General Tso's Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that many people love. However, if you're trying to watch your calorie intake, it's important to know exactly how many calories are in one serving. At 330 calories per serving (5.8 oz), General Tso's Chicken is not the best choice if you're on a low-calorie diet.

In addition to the high calorie count, General Tso's Chicken also contains a significant amount of fat, carbs, and sodium. However, there are some nutritional benefits as well. Let's take a closer look at the nutrition facts for General Tso's Chicken.

Whether you're indulging in this dish as an occasional treat or enjoying it more frequently, it's always a good idea to be informed about what you're putting into your body. Let's dive into the details of General Tso's Chicken nutrition.

Calories in General Tso's Chicken

As previously mentioned, one serving of General Tso's Chicken (5.8 oz) contains 330 calories. However, if you're eating at a restaurant, it's important to be aware that the serving size may be larger, which means more calories. If you're trying to cut back on calories, consider sharing this dish with a friend or taking half of it home for later. It's also important to keep in mind that the calorie count for General Tso's Chicken can vary depending on how it's prepared. Some recipes may use more oil or sugar, which can increase the calorie count. To minimize the calories in this dish, look for recipes that use less oil and sugar.

Total Fat Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 17 grams of fat. While some types of fat are healthy in moderation, this dish contains a high amount of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems. It's important to limit your intake of saturated fat and choose healthier fats, such as those found in nuts or avocado. If you're cooking General Tso's Chicken at home, try using a healthier oil, such as olive or canola oil, instead of vegetable or peanut oil. You can also reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe to lower the fat content.

Carbohydrate Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 22 grams of carbohydrates. These come from the sugar in the sauce and the breading on the chicken. If you're trying to watch your carb intake, it's important to be mindful of this when ordering or preparing this dish. To reduce the carb content, look for recipes that use less sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also try swapping the breaded chicken for grilled or baked chicken to eliminate some of the carbs from the breading.

Protein Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 22 grams of protein, which is a good amount for a single meal. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, General Tso's Chicken can be a good source. However, it's important to keep in mind that this dish also contains a lot of fat and sodium, so you'll want to balance it out with healthier options throughout the day.

Sodium Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 1,300 milligrams of sodium, which is over half of the recommended daily intake. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. If you're watching your sodium intake, it's important to be aware of the sodium content in this dish. To reduce the sodium content, look for recipes that use low-sodium soy sauce or no added salt. You can also try making this dish at home so that you can control the amount of sodium that goes into it.

Sugar Content in General Tso's Chicken

As mentioned earlier, one serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 22 grams of carbohydrates, which all come from sugar. This dish can be high in sugar, which can lead to cravings and crashes in blood sugar levels. If you're trying to reduce your sugar intake, look for recipes that use less sugar or sugar substitutes. You can also try making this dish at home so that you can control the amount of sugar that goes into it.

Fiber Content in General Tso's Chicken

Unfortunately, General Tso's Chicken is not a good source of fiber. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, try pairing this dish with a fiber-rich side, such as steamed vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa.

Cholesterol Content in General Tso's Chicken

One serving of General Tso's Chicken contains 85 milligrams of cholesterol, which is about 28% of the recommended daily intake. High cholesterol intake can contribute to heart disease and other health problems. To lower the cholesterol content, try swapping the breaded chicken for grilled or baked chicken. You can also make this dish at home using egg whites instead of whole eggs for the breading.

Vitamin Content in General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is not a significant source of vitamins. However, it does contain small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. If you're looking to increase your vitamin intake, try pairing this dish with a side of dark, leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Mineral Content in General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is not a significant source of minerals. However, it does contain small amounts of calcium and potassium. To increase your mineral intake, try pairing this dish with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, which are rich in potassium, or a side of broccoli, which is rich in calcium.