How Many Calories Are in General Tso’s Chicken? A Closer Look at This Takeout Favorite

General Tso’s chicken is a beloved Chinese takeout dish in the United States. With its crispy battered chicken, spicy and sweet sauce, and Asian flavors, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. But is this tasty treat actually good for you? Let’s take a closer look at the calorie count and nutrition information of General Tso’s chicken

A Brief History of General Tso’s Chicken

While largely unknown in China itself, General Tso’s chicken has become a staple of Chinese takeout restaurants across America. The dish is named after Zuo Zongtang a Qing dynasty statesman and military leader who was posthumously promoted to the title of General Tso.

The creator of the dish is believed to be Chef Peng Chang-kuei, who fled to Taiwan after the Communist revolution in China. He opened a restaurant in New York City in the 1970s, where he invented General Tso’s chicken to appeal to American tastes by making it slightly sweet. It soon spread across the country as a menu staple at Chinese restaurants.

Calorie Count for General Tso’s Chicken

The calorie content of General Tso’s chicken can vary depending on the recipe, but a typical one-cup serving contains around:

• 560 calories
• 28 g fat
• 47 g carbohydrates
• 26 g protein

A full order of General Tso’s chicken at a restaurant often contains multiple cups and can pack over 1500 calories and nearly 100 grams of carbohydrates.

Clearly, this popular dish is very high in calories, especially considering a single serving may make up a large portion of your daily recommended calorie intake. The coating, frying method, sugar in the sauce, and large serving sizes all contribute to the high calorie count.

Other Nutrition Facts to Consider

Beyond just calories, there are some other key nutrition facts to keep in mind when eating General Tso’s chicken:

• High in sodium – A single serving often contains over 1000 mg of sodium, which is nearly half of the recommended daily sodium intake. The soy sauce and added table salt contribute to the high sodium levels.

• Low in nutrients – While the chicken provides some protein, General Tso’s chicken is lacking in nutrients. You won’t find much fiber, vitamins, or minerals in the fried meat and sugary sauce.

• High glycemic index – With all the refined carbs and sugar, General Tso’s chicken ranks high on the glycemic index, which may lead to crashes and cravings later.

• Low satiety – Despite the high calorie count, the refined carbs and lack of fiber mean this meal won’t actually keep you full for long. You may end up eating more as a result.

Healthier Alternatives to Enjoy

If you want to still enjoy the flavors of General Tso’s chicken while limiting calories, sodium, and processed carbs, consider some healthier alternatives:

• Try baked chicken tenders instead of fried and skip the heavy batter coating.

• Use fresh ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, chili sauce, and other Asian flavors to create the sauce instead of sugary bottled sauces.

• Add more veggies like broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, etc. to increase the fiber and nutrients.

• Enjoy it as a side dish instead of the main meal and limit your portion size to 1 cup or less.

• Swap the white rice for cauliflower rice or brown rice to boost nutrition.

• Pair it with nutrient-dense sides like a green salad instead of only white rice.

The Bottom Line

General Tso’s chicken is a tasty takeout treat that’s become a favorite across America. But each serving of this crispy, saucy dish can pack over 1000 calories and half your daily sodium intake along with few nutrients. Avoid making it an everyday meal, and try lighter preparations at home focused on fresh flavors, lean protein, and veggie additions. This allows you to still enjoy the iconic dish while limiting the calorie impact and boosting nutrition. Moderation and thoughtful ingredient swaps let you savor General Tso’s chicken as an occasional part of an overall balanced diet.