If you're looking for a delicious Chinese-inspired meal, orange chicken is a popular favorite. But with convenience often comes a high calorie count. In one cup of orange chicken (190 g), you can expect to consume approximately 270 calories.

While orange chicken can be enjoyed in moderation, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional information. Let's take a deeper dive into the fat, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin C, sodium, sugar, fiber, cholesterol, and iron content of orange chicken.

By better understanding the nutritional profile of your favorite dishes, you can make informed choices to support your health and wellbeing.

Calories in 1 Cup of Orange Chicken

As previously mentioned, one cup of orange chicken (190 g) contains approximately 270 calories. This makes it a relatively calorie-dense food, which should be consumed in appropriate portions to avoid overconsumption of calories and weight gain. It's worth noting that the calorie count can vary depending on the recipe and cooking methods used. For example, pan-fried orange chicken may have a higher calorie count compared to baked or grilled chicken. To manage your calorie intake, consider pairing small servings of orange chicken with nutrient-dense veggies or a side of brown rice for a balanced meal.

Fat Content of Orange Chicken

One cup of orange chicken contains approximately 13 grams of fat, with 3 grams of saturated fat. While fat is an essential nutrient and important for overall health, excessive consumption of saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease. To reduce your intake of saturated fat, consider opting for leaner cuts of chicken or removing the skin before cooking. You can also experiment with different cooking methods to reduce the amount of added fat in your orange chicken recipe.

Carbohydrate Content of Orange Chicken

In one cup of orange chicken, you can expect to consume approximately 17-20 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from added sugars, which can contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels and may increase your risk of developing diabetes over time. To manage your carbohydrate intake, try opting for chicken that's been baked or grilled instead of pan-fried. You can also experiment with different marinades and sauces to create an orange chicken recipe that's both flavorful and low in added sugars.

Protein Content of Orange Chicken

One of the key nutritional benefits of orange chicken is its protein content. In one cup of orange chicken, you can expect to consume approximately 19-22 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as promoting feelings of fullness and satiety. To ensure you're consuming optimal amounts of protein, consider pairing your orange chicken with protein-rich side dishes, such as quinoa or tofu. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to flavor your chicken without relying heavily on added sugars or sodium.

Vitamin C in Orange Chicken

As the name suggests, orange chicken contains a significant amount of vitamin C. In one cup of orange chicken, you're likely to consume about 15-20% of your recommended daily intake of this important antioxidant nutrient. Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting immune function, promoting healthy skin and hair, and aiding in the absorption of iron. To boost your vitamin C intake even more, consider pairing your orange chicken with a side of broccoli or bell peppers, both of which are high in this crucial nutrient.

Sodium Content of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken can be high in sodium, with one cup containing approximately 600-800 milligrams. While sodium is an important mineral for regulating bodily functions, excessive intake can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. To manage your sodium intake, consider opting for homemade orange chicken recipes using low-sodium sauces or marinades. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying heavily on salt.

Sugar Content of Orange Chicken

As previously mentioned, orange chicken can be high in added sugars. In one cup, you can expect to consume approximately 20-25 grams of sugar. This can contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels and may increase your risk of developing diabetes over time. To manage your sugar intake, consider opting for homemade orange chicken recipes using low-sugar sauces or marinades. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, to add flavor without relying heavily on added sugars.

Fiber Content of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is not typically a significant source of dietary fiber. In one cup, you can expect to consume approximately 1 gram of fiber. To boost your fiber intake, consider pairing your orange chicken with a side of fiber-rich vegetables or a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa. You can also experiment with incorporating more high-fiber ingredients into your orange chicken recipes, such as chickpeas or lentils.

Cholesterol Content of Orange Chicken

Consuming too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. In one cup of orange chicken, you can expect to consume approximately 80-100 milligrams of cholesterol. To manage your intake of dietary cholesterol, consider opting for low-cholesterol sources of protein, such as lean chicken breast or tofu. You can also experiment with different cooking methods to reduce your intake of added fats, which can also contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.

Iron Content of Orange Chicken

Iron is an important mineral that supports healthy blood flow and energy levels. In one cup of orange chicken, you can expect to consume approximately 1-2 milligrams of iron. To ensure you're consuming optimal amounts of iron, consider pairing your orange chicken with iron-rich side dishes, such as spinach or lentils. You can also experiment with different cooking methods, such as cast iron or stainless steel pans, to increase your intake of this crucial nutrient.