Are you a fan of Orange Chicken? It's a popular dish that everyone loves. But have you ever wondered how many calories it contains? Well, a single serving (5.7 oz) of Orange Chicken has 420 calories! Let's explore this further.
Orange Chicken is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. It's made by frying battered chicken and then tossing it in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. But how healthy is it really? Let's take a closer look at its nutritional information.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie count, protein content, fat and carbohydrate content, sodium content, vitamin and mineral content, ingredients, and ways to make Orange Chicken healthier. We'll also discuss alternatives to Orange Chicken if you're looking for a healthier option.
Calorie count of 1 serving of Orange Chicken
As mentioned earlier, a single serving (5.7 oz) of Orange Chicken has 420 calories. This is approximately 21% of your daily recommended calorie intake based on a 2,000 calorie diet. If you're trying to lose weight or watch your calorie intake, this information is crucial when deciding how much Orange Chicken to consume. It's important to note that the calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used by the restaurant or chef. So, if you're unsure about the calorie count, it's best to ask about the ingredients or nutrition information before consuming it.
Protein content in Orange Chicken
Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. In a 5.7 oz serving of Orange Chicken, there are approximately 23 grams of protein. This is about 46% of the daily recommended protein intake for an adult male and 52% for an adult female, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. While Orange Chicken does contain a significant amount of protein, it's important to note that it's also high in fat and carbs. So, if you're looking for a high-protein meal, there may be better options out there.
Fat and carbohydrate content in Orange Chicken
A 5.7 oz serving of Orange Chicken contains approximately 21 grams of fat and 36 grams of carbohydrates. This is a significant amount, especially if you're trying to watch your fat and carb intake. However, it's important to note that not all fats and carbs are created equal. The majority of the fat in Orange Chicken comes from the frying process and the sauce. The carbs mainly come from the batter used to fry the chicken and the sugar in the sauce. So, if you're trying to make Orange Chicken a healthier option, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it and using a sauce with less sugar.
Sodium content in Orange Chicken
If you're monitoring your sodium intake, you'll want to be aware of the sodium content in Orange Chicken. A 5.7 oz serving contains approximately 900 milligrams of sodium, which is about 40% of the daily recommended sodium intake, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The high sodium content is mainly due to the soy sauce and other salty ingredients in the sauce. So, if you're looking for a healthier option, consider making your own sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of sauce you use.
Vitamin and mineral content in Orange Chicken
While Orange Chicken is tasty, it's not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, it does contain some nutrients, such as vitamin C and iron. A 5.7 oz serving of Orange Chicken contains approximately 14% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 4% of the daily recommended intake of iron, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The ingredients in Orange Chicken
What goes into making Orange Chicken? The ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but here are some common ingredients in the dish: - Chicken breast - Batter (flour, cornstarch, eggs, etc.)
Nutritional value compared to daily recommended intake
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, here's how the nutritional value of a 5.7 oz serving of Orange Chicken compares to the daily recommended intake: - calories: 420 (21%) - Protein: 23 g (46% for adult male, 52% for adult female)
Calories burnt through exercise to offset consumption
If you're concerned about the calorie count in Orange Chicken, one way to offset it is by exercising. Here are some exercises and the corresponding amount of time needed to burn calories equivalent to a 5.7 oz serving of Orange Chicken (based on a 150-pound person): - Running (6 mph): 43 minutes - Cycling (moderate): 60 minutes
How to make Orange Chicken healthier
If you're looking to make Orange Chicken a healthier option, here are some tips: - Bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the fat content. - Use a sauce with less sugar to reduce the carb content.
Alternatives to Orange Chicken
If you're looking for a healthier option than Orange Chicken, here are some alternatives: - Grilled chicken breast with steamed vegetables - Stir-fry vegetables with lean protein (tofu, shrimp, etc.)
Healthy eating is a way of life, so it's important to establish habits that are sustainable, realistic, and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions: Orange Chicken
1. What is Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of battered and fried chicken that is coated in a sweet and savory orange-flavored sauce. It is typically served with white rice or noodles.
2. How many calories are in a serving of Orange Chicken?
A serving of Orange Chicken (5.7 oz) contains 420 calories.
3. Is Orange Chicken healthy?
Orange Chicken is not considered a healthy food due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. Can Orange Chicken be made at home?
Yes, Orange Chicken can be made at home using a variety of recipes. There are many online resources available for finding and following Orange Chicken recipes.
5. What are some possible alternatives to Orange Chicken?
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Orange Chicken, consider dishes that are grilled, baked, or steamed instead of fried. You could also try swapping out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, or using a different sauce such as teriyaki or sesame.