is the proper shade and not overly oily for something that is deep fried. The most eye-catching and notable feature, though, is the pepper-speckled gravy, which is well-portioned and cascades over the edges of the chicken ever so slightly.

The Taste: I came in with high hopes, but there's something a bit discomforting about this comfort food. First off, the salt level in the breading is overbearing–someone in the kitchen must've gotten overly excited with the shaker. This, paired with the gooey texture and peppery nature of the gravy simply didn't sit well. On a more positive note, the chicken wasn't nearly as dry as the herb-crusted variety (although not exceedingly juicy, either). And, the hefty slab did have a nice crunch. So, Texas Roadhouse didn't completely lay an egg with its country fried chicken, but came dangerously close.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. Outback Steakhouse: Which Has the Best Bone-In Ribeye?

Some form of barbecue chicken can be found at nearly any restaurant that features American fare, and it's typically a safe bet as long as the chicken is well-cooked and the sauce is quality. At Texas Roadhouse, you get a half-pound breast when you order the classic, which comes  grilled with two sides for $13.49. That's tied with the Critters for the cheapest chicken on the lineup.

The Look: Nicely coated with a dark brown barbecue glaze–perhaps a little bit too much sauce, though, as it began to pool on the plate. Criss-cross grill marks clearly peak through from underneath. Though it isn't as wide as the country fried or herb-crusted chickens–closer to three-quarters of the size–its thickness is comparable.

The Taste: Not overly impressive, but not unsavory by any means. The chicken is tender and can be easily carved. One small critique is that the barbecue sauce is undeniably sweet with no heat to speak of. So, if you prefer it with a little more of a punch like me, this probably isn't the poultry plate for you. That complaint aside, my friends and I didn't have much else to squawk about, and this was actually one of few clean plates by the end of the meal.

RELATED: 5 Secret Menu Items at Texas Roadhouse

Chicken Critters is just the restaurant's cutesy name for your average, everyday chicken tenders–every child's favorite restaurant meal and a nostalgic pick for adults as well. For $13.49, you get bout six all-white meat tenders (give or take, depending on their size), and a daunting choice between barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, hot, or mild sauce. For our party, the choice of the day happened to be ranch–a midwestern must-have.

The Look: These strips are plump and come straight from the fryer, sporting a golden tan hue. The buttermilk-based breading isn't terribly heavy and you can even see spots of the white chicken poking through from below. However, it is unlike what I've seen before at other restaurants or fast food joints and more resemblant of the fried foods you would find at a fair or festival.  Overall, we have what appears to be a very traditional take on chicken tenders, but perhaps one that is only moderately crispy compared to what you can find elsewhere.

The Taste: This Texas Roadhouse trademark may sound creepy crawly, but in reality the tenders are juicy and quite satisfying–especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. The breading walks the line between crispy and soft, as I suspected upon first glance. The dinner's description does say "lightly crispy," though, so maybe that was to be expected.

RELATED: 6 Big Changes You'll See at Texas Roadhouse This Year

"Smothered" Chicken is a southern gem, but it doesn't always look the same. (There are many different toppings you can slather onto a chicken breast, after all). This steakhouse elected to go with sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, and choice between melted Monterey jack cheese or made-from-scratch gravy. I cheated and ordered both, with the cream gravy on the side. Unfortunately, the gravy adds on extra calories yet again, but only 90 this time. So, that brings the total calorie count to 520 at a cost of $14.99 for this meal.

The Look: When they say "smothered," they mean it. The sheer volume of toppings on the plate made my jaw drop and it was hard to identify if a piece of chicken even existed under the mound. Mushrooms and onions were strewn about at random, with some even dribbling over the plate's edge (the chef was certainly not going for looks here). The cheese appears nice and melty, though. And, once I shoveled all the way down to the breast, it was colored well with those all-important grill marks, though the meat seemed a tiny bit thin.

The Taste: The standard grilled chicken is moist and flavorful. But, if I'm being honest, it was a bit of an afterthought for me. What really won me over was the garnishes. The onions were similar to what is used in the chain's famed Cactus Blossom, although they took on a new caramelized form in this dish. The nearly liquified Monterey jack was mild but it tied everything together in cheesy harmony. And, the mushrooms were a work of art–sautéed to buttery perfection with garlicky notes. Admittedly, the side of cream gravy didn't get much use after the country fried chicken experience. I would forgo that addition in the future.

