Sweet-and-sour chicken

Dinner

Item Rating: 65/100

1 serving (200 grams) contains 350 calories, 18.0 grams of protein, 12.0 grams of fat, and 45.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (235.3g)

Calories		411.8
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		14.1 g	18%
	Saturated Fat	3.5 g	17%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		47.1 mg	15%
Sodium		941.2 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrates		52.9 g	19%
	Dietary Fiber	2.4 g	8%
	Sugars	23.5 g
protein		21.2 g	42%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		35.3 mg	2%
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

Fat: 126 cal (30.0%)

Protein: 84 cal (20.0%)

Carbs: 211 cal (50.0%)

About Sweet-and-sour chicken

Sweet-and-sour chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors through its signature sauce, often made with ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and ketchup. The dish typically features battered and fried chicken pieces paired with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or pineapple. Nutritionally, sweet-and-sour chicken can be calorie-dense due to frying and the sugar content in the sauce, but it also contains protein from the chicken, vitamins C and A from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from accompanying rice. While it can be modified to be more health-conscious by adjusting cooking methods (e.g., baking instead of frying) or using less sugar, it provides moderate protein and essential nutrients when balanced properly.

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from chicken, aiding in muscle repair and growth, with approximately 25g of protein per serving.
• Includes vitamin C from bell peppers and pineapple, supporting immune health and skin repair.
• Provides energy through carbohydrates in the sauce and rice, essential for day-to-day activities.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains gluten (if batter contains wheat flour), soy (if soy sauce is used), egg (if used in batter)

Suitable for: High-protein diets, non-vegetarian diets

Not suitable for: Gluten-free diets (unless using alternative flour), vegan diets, low-sugar diets

Selection and Storage

Store cooked sweet-and-sour chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in an oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Sweet-and-sour chicken Nutrition

How much protein and calories are in sweet-and-sour chicken?

Sweet-and-sour chicken typically contains around 15-20 grams of protein and 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the recipe and frying method. It may also include vitamins such as vitamin C from the sauce, but is often high in sugar and sodium due to the sweet-and-sour glaze.

Is sweet-and-sour chicken compatible with a keto diet?

Traditional sweet-and-sour chicken is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content from breading, sugary sauce, and sometimes added cornstarch. A keto-friendly version can be adapted by omitting sugar, using low-carb ingredients, and avoiding breading.

Are there any health concerns with eating sweet-and-sour chicken?

Sweet-and-sour chicken can be high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, which may contribute to weight gain or elevated blood pressure if consumed frequently. Opting for baked or grilled versions and reducing sauce amount can help make it healthier.

What is the recommended portion size for sweet-and-sour chicken?

A standard portion size for sweet-and-sour chicken is about 1 cup (approximately 150-200 grams), which can be paired with a serving of steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal. Larger servings may lead to overconsumption of calories and sodium.

How does sweet-and-sour chicken compare to grilled chicken in terms of health?

Grilled chicken is generally healthier than sweet-and-sour chicken because it is lower in calories, fat, and sugar. While sweet-and-sour chicken is often breaded and fried, grilled chicken is usually prepared without added fats or high-sugar sauces, making it a better option for weight management and heart health.

Data Sources & Scientific References