General chicken

General chicken

Dinner

Item Rating: 63/100

1 serving (200 grams) contains 500 calories, 20.0 grams of protein, 25.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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588.2
calories
23.5
protein
52.9
carbohydrates
29.4
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.3g)
Calories
588.2
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 29.4 g 37%
Saturated Fat 5.9 g 29%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 58.8 mg 19%
Sodium 941.2 mg 40%
Total Carbohydrates 52.9 g 19%
Dietary Fiber 2.4 g 8%
Sugars 17.6 g
protein 23.5 g 47%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 23.5 mg 1%
Iron 1.8 mg 10%
Potassium 352.9 mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

Source of Calories

37.1%
16.5%
46.4%
Fat: 264 cal (46.4%)
Protein: 94 cal (16.5%)
Carbs: 211 cal (37.1%)

About General chicken

General Chicken, often referred to as 'General Tso’s Chicken,' is a Chinese-American dish characterized by fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce. It originates from Hunan cuisine but was adapted for the U.S. palate in the mid-20th century, becoming a popular takeout option. The dish typically includes ingredients like chicken, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and chili peppers. Nutritionally, while it provides protein from the chicken, the dish can be high in calories, sodium, and added sugars depending on the preparation. Opting for versions with grilled chicken and lighter sauces can improve its nutritional profile.

Health Benefits

  • Provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and immune health.
  • Contains selenium from chicken, which supports thyroid function and antioxidant activity.
  • Garlic and ginger in the sauce provide anti-inflammatory compounds like allicin and gingerol, beneficial for heart and immune health.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains soy, gluten, corn (from starch or syrup)
Suitable for: High-protein diets, non-vegetarian diets
Not suitable for: Vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium diets

Selection and Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth.

Common Questions About General chicken Nutrition

Is General Tso's Chicken high in protein?

General Tso's Chicken typically contains around 15-20 grams of protein per serving (1 cup), depending on the recipe. However, due to the breading and frying process, the protein-to-calorie ratio may be lower compared to grilled chicken.

Can I eat General Tso's Chicken on a keto diet?

General Tso's Chicken is generally not keto-friendly as it is often breaded and coated in a sweet sauce made with sugar or cornstarch. For a keto diet version, you can prepare it using almond flour for breading and a low-carb, sugar-free sauce.

Is General Tso's Chicken healthy?

While General Tso's Chicken provides protein, it is typically high in calories (around 800-1,000 per serving) and saturated fats due to deep frying, as well as excessive sodium and added sugars. Consuming it occasionally and in moderation is recommended, or opt for a healthier homemade version.

What is the recommended serving size for General Tso's Chicken?

A typical serving size is about 1 cup (240 grams), which can contain around 800-1,000 calories. Pair it with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for balance and limit portions if you're monitoring calorie intake.

How does General Tso's Chicken compare to Orange Chicken?

Both dishes are fried and glazed with a sweet sauce, but General Tso's Chicken tends to have a spicier and tangier flavor profile due to chili peppers and garlic, whereas Orange Chicken is milder and citrus-focused. Nutritionally, they are similar, but you can reduce calories by grilling or baking instead of frying.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.