RELATED: Texas Roadhouse vs. LongHorn Steakhouse: 6 Major Differences

The Portobello Mushroom Chicken follows the same basic makeup as the "smothered" variety, starting with the same marinated and grilled chicken breast (also used in the BBQ Chicken). It is similarly dressed with Monterey jack cheese and mushrooms—although here it is described as "portobello mushroom sauce" rather than "sauteed mushrooms." Parsley and grated parmesan cheese also adorn the top, while onions and gravy are absent. This plate was the most expensive chicken dish, ringing up at $15.49.

The Look: Better composed than the smothered kind, and piled high with dark gray mushrooms (not surprisingly). Chicken with its white cheese coat could clearly be seen underneath at a satisfactory degree of thickness. Parsley and the parmesan provided some extra razzle-dazzle, although the cheese particles were a tad light and concentrated mostly to the middle.

The Taste: The chicken is succulent, and it just gets better from there. As I bit into one of the mushrooms for the first time, I didn't even finish chewing before openly declaring it was one of the best sautéed mushrooms I'd ever had (and there have been quite a few). The sauce which accompanies them also seemed to seep right into the chicken, offering an extra shot of juiciness. The two cheeses teamed up well together, giving the dish a more diverse flavor profile. And, as the pièce de résistance, this meal even serves up the highest level of protein of all the chicken dishes, at 58 total grams.

If you're not a fan of mushrooms, I will say that this poultry may not be for you. But, for me, it hit all the necessary marks. And for that, I tip my hat to you, Texas Roadhouse!

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The post I Tried All 6 Chicken Dishes at Texas Roadhouse & There Was One Clear Winner appeared first on Eat This Not That.

In the general sense, regular fast food consumption as a whole has been linked to an increased risk of various issues like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These risks are largely due to the high levels of sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and calories in fast food. However, certain chains carry healthier alternatives and may have better choices than others when it comes to nutrition. For example, you can find lighter options at fast-food chains like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, or Panera.

On the flip side, some fast-food restaurants don't offer much at all in terms of nutrition, and some use concerning ingredients or have scarily high levels of sodium, fat, and calories. The following list consists of four popular fast-food joints that some registered dietitians stay away from, as well as their reasons behind this decision. Read on, and for more healthy dining out tips, check out the 9 Healthiest Fast-Food Burritos to Order Right Now.

Since its beginnings in 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois, McDonald's has become one of the most popular fast-food chains across the world. Now with over 40,000 locations worldwide, this mega chain is here to stay. However, with its decade-long history, it's no surprise that this fast-food restaurant has had its fair share of unhealthy menu items—think BLT Quarter Pounder, the Classic Big Mac, or the discontinued Grand Mac—which have left some people skeptical if this chain is worth visiting.

Even though McDonald's has taken certain strides to be seen in a better light, like ditching the "pink slime meat by-product" that they used to use in their burgers up until 2011, many people still avoid this fast-food chain when they can—including some of our dietitians.

"McDonald's uses highly processed ingredients in many of their menu items, such as […] preservatives and additives," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN. "For example, their chicken nuggets contain several synthetic ingredients." The ingredients that Young is referring to are listed on the McDonald's website, which include hydrogenated soybean oil, modified corn, calcium lactate, and yeast extract, to name a few.

Not only that, but most of the menu items at McDonald's are high in calories, sodium, and saturated fats, which is why Young steers clear of this chain. "I tend to avoid McDonald's, as most menu items are fried and processed, thus negatively impacting my health," she says.

RELATED: 8 Best & Worst McDonald's Burgers, According to a Dietitian

The second largest fast-food burger chain in the world, Burger King is serving up Whoppers to over 19,000 locations across the globe. Burger King has gained an enormous following since its start in 1954, and it made history in recent years with its release of the Impossible Whopper: a fully plant-based take on their famous Whopper sandwich.

Even though having a plant-based burger makes this fast-food joint more accessible to different dietary needs, some dietitians still choose to opt out of visiting BK.

