What are the calories in Panda Express General Tso's chicken?
A standard entree serving of Panda Express General Tso's chicken, weighing approximately 5.7 oz, contains 330 calories. This calorie count is for the entree alone and does not account for any additional side dishes, such as rice or chow mein, which will significantly increase the total calorie intake of your meal. For individuals monitoring their diet, understanding the complete nutritional profile is crucial, not just the base entree calories.
Full nutritional breakdown
Beyond just calories, here is the full nutritional information for a single entree portion of the Panda Express General Tso's chicken, based on data from nutritional databases:
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 910 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 15 g
- Protein: 19 g
It's important to note the high sodium content of this dish, which contributes significantly to the daily recommended intake. The fat and sugar content are also notable, typical of many fast-food entrees.
Is Panda Express's General Tso's Chicken Still Available?
It is important to know that General Tso's chicken was a limited-time promotional item for Panda Express and is often not available on the current menu. It is always best to check with your local restaurant or the official website for the most up-to-date menu offerings. The nutritional data available online refers to this specific promotional version and may not reflect any future variations of the dish. This can be a point of confusion for customers who remember the item fondly and search for its nutritional information.
Nutritional Comparison: General Tso's vs. Other Panda Express Entrees
When making a choice at Panda Express, comparing the nutritional profiles of different entrees can be helpful. Here is a table comparing the General Tso's chicken with a few other popular options, based on an entree serving size:
| Entree | Serving Size (approx.) | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Tso's Chicken | 5.7 oz | 330 | 12g | 37g | 19g |
| Orange Chicken | 5.92 oz | 510 | 24g | 53g | 26g |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 6.73 oz | 320 | 21g | 15g | 17g |
| Broccoli Beef | 5.44 oz | 150 | 7g | 13g | 9g |
As the table shows, the General Tso's chicken is a moderate calorie choice, with fewer calories than the popular Orange Chicken but more than the lighter Broccoli Beef. The Kung Pao Chicken has a very similar calorie count but a different macronutrient balance with higher fat and lower carbs. This comparison highlights how different preparation methods and sauces can drastically change the nutritional content of a meal.
How Sides and Add-ons Affect Your Meal
Choosing your side dish is a critical factor in determining your meal's overall calories. Here's a breakdown of how different combinations impact your total intake:
- Pairing with Low-Calorie Sides: Opting for a side like Super Greens (approx. 90 calories per serving) can help keep your meal's calorie count in check. An entree of General Tso's chicken with Super Greens would total around 420 calories, plus any sauce.
- Pairing with High-Calorie Sides: Choosing sides like Chow Mein (approx. 450 calories) or Fried Rice (approx. 450 calories) will add a significant number of calories to your meal. A General Tso's chicken entree with a Fried Rice side would be around 780 calories, before considering any appetizers or drinks.
- Adding Appetizers: Appetizers such as egg rolls or crab rangoon can add several hundred calories and a large amount of fat and sodium to your meal.
Making Healthier Choices
While fast-food Chinese cuisine can be high in calories, sodium, and fat, there are ways to make more informed choices. For instance, prioritizing steamed dishes or opting for entrees like Broccoli Beef can provide a more balanced meal. When selecting sides, Super Greens are a far healthier choice than chow mein or fried rice. Portion control is also vital, and choosing a smaller "Bowl" option over a "Plate" can help manage your intake.
Ultimately, understanding the nutritional information of your favorite dishes empowers you to make smarter decisions about your diet. The General Tso's chicken from Panda Express is a dish that, while a tasty indulgence, requires consideration of its caloric and sodium load, especially when paired with typical side dishes.
Conclusion
In summary, a single entree of the limited-time Panda Express General Tso's chicken contains 330 calories, with 12g of fat, 37g of carbohydrates, and 19g of protein. The dish is also notably high in sodium at 910mg per serving. While the dish itself is a moderate-calorie choice compared to other fried options like Orange Chicken, the final calorie count of a full meal depends heavily on the chosen side dish. Since it was a limited menu item, it's wise to consult current menu information. For those seeking to manage their dietary intake, balancing entrees with lower-calorie sides like Super Greens and practicing moderation is the best approach.
