If you're looking for a tasty Chinese dish that is not only flavorful but also relatively easy to prepare, then General Tso's chicken is an excellent choice. One serving of General Tso's chicken weighs around 255 grams and contains approximately 320 calories. This is not an excessive amount of calories compared to other Chinese dishes, but it's important to pay attention to the nutritional content of this dish to ensure that it fits into your daily dietary needs.

Aside from its calorie content, General Tso's chicken also contains fat, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, sodium, and cholesterol. Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional values of this dish and its potential health benefits.

In this article, we'll explore some tips for making General Tso's chicken healthier and discuss its nutritional content in more detail. Whether you're looking for ways to eat more protein or want to reduce your sodium intake, this article has got you covered.

Calories in General Tso's Chicken

As previously mentioned, one serving of General Tso's chicken weighs around 255 grams and contains approximately 320 calories. While this may seem like a lot, it's important to keep in mind that this dish is usually served with rice or noodles, which can significantly increase its calorie count. If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, consider asking for a smaller portion of General Tso's chicken or skipping the rice or noodles altogether.

Fat Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat. While this is higher than some other Chinese dishes, it's still within a reasonable amount for most people. If you're trying to reduce your fat intake, consider cooking the chicken in a heart-healthy oil like olive oil instead of traditional vegetable oil. You can also ask for your General Tso's chicken to be stir-fried instead of deep-fried to help reduce its fat content.

Carbohydrate Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that this dish is usually served with rice or noodles, which can significantly increase its carbohydrate count. If you're trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, consider asking for a smaller portion of General Tso's chicken or skipping the rice or noodles altogether. You can also opt for brown rice instead of white rice to help increase the fiber content of your meal.

Fiber Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 1 gram of fiber. While this may not seem like a lot, it's still important to include fiber in your diet to help regulate your digestion and keep you feeling full. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, consider adding some vegetables to your General Tso's chicken or opting for brown rice instead of white rice.

Protein Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 23 grams of protein. This makes it a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, General Tso's chicken is a great option. You can also add some cashews or almonds to your meal to help increase its protein content.

Sodium Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 900 milligrams of sodium. This is a high amount of sodium, especially for people who are watching their salt intake. If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, consider asking for your General Tso's chicken to be prepared with low-sodium soy sauce. You can also ask for your dish to be steamed instead of stir-fried to help reduce its sodium content.

Cholesterol Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's chicken contains approximately 96 milligrams of cholesterol. This is a moderate amount of cholesterol, but it's still important to monitor your cholesterol intake if you have high cholesterol or a history of heart disease. If you're looking to reduce your cholesterol intake, consider swapping out the chicken for a vegetarian protein source like tofu or seitan.

Vitamin Content in General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's chicken is not a significant source of vitamins. However, it does contain some vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. If you're looking to increase your vitamin intake, consider adding some vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to your General Tso's chicken.

Mineral Content in General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's chicken is not a significant source of minerals. However, it does contain some iron and potassium. If you're looking to increase your mineral intake, consider adding some leafy greens like spinach or kale to your General Tso's chicken.

Health Benefits of General Tso's Chicken

While General Tso's chicken is not without its drawbacks, it does offer some potential health benefits. For example, the dish contains a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It also contains some vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. To maximize the health benefits of General Tso's chicken, consider making some modifications to the traditional recipe. For example, you can opt for baked or grilled chicken instead of deep-fried chicken, or you can ask for your dish to be stir-fried instead of sautéed in oil.