"Some of [Burger King's] burgers and meals can be extremely high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain and related health issues," says Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD.

Young agrees, saying that her main reason for avoiding Burger King is that "their meals are high in calories, cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium, and unhealthy fats present are associated with increasing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and poor heart health." She adds that many of their portions are extremely large, "which may contribute to weight gain and excess calorie intake."

RELATED: The Best & Worst Menu Items at Burger King, According to Dietitians

To some, it's Checkers, to others, it's Rally's. Any slight confusion usually stems from the fact that in 1999, Checker's acquired Rally's but kept the Rally's branding, and now both fast-food brands have the same menu items and are provided by the same distributors—meaning it's both Checkers and Rally's that serve up those famous seasoned French fries. However you choose to call it, this chain is avoided by some dietitians because of the lack of nutritional value and sneaky ingredients lurking behind their beloved menu items.

"As a registered dietitian, I would advise avoiding Checkers for several reasons," says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD at Balance One Supplements. "First and foremost, their menu is known for being high in saturated fats, trans fats, and overall unhealthy fats, which can contribute to heart disease and other chronic health conditions when consumed regularly." She adds that "Many menu items are deep-fried, leading to excessive calorie and fat content."

Let's look at their Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Burger, for instance. In one burger you'll get 105 grams of fat, 35 grams of saturated fat, and two grams of trans fats.

Best also notes that along with unhealthy fats, "Most of their offerings are often loaded with sodium, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, and excessive sodium intake is a concern for those with hypertension and can lead to water retention and bloating." Looking at the same BBQ Bacon Buford Burger, you'll get 2,500 milligrams of sodium in the sandwich alone, before even adding fries.

Lastly, Best notes that "Checkers meals are typically lacking in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being high in empty calories. This can lead to overconsumption of calories without satisfying nutritional needs, potentially contributing to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies."

RELATED: 10 Burger Chains That Serve the Best French Fries

KFC is America's first fast-food chicken chain, beginning on the side of a Kentucky highway in the 1930s, and it has now become one of the most profitable fast-food chains in the world. Despite its popularity, some dietitians suggest going elsewhere when it's fried chicken you're craving.

"This fast-food chain is known for its fried chicken, which is high in fat due to the deep-frying process," says Sabat. "The oil they use is a combination of canola, which is a [genetically modified] food, and hydrogenated soybean oil, which is both a [genetically modified] food and a [source of] trans fat." She adds that "Consuming high levels of trans fat can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and inflammation." It's worth noting that trans fat intake of the American population has drastically decreased since partially hydrogenated oils were banned from the U.S. food supply, but certain fast food items still contain small amounts of these heart-harming fats, which can add up if these food products are eaten frequently.

Sabat also notes that "The breading and seasoning used in KFC's chicken can be high in sodium, contributing to overall sodium intake." For instance, in just one KFC Fried Chicken Breast, you're getting 1,190 milligrams of sodium, more than half of the recommended daily maximum, and that's before you've consumed any side items at all. "Also, some of KFC's side dishes, like their mashed potatoes and gravy, can contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and additives," says Sabat.

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While Taco Bell has introduced new flavor variations of the fries in past launches, like the Yellowbird Nacho Fries that hit menus in April, the ones available right now are the classic golden spuds customers already know and love. They're crispy, coated in bold spices, and served with a side of hot nacho cheese dipping sauce.

RELATED: 10 Best Secret Menu Options at Taco Bell

However, Taco Bell is selling large sizes of the fries for the very first time. So customers can snag a bigger portion when cravings are especially strong or they want to share.

But wait, there's more! Come Oct. 12, Taco Bell will also launch a new Vegan Nacho Sauce to go with the spuds. This is a major milestone because the chain has never offered a vegan menu item on such a wide basis before.

To be clear, fans can customize certain items to be vegan. The chain has also tested vegan menu items on a limited-time basis in the past. For example, a Vegan Crunchwrap that included the new Vegan Nacho Sauce launched in just a couple of cities in June. However, this is the first time that Taco Bell has ever launched a vegan item at restaurants nationwide.

The fries themselves have been certified vegan for some time so pairing them with the new sauce will allow people with vegan diets to fully enjoy them. Taco Bell said that customers received the Vegan Nacho Sauce well when it tested the Vegan Crunchwrap a few months back.

