Orange chicken and rice

Dinner

Item Rating: 70/100

1 serving (250 grams) contains 400 calories, 20.0 grams of protein, 10.0 grams of fat, and 50.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.8g)

Calories		377.4
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		9.4 g	12%
	Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		47.2 mg	15%
Sodium		754.7 mg	32%
Total Carbohydrates		47.2 g	17%
	Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	6%
	Sugars	14.2 g
protein		18.9 g	37%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		28.3 mg	2%
Iron		1.9 mg	10%
Potassium		283.0 mg	6%

* 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

Fat: 84 cal (24.2%)

Protein: 75 cal (21.7%)

Carbs: 188 cal (54.1%)

About Orange chicken and rice

Orange chicken and rice is a flavorful dish rooted in Asian-American cuisine, combining tender, crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce served over steamed rice. This meal is often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and orange zest, providing a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. The chicken delivers high-quality protein for muscle repair, while rice serves as a valuable source of energy due to its carbohydrate content. The dish is typically rich in vitamin C from the orange sauce and may contain iron from added ingredients like soy sauce. Depending on preparation, it can be high in sodium and sugar, so portion control is recommended for balanced intake. Homemade versions allow you to control ingredients for better nutritional value and health-conscious adaptations, such as using brown rice and less sugar or sodium in the sauce.

Health Benefits

• Provides vitamin C from orange juice and zest, aiding in immune function and skin health.
• High protein content from chicken, which supports muscle repair and growth.
• Contains carbohydrates from rice, offering sustained energy for daily activities.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains soy, gluten (if soy sauce contains wheat), sesame (if added as garnish)

Suitable for: High-protein diets, economical meal plans

Not suitable for: Gluten-free diets (unless gluten-free soy sauce is used), low-sodium diets depending on preparation

Selection and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a microwave or stovetop and add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.

Common Questions About Orange chicken and rice Nutrition

What is the nutritional content of orange chicken and rice?

Orange chicken and rice typically contains around 500 to 700 calories per serving, depending on portion size. It provides moderate protein, averaging 20-25 grams, but tends to be high in carbohydrates, with 60-80 grams per serving. It is also rich in sugars from the sauce and may contain some vitamin C from the orange flavoring.

Can I eat orange chicken and rice on a keto diet?

Orange chicken and rice is not suitable for a keto diet because of its high carbohydrate content. The rice alone has approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per cup, and the sauce often contains added sugars, making it unsuitable for low-carb diets.

What are the health benefits and concerns of eating orange chicken and rice?

Orange chicken and rice provides essential protein needed for muscle repair and energy and may offer small amounts of vitamin C. However, it is often high in sodium, added sugars, and refined carbs, which can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and heart health concerns if consumed in excess.

What is a recommended portion size for orange chicken and rice?

A reasonable portion size of orange chicken and rice is about 1 cup of rice with 3-4 ounces of chicken. This serving keeps calories around 500-600 and balances protein, carbs, and fats without overloading on sugars or sodium often present in the dish.

How does orange chicken and rice compare to other similar dishes?

Compared to dishes like teriyaki chicken with rice, orange chicken tends to have more sugar due to its sweet citrus-based sauce. General Tso's chicken, another similar dish, may be higher in sodium and calories. Both are fried and feature heavily processed sauces, making them less healthy choices compared to grilled or baked alternatives.

Data Sources & Scientific References