If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you might have tasted General Tso's Chicken. This dish is a popular Chinese take-out food option that consists of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. However, if you are trying to watch your calorie intake, you might wonder how many calories are in General Tso's Chicken. Luckily, a 5 oz (140 g) serving of this dish contains about 290 calories.

Along with the calorie count, it is important to know the other nutritional information of General Tso's Chicken. In this article, we will explore the fat, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, sodium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C content of this dish.

In addition, we will also provide tips on how to make this dish healthier and recommend some healthier Chinese food options for those who are watching their diet. So, let's get started!

Calories in General Tso's Chicken

As mentioned earlier, a 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 290 calories. However, the actual calorie count may vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. Deep-fried chicken can have more calories than air-fried or baked chicken. To reduce the calorie count of General Tso's Chicken, you can opt for a healthier cooking method like baking or grilling the chicken. You can also reduce the portion size or choose to eat it as a part of a balanced meal. Remember that it is important to be mindful of your portion sizes and overall calorie intake, especially if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Fat Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 14 grams of fat. The fat content can vary depending on the cooking method and sauce used. The fried chicken and high-sugar sauce used in some restaurant versions of General Tso's Chicken can increase the fat content. To reduce the fat content of this dish, you can choose to bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. You can also use a lower-fat sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used. Additionally, you can opt for a smaller portion size or pair the dish with a low-fat side dish like steamed vegetables or brown rice. Keep in mind that fat is an essential nutrient in our diet, but it should be consumed in moderation to maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases.

Protein Content in General Tso's Chicken

Chicken is a good source of protein and a 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 22 grams of protein. However, the protein content can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method used. To increase the protein content of this dish, you can use leaner cuts of chicken like chicken breast instead of thighs or wings. You can also pair the dish with a protein-rich side dish like edamame or tofu. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in our body and should be included in our daily meals. However, it is important to consume it in moderation as excess protein can put a strain on our kidneys and liver.

Carbohydrate Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrate content can vary depending on the amount of sauce used and the type of rice or noodles that accompany the dish. To reduce the carbohydrate content of this dish, you can opt for a smaller portion of rice or noodles or choose a healthier option like brown rice or whole-grain noodles. You can also reduce the amount of sauce used or choose a sauce that is lower in sugar or made with healthier ingredients like honey or coconut aminos. Carbohydrates are a source of energy for our body and should be included in our daily meals. However, it is important to choose healthier carbohydrate sources like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases.

Fiber Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 1 gram of fiber. This dish is not a significant source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing chronic diseases. To increase the fiber content of this dish, you can pair it with fiber-rich side dishes like steamed or stir-fried vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa. You can also add fiber-rich ingredients like beans or lentils to the dish. Remember that it is important to include fiber in our daily meals to maintain healthy digestion and prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Sodium Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 690 milligrams of sodium. This dish is a significant source of sodium, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. To reduce the sodium content of this dish, you can choose a sauce that is lower in salt or sodium or reduce the amount of sauce used. You can also pair the dish with a low-sodium side dish like steamed vegetables or brown rice. Additionally, you can opt for a smaller portion size or make the dish at home using fresh and natural ingredients. It is important to watch our sodium intake to maintain a healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Sugar Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 15 grams of sugar. The sugar content can vary depending on the sauce used and the amount of sugar added to the recipe. To reduce the sugar content of this dish, you can opt for a sauce that is lower in sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or pair the dish with a fiber-rich dessert like fresh fruits or a fruit salad. Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It is important to choose healthier sugar sources like fruits and limit our intake of added sugars.

Calcium Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken does not contain a significant amount of calcium. However, some of the ingredients used in this dish like broccoli or bok choy are good sources of calcium. To increase the calcium content of this dish, you can add more vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or kale to the dish. You can also pair the dish with a low-fat dairy product like yogurt or milk. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and should be included in our daily diet. It is important to choose calcium-rich food sources like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

Iron Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 1.8 milligrams of iron. This is a good source of iron, which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin in our blood. To increase the iron content of this dish, you can add more iron-rich ingredients like leafy greens, beans, or meats like beef or liver to the dish. You can also pair the dish with an iron-rich side dish like quinoa or lentils. Remember that iron is essential for maintaining good health and preventing anemia. It is important to include iron-rich foods in our diet, especially for women who are at a higher risk of iron deficiency.

Vitamin C Content in General Tso's Chicken

A 5 oz (140 g) serving of General Tso's Chicken contains about 6 milligrams of vitamin C. This dish is not a significant source of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and immune system. To increase the vitamin C content of this dish, you can add more vitamin C-rich ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, or tomatoes to the dish. You can also pair the dish with a vitamin C-rich side dish like a fruit salad or citrus fruit. Remember that vitamin C is essential for good health and should be included in our daily diet. It is important to choose vitamin C-rich food sources like citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.