"We're thrilled to reintroduce Nacho Fries, now with a larger-than-life flair, and our beloved Vegan Nacho Sauce," Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell, said in a statement. "This sauce, born from the success of our Vegan Crunchwrap, represents Taco Bell's commitment to providing delicious, craveable food for a variety of lifestyles – whether you're vegan, flexitarian or want to try something new, there's a place for you at our table."

RELATED: 5 Best Taco Bell Items On the Menu Right Now, According to Customers

A regular Vegan Nacho Fries will sell for a suggested price of $2.19 and the large size will sell for a suggested price of $2.99, but prices may vary by location. As always, the fries will only be available for a limited time and while supplies last, so make sure to grab them while you can!

Customers should also stay tuned for more Nacho Fries announcements in the near future. Taco Bell teased that "more exciting Nacho Fries news" is on the horizon.

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The post Taco Bell's Nacho Fries Are Back—With a Few Upgrades appeared first on Eat This Not That.

"There are a handful of classic Thai dishes that we use as a bar when trying new restaurants," explains Braden Wages, co-owner and chef of Malai Kitchen, a Thai restaurant with four locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. "These are dishes that are simple in concept, require some not-so-off-the-shelf ingredients to make them real, but have room for creative liberty while still respecting tradition."

In detailing authenticity in Thai restaurants, Wages likens it to setting the bar for a great burger: "Remember when 'traditional' burgers were lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and beef patty?  Well, now a great burger is judged on the mix of beef used in the patty, the creativity of the toppings, and what sauce is slathered on the bun." Global cuisine, as Wages explains, is evolving, too. "The use of the word 'authentic' is becoming a moving target, because an 'authentic' burger isn't what it used to be, and is different to each person."

With that in mind, here are seven dishes that fit the bill for authentic Thai cookery in restaurants, according to the folks who know good food better than anyone: professional chefs.

One standout starter, according to Wages, is green papaya salad, otherwise known as som tam. While there are endless variations and delicious iterations throughout Thailand, his favorite style hails from the central part of the country.

"Our favorite style is more central-Thai in style, with tender strips of unripe papaya, muddled in a mortar and pestle with lots of herbs, limes, tomatoes, carrots, and a tamarind and fish sauce 'dressing.'" The key is to top it with crushed peanuts for texture and sweetness — "and lots of Thai chilies (for me, I like it spicy!)"

RELATED: The #1 Order to Never Make at a Thai Restaurant, According to Chefs

Curries come in a melange of different flavors, styles, and techniques throughout Thailand, but as Wages notes, the discerning factor is whether or not said curry is made from scratch: "Rich, flavorful Thai curries, usually made with coconut milk, are a staple of the cuisine, and if made from scratch, can be memorable and transporting."

For example, the chef notes that some of the more commonplace curries are often not technically made from scratch. "Although ubiquitous, the 'stop light' curries (red, yellow, and green curry) are easy to find, but often start with a processed curry paste base, because of the complexity of ingredients and preparation." At Malai Kitchen, however, he makes every curry from scratch. "My favorites are the koi soi (Chiang Mai-style) curry, massiman (royal-style) curry, and jungle (broth-style) curry."

When done wrong, pad Thai can be one of the most infamously inauthentic Thai dishes on the menu. When done right, though, this Thai takeout classic can debunk stereotypes and ascend to a new level of cultured comfort food. "A dish declared as the national recipe of Thailand by the Prime Minister during the second World War, is known around the world," explains Wages. "However, like a classic game of telephone, the recipe occasionally drifts from the classic crave-able noodle dish that was originally celebrated."

If done well, though, the rice noodles should be soft and elastic, according to Wages, while retaining slight chew. "The sauce should be brown (from the tangy tamarind, sweet palm sugar, and salty fish sauce base), not red (unless loaded with red chilies), and it should be tossed with aromatic wok-fried egg, crisp fresh bean sprouts, and chopped roasted peanuts (please no peanut sauce!)."

RELATED: 5 Most Authentic Dishes to Order at a Chinese Restaurant, According to Chefs

Another stir-fried sensation is pad kra prow. For Emshika Alberini, chef and owner of Chang Thai Cafe in Littleton, N.H., it's the must-order dish at any Thai restaurant worth its salt.

