Zankou Chicken offers a healthy Mediterranean menu with protein-rich options, healthy fats, and low-carb choices. It’s a great option for those seeking nutritious, flavorful meals.
Zankou Chicken is a famous Mediterranean and Center Eastern café commended for its delightful rotisserie chicken, signature garlic sauce, and nutritious, protein-rich dinners made with new, healthy fixings.
What Is Zankou Chicken?
Zankou Chicken is a family-owned Mediterranean and Center Eastern café network established in 1962 in Beirut, Lebanon. Known for its unique rotisserie chicken and mystery garlic sauce, the café has acquired a dedicated following for its new, tasty, and nutritious dinners. With areas across California, Zankou Chicken keeps on being a most loved spot for food darlings looking for solid, protein-rich Mediterranean cooking.
Zankou Chicken Nutrition Overview:
Mediterranean food is frequently praised for its reasonable, supplement rich fixings, and Zankou Chicken is no exception. Their dishes are created with healthy fixings like lean meats, new vegetables, spices, and olive oil, pursuing a well known decision for wellbeing cognizant cafes.
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the rotisserie chicken, beef shawarma, and falafel options.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: From olive oil-based sauces like hummus and tahini.
- Low in Carbs: Great for keto and low-carb diets, especially with protein-based meals.
- Loaded with Fiber: Found in salads, tabbouleh, and chickpea-based dishes.
- Packed with Vitamins & Minerals: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and legumes provide essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and potassium.
Zankou Chicken Menu and Nutritional Breakdown:
Here’s a closer look at some popular Zankou Chicken menu items and their nutritional profiles:
Rotisserie Chicken
- Serving Size: 3 oz (about 1/4 chicken)
- Calories: ~200-250
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10-15g (mostly healthy fats from the chicken’s natural juices)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
Health Tip: Remove the skin to reduce fat and calories while keeping the protein content high.
Also Read: Gainesville Health And Fitness – A Comprehensive Guide!
Chicken Tarna (Shawarma-Style Chicken)
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Health Tip: Pair it with a salad for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
Beef Shawarma
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: ~300-350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g-15g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
Health Tip: Choose a lettuce wrap or a side salad instead of pita bread to keep it keto-friendly.
Hummus
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: ~70-80
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g (healthy fats from tahini and olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 6g (mostly from chickpeas)
Health Tip: Enjoy hummus with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers instead of pita bread to keep carbs in check.
Garlic Sauce (Toum)
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: ~100-120
- Fat: 10g (mostly from oil)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Health Tip: Use garlic sauce sparingly if you are watching your calorie or fat intake, but enjoy its powerful immune-boosting properties thanks to fresh garlic.
Tabbouleh Salad
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g (from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 14g (mostly from bulgur and fresh veggies)
Health Tip: Tabbouleh is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich side dish loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
Falafel
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: ~150-180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Health Tip: Opt for a falafel salad instead of a falafel wrap to reduce carb intake.
Health Benefits of Eating at Zankou Chicken:
Heart-Healthy Fats
Zankou Chicken’s use of olive oil, tahini, and avocado-based ingredients promotes heart health. These ingredients are rich in monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
High in Protein
The rotisserie chicken, beef shawarma, and chicken tarna are protein-packed options that support muscle development and keep you full for longer.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and garlic provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and promote overall health.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Options
By skipping the pita and choosing protein-based dishes with salads, you can enjoy a low-carb, keto-friendly meal at Zankou Chicken.
Immune-Boosting Garlic Sauce
The restaurant’s famous garlic sauce (toum) is rich in antioxidants and has immune-boosting properties due to its high garlic content.
Tips for Healthier Choices at Zankou Chicken:
- Opt for Grilled or Roasted Proteins: Choose rotisserie chicken or shawarma for lean protein with minimal added fat.
- Go Easy on the Sauces: Use garlic sauce and hummus sparingly to control fat and calorie intake.
- Choose Fresh Sides: Pick tabbouleh, salads, or grilled vegetables instead of fries or rice.
- Skip the Pita: For a low-carb meal, enjoy your protein with a side salad or lettuce wrap.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary sodas.
FAQ’s
1. What are the protein-rich options at Zankou Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken, beef shawarma, and chicken tarna (shawarma-style chicken) are high in protein.
2. Are there low-carb options?
Yes, you can opt for grilled proteins with salads or lettuce wraps instead of pita bread to keep the meal low-carb.
3. Is Zankou Chicken’s garlic sauce healthy?
The garlic sauce is rich in antioxidants and has immune-boosting properties, but should be used sparingly to manage calorie and fat intake.
4. What sides are healthy at Zankou Chicken?
Choose nutrient-dense sides like tabbouleh, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables over fries or rice.
5. Can I make my meal keto-friendly?
Yes, by choosing protein-based dishes and skipping pita, you can enjoy a keto-friendly meal.
Conclusion:
Zankou Chicken serves a healthy Mediterranean menu with protein-packed meats, fresh salads, and nutritious sides. By choosing grilled proteins, wholesome sides, and using sauces in moderation, you can enjoy delicious, balanced meals that support a healthy lifestyle. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking tasty, nutritious, and satisfying food options.