Are you looking for a flavorful and filling meal option? Look no further than Mandarin Orange Chicken, with only 320 calories in a 1 cup (140 g) serving. This dish is a delicious and satisfying option that won't ruin your diet.

But aside from its low calorie count, what's in this dish? Let's take a closer look at the composition of Mandarin Orange Chicken, including its nutritional value and benefits.

In this article, we'll also provide some tips for preparing and serving Mandarin Orange Chicken, as well as some possible variations to mix things up.

Caloric content of Mandarin Orange Chicken

As mentioned earlier, a serving size of 1 cup (140 g) of Mandarin Orange Chicken contains 320 calories. Keep in mind that this calorie count may vary between recipes and brands. To put this into perspective, the average adult needs between 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day depending on gender, age, and activity level. A serving of Mandarin Orange Chicken can make up a significant portion of your daily caloric intake, so be mindful of portion sizes and balance it out with other low calorie foods.

Composition of Mandarin Orange Chicken

Mandarin Orange Chicken typically consists of pieces of chicken that are breaded and fried, then glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce made with Mandarin oranges, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Some recipes may also include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli. While this dish is certainly tasty, it should be noted that the breading and frying process adds extra calories and fat. However, the included vegetables and orange sauce provide some added nutritional value.

Vitamin and mineral profile of Mandarin Orange Chicken

Mandarin Orange Chicken is not particularly high in any essential vitamins or minerals, but it does contain some beneficial nutrients. For example, the inclusion of vegetables in some recipes provides vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Mandarin oranges, as the name suggests, are high in vitamin C and provide a sweet, fruity taste to the dish. However, keep in mind that the amount of vegetables and fruit in each recipe may vary, which affects the nutritional value.

Macronutrients present in Mandarin Orange Chicken

In addition to its calorie count, it's important to consider the macronutrients present in Mandarin Orange Chicken. A typical serving may contain around 26-30 grams of carbohydrates, 17-20 grams of protein, and 14-20 grams of fat. This means the dish is moderately high in both carbs and fat, but can provide a decent amount of protein.

Health benefits of Mandarin Orange Chicken

While Mandarin Orange Chicken may not be the healthiest dish out there, it does have some redeeming qualities. For one, the inclusion of vegetables and fruit can add some beneficial vitamins and minerals to your diet. Additionally, the protein content can help keep you full and satisfied.

Fat and cholesterol content of Mandarin Orange Chicken

One of the downsides to this dish is its fat and cholesterol content. Due to the breading and frying process used for the chicken, a serving can contain anywhere from 14-20 grams of fat and up to 70 milligrams of cholesterol. While fat and cholesterol are important components of a healthy diet, it's recommended to limit intake of saturated and trans fats as well as dietary cholesterol. If you're concerned about the fat and cholesterol content of Mandarin Orange Chicken, consider opting for a baked or grilled version instead of fried.

Preparation and serving suggestions for Mandarin Orange Chicken

If you're planning to make Mandarin Orange Chicken at home, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it turns out as delicious as possible. First, be sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture and flavor. Coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and egg before frying, and use a sweet and sour sauce made with fresh Mandarin oranges, soy sauce, and honey. For serving suggestions, consider pairing Mandarin Orange Chicken with steamed rice, mixed vegetables, or a side salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Additional ingredients in Mandarin Orange Chicken

While a basic Mandarin Orange Chicken recipe typically consists of just chicken, breading, and sauce, there are many possible additional ingredients to experiment with. For example, some recipes include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added nutrients and flavor. You could also try adding in different spices or sauces to switch things up.

Possible variations in Mandarin Orange Chicken recipes

If you're looking to shake up your Mandarin Orange Chicken routine, there are plenty of possible variations to try. For example, you could swap out the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You could also try using a different type of citrus fruit for the sauce or adding in different vegetables or seasonings. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect recipe.

Calorie burning exercise options for balancing Mandarin Orange Chicken consumption

While Mandarin Orange Chicken can be a satisfying and flavorful meal option, it's important to balance out your caloric intake with regular exercise. Some calorie-burning exercise options to consider include cardio activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming, weight lifting and resistance training, or high-intensity interval training. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to help maintain a healthy weight.