"I recommend ordering pad kra prow, which is stir-fried ground chicken or pork with holy basil," says Alberini. "Make sure you order a sunny-side-up fried egg and prik nam pla (Thai chili fish sauce) on the side to enjoy with your dish as well. This dish is a true taste of Thailand."

There are a few more key Thai dishes worthy of regular rotation, says Kornporn Theeraumpornkul, chef/owner of Rua Thai in Brooklyn, N.Y. Chief among them? Tom yum soup. "The aroma of tom yum soup is the most unique, and different from any other dish or cuisine in the world," Theeraumpornkul says of this dish, typically made with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai bird's eye chilis. "Its creaminess and herbs make it very special and delicious."

RELATED: 7 Most Authentic Dishes at an Italian Restaurant, According to Chefs

If you're taking the fried rice route, make it colossal crab fried rice. That's according to Theeraumpornkul, who notes that this particular standout is a combination of popular Thai ingredients and dishes with a mix of fried rice, crab meat, egg, garlic and butter—"it's aromatic, light and delicious," he says.

Finally, you can't go wrong with anything laced with spicy basil sauce. As Theeraumpornkul details, most Thai restaurants have a version of this fiery herbaceous condiment on-hand, which can be stir-fried with any meat, fish, seafood, or vegetable. "It's very versatile, slightly spicy, and super fragrant thanks to its mix of spices, garlic, hot peppers, and basil leaves," he says.

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That's the takeaway of Yelp's recent Top 100 US Taco Spots 2023 rating, which named Aroma Latin American Cocina, in Henderson, Nev., as the spot serving the very best tacos in America. The popular business-rating platform considered a long list of taco shops all over the country and ranked them by review volume and customer feedback.

RELATED: Fast-Food Burger Fans Just Crowned the #1 Best-Quality Patty—Do You Agree?

In response to winning the top honor, the Aroma Latin American Cocina team posted an Instagram message, telling followers, "#1 in @yelp 's 100 taco spots in the US!!! Thank you yelp for this recognition [of] the hard work of our team!!!! To all our [customers] that made this possible, we are forever thankful to you!!!"

As for what makes its tacos so special, chef and co-owner Steve Kestler, who is originally from Guatemala, explained that he melds dishes from various Latin American cultures. "That's who I am. I'm a Hispanic who has been eating this food for 40 years. It runs in my veins."

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Beyond that, Kestler, who has only been running his restaurant for 18 months, noted, "We're not your average taco shop. If you can prepare my taco at home, then it's not going on the menu."

RELATED: 11 Most Authentic Dishes To Order At a Mexican Restaurant, According to Chefs

That's perhaps one of the reasons why three tacos on Aroma Latin American Cocina's menu are considered to be the very best around. That includes the Pork Belly Taco, the Carne Asada, and the Fried Avocado. It takes over 30 hours to prepare the pork belly for the first option, which includes leaving the meat in a marinade with no less than 15 ingredients before it spends another 8 hours being slow-braised. Kestler admitted, "It's a labor of love."

The same can surely be said for the carne asada. Made with a specific cut of meat known as Brazilian picanha, it's given a medium-rare sear before being sliced into perfect sections and splashed with Maldon sea salt and lime juice. It's then placed inside a tortilla along with guacamole and queso fresco.

The final taco, the Fried Avocado, delivers on the name with two slices of fried avocado placed in a tortilla with refried beans, pico de gallo, and queso fresco, not to mention a delicious sauce that added to the bottom of each avocado piece.

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Although there's no doubt that Aroma Latin American Cocina's tacos are delicious, they're also a little pricey. While they tend to go for up to $7 each, Kestler said "At the beginning, it was hard for people to understand our [costs]." However, he added, "They eat one taco and they get it. They understand what we do."

Indeed, fans of the restaurant not only understand, but they love the food from Aroma Latin American Cocina. One Yelp reviewer wrote, "If I could give 100 stars, I would! Found this place watching a [social media video that said] 'Best pork belly tacos in Vegas,' and they weren't lying! … Will 100% be back and cannot recommend this amazing restaurant enough."

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