Side of Grilled Chicken at Olive Garden is the lowest-calorie protein add-on on the menu, priced at $4.29 and delivering just 130 calories with 2 grams of fat and 540 milligrams of sodium. The grilled chicken is seasoned, cooked to order, and sliced before being added to a pasta or salad order. At 130 calories for a protein serving, this is the clearest choice for guests who want to add substance to a lighter pasta or salad without significantly increasing the calorie total of their meal.
The grilled chicken at Olive Garden is the same seasoned preparation used in the Grilled Chicken Margherita, Chicken Scampi, and other chicken-topped pasta dishes. When ordered as a side, it arrives sliced and served alongside or on top of the guest's chosen dish. Adding it to a Spaghetti with Marinara (490 cal) brings the total to only 620 calories — a complete Italian-American pasta-and-protein plate well within the low-calorie range for a restaurant meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
130Calories
2gTotal Fat
540mgSodium
* Nutritional values are approximate and may vary. Last updated March 2026.
The Side of Grilled Chicken is $4.29 and is available on the Sides, Sauces and Extras section of the menu. It is the least expensive way to add chicken protein to a pasta or salad order.
The grilled chicken side contains 130 calories with 2 grams of fat and 540 milligrams of sodium, making it the lowest-calorie protein side available anywhere on the Olive Garden menu.
Yes. The grilled chicken side can be added to the house salad or any pasta dish. Adding it to the unlimited Soup, Salad and Breadsticks converts the salad component into a light protein lunch at a low additional cost.
The grilled chicken itself is prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is cooked in a shared kitchen environment where cross-contamination from gluten-containing preparations is possible. Guests with celiac disease should confirm preparation details with their specific location.
The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil before grilling. The same seasoning profile is used across the chicken dishes on the menu, producing a consistent herbed, lightly charred flavor that works alongside the full range of pasta and salad preparations.
