Calories in general tso's chicken
A typical serving of general tso's chicken provides about 590 calories. Here are the full macros and nutrition facts.
Per serving · 1 small plate (200 g)
Calories
590kcal
Protein
29g
Carbs
48g
Fat
31.2g
Per 100 g
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Protein | 14.5 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fat | 15.6 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.8 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 12.5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Data based on Open Food Facts and public nutrition databases.
A sweet and spicy deep-fried chicken dish popular in North American Chinese cuisine.
Nutritional benefits
- Good source of quick energy
- Contains niacin from chicken breast or thighs
- Thermogenic effect from the use of chili peppers
How to prepare it
- 1.Chicken is marinated and coated in cornstarch
- 2.Deep-fried twice for maximum crispiness
- 3.Glazed in a thickened sauce of sugar, soy, and vinegar
Lighter alternatives
Steamed chicken with broccoli
Drastically reduces saturated fats and oils
Ginger chicken stir-fry
Lower in sugar and avoids deep-frying
Grilled tofu
Plant-based option with lower calorie density
Healthy tip
Order or serve with extra steamed vegetables to offset the heavy sauce and sodium.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a traditional Chinese dish?
No, it was popularized in New York and adapted for Western tastes, though it has Hunanese roots.
Why is it so high in calories?
Mainly due to the breading, deep-frying process, and high sugar content in the glaze.
Can it be made healthier?
Yes, by air-frying the chicken and reducing the sugar in the sauce recipe.
Popular comparisons
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