If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of orange chicken. This sweet and tangy dish is a crowd-pleaser, but it's also important to consider its nutritional value. One serving of 3 oz (84 g) orange chicken contains 190 calories, which might not seem like a lot, but it's important to know what else you're consuming with those calories.

In addition to calories, orange chicken contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It's also high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns if consumed in excess. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional value of this popular dish.

In this article, we'll explore what orange chicken is made of, how it's cooked, and its potential health benefits and risks.

What is Orange Chicken made of?

While the exact ingredients can vary depending on the recipe or restaurant, orange chicken typically includes chicken, flour, eggs, cornstarch, soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sugar, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a little kick. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, coated in the batter, and then deep-fried until golden brown. The orange sauce is then made separately and added to the fried chicken, coating it in a sticky and flavorful glaze. While orange chicken is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, it's not commonly found in traditional Chinese dishes. In fact, it's believed to have originated in Panda Express, a Chinese-American fast-food chain.

How many calories are present in a serving of Orange Chicken?

However, the calorie count can vary depending on how it's prepared and what ingredients are used. Some recipes or restaurants may use more batter or a sweeter sauce, which can increase the overall calorie count. It's also worth noting that most restaurant servings of orange chicken are much larger than 3 oz, which means that the calorie count will be significantly higher. It's important to pay attention to portion sizes and limit consumption accordingly.

How does the number of servings affect the calorie intake?

In general, it's recommended to stick to one serving size of 3 oz (84 g) to keep calorie intake in check. However, if you do choose to have more than one serving, it's important to adjust your calorie consumption accordingly and balance it with healthier options throughout the day.

What is the nutritional value of Orange Chicken?

However, it's also high in sodium due to the use of soy sauce and other salty ingredients. One serving of orange chicken provides approximately 13 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat. While it can be a source of nutrients, orange chicken should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and sodium content. It's important to balance it with healthier options such as vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

What are the ingredients used in Orange Chicken?

While some recipes or restaurants may use slightly different ingredients or proportions, these are the core components of the dish. It's worth noting that the batter and sauce used in orange chicken often contain high amounts of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health concerns when consumed in excess.

How is Orange Chicken cooked?

The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, cornstarch, and sometimes other spices or seasonings. It's then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, and the orange sauce is made separately and added to the fried chicken. The sauce typically includes orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a little heat.

What is the recommended serving size of Orange Chicken?

This amount provides approximately 190 calories, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat. However, it's worth noting that most restaurant servings of orange chicken are much larger than 3 oz, which means that the calorie count will be significantly higher. It's important to pay attention to portion sizes and limit consumption accordingly, or opt for a healthier dish with fewer calories and less sodium.

Is Orange Chicken considered a healthy meal option?

While it can be a source of nutrients such as protein and iron, the use of high amounts of sugar and salt in the batter and sauce can contribute to weight gain and other health concerns when consumed in excess. If you choose to have orange chicken, it's important to balance it with healthier options such as vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Can Orange Chicken be part of a weight loss diet?

One serving of 3 oz (84 g) orange chicken provides approximately 190 calories, which can fit into a weight loss plan if you limit your intake of other high-calorie foods throughout the day. It's also important to watch your portion sizes and choose healthier options such as steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a side salad to balance out the meal.

What are the possible health risks of consuming Orange Chicken?

It's also worth noting that consuming deep-fried foods regularly can increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues. However, if consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, orange chicken can still be enjoyed as a flavorful and satisfying meal.