Cracking the Code: How Many Calories Are in Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken?

Hey there, foodies and health-conscious eaters! Today I’m diving deep into one of Panda Express’s most beloved dishes – General Tso’s Chicken If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself in the mall food court, stomach growling, wondering if that delicious-looking orange chicken is gonna destroy your diet or not Well, I’ve done some serious research to bring you the definitive guide on exactly what you’re getting when you order this popular entree.

The Quick Answer: Calories in Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken

Let’s cut to the chase – each serving (57 oz entree) of Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken contains 330 calories

But that’s just scratching the surface, and if you’re watching your diet or counting macros, you’ll want the full breakdown. So let’s dig in!

Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s what you’re actually consuming in that delicious little entree box:

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2000 calorie diet

Looking at this breakdown, I notice a few things right away that are worth mentioning:

• The sodium is CRAZY high – almost 40% of your daily recommended intake in just one small entree!
• Sugar content is significant – 15g is a lot for one small serving of a savory dish
• Decent protein – 19g is pretty good for a fast food offering
• Moderate fat – 12g isn’t terrible, and only 2g is saturated

Macronutrient Breakdown

If you’re tracking macros, here’s how General Tso’s Chicken breaks down percentage-wise:

• Carbohydrates: 45% of calories
• Protein: 22% of calories
• Fat: 33% of calories

This means General Tso’s Chicken is primarily a carb-heavy dish, which isn’t surprising given the breading and sweet sauce.

How Does It Compare to Other Panda Express Entrees?

If you’re trying to decide between options at Panda Express, here’s how General Tso’s Chicken stacks up against some other popular choices:

• Shiitake Kale Chicken Breast: 170 calories (160 calories less!)
• Mushroom Chicken: 220 calories (110 calories less)
• Black Pepper Angus Steak: 180 calories (150 calories less)
• Kung Pao Chicken: 290 calories (40 calories less)
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: 300 calories (30 calories less)
• Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast: 300 calories (30 calories less)
• Teriyaki Chicken: 340 calories (10 calories more)
• Eggplant Tofu: 340 calories (10 calories more)
• Mixed Veggies: 40 calories (290 calories less!)

As you can see, there are definitely lighter options if you’re watching your calorie intake. The Mixed Veggies and Shiitake Kale Chicken Breast are particularly good choices for lower-calorie meals.

How Long Does It Take to Burn Off General Tso’s Chicken?

Ever wonder how much exercise it takes to work off that yummy chicken? According to the data, here’s approximately how long you’d need to exercise to burn off the 330 calories in a serving:

• Running: 23-28 minutes
• Jogging: 30-38 minutes
• Hiking: 45-46 minutes
• Cycling: 51-57 minutes
• Swimming: 28-59 minutes
• Walking: 88-92 minutes

Keep in mind these are estimates and will vary based on your weight, metabolism, and exercise intensity. The data from CalorieKing is based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs.

Is General Tso’s Chicken Healthy?

Well, that’s kind of a loaded question, isn’t it? Let’s break it down:

The Good

1. Decent protein content: With 19g of protein, it helps with muscle maintenance and satiety.
2. Moderate fat: Only 12g total with just 2g saturated fat.
3. Some fiber: 3g isn’t amazing, but it’s better than nothing!
4. No trans fat: Always a plus.

The Not-So-Good

1. High sodium: 910mg is nearly 40% of your daily recommended intake! This could be problematic if you’re watching your blood pressure.
2. High sugar: 15g of sugar is quite high for a savory dish and contributes to the 37g of total carbs.
3. Minimal vitamins and minerals: According to the nutrition data, there’s 0% of your daily value for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium.
4. Calorie dense: 330 calories for a relatively small portion size (5.7 oz) is pretty calorie-dense.

How to Fit General Tso’s Chicken Into Your Diet

Just because it’s not the healthiest option doesn’t mean you can never enjoy it! Here are some tips for incorporating this tasty dish into a balanced diet:

1. Share a serving: Split it with a friend to cut the calories, sodium, and sugar in half.
2. Make it a side: Instead of a full entree, get it as a side and pair with Mixed Veggies.
3. Balance your day: If you know you’re having Panda Express for dinner, go lighter on sodium and sugar earlier in the day.
4. Exercise portion control: Stick to the standard serving size rather than supersizing.
5. Add veggies: Ask for extra veggies to bulk up your meal without adding many calories.

Making a Healthier Version at Home

If you’re craving General Tso’s but want to keep it healthier, consider making it at home where you can control the ingredients. Here’s a simple approach:

• Use chicken breast instead of thigh meat
• Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying
• Reduce the sugar in the sauce or use a natural sweetener
• Add more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas
• Use less sauce overall
• Serve with cauliflower rice or brown rice instead of white rice

What Makes General Tso’s Chicken So Caloric?

You might be wondering why this dish packs such a caloric punch. Here are the main culprits:

1. The breading: The chicken is typically battered and fried, which adds carbs and fat.
2. The sauce: General Tso’s sauce is sweet and thick, containing sugar and cornstarch.
3. The frying process: The chicken pieces absorb oil during frying.
4. Added sugars: That sweet flavor comes from somewhere!

The Cultural Context of General Tso’s Chicken

Fun fact: Despite being a staple in American Chinese restaurants, General Tso’s Chicken isn’t actually a traditional Chinese dish! It was created in the 1970s by a Taiwanese chef in New York. The original recipe has evolved over time, and Panda Express’s version is their own unique take on this American-Chinese classic.

My Personal Experience with Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken

I gotta be honest with you guys – I LOVE this dish. There’s something about that sweet-spicy-tangy combo that just hits different when you’re craving Chinese food. But after researching the nutritional info for this article, I’ve started ordering it less frequently.

Last month, I was at the mall and decided to try the Shiitake Kale Chicken instead of my usual General Tso’s, and I was pleasantly surprised! It was flavorful and satisfying, and I didn’t feel that post-Panda Express bloat that I sometimes get from the sodium overload.

That said, I still treat myself to General Tso’s occasionally – food is meant to be enjoyed, after all! I just make sure to balance it out with plenty of water and lighter meals throughout the day.

Final Thoughts: Is Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken Worth the Calories?

At the end of the day, whether 330 calories is “worth it” depends entirely on your personal goals, preferences, and the rest of your diet. If you’re strictly counting calories or following a low-sodium diet, there are definitely better options both at Panda Express and elsewhere.

But if you’re looking for an occasional treat and you really love General Tso’s Chicken, then go for it! Just be mindful of the portion size and maybe pair it with a lower-calorie side like the Mixed Veggies instead of fried rice or chow mein.

Remember, no single meal defines your diet – it’s the overall pattern that matters most. So whether you choose to indulge in General Tso’s or opt for a lighter alternative, what’s important is finding a sustainable approach to eating that works for YOU.

What’s your go-to order at Panda Express? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear what dishes you enjoy and maybe do a nutritional breakdown of those in future posts!

Until next time, happy eating!

Quick FAQ

Q: Is Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken gluten-free?
A: No, due to the breading and sauce ingredients, it contains gluten.

Q: Is Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken keto-friendly?
A: No, with 37g of carbs per serving, it’s too high in carbohydrates for a ketogenic diet.

Q: How many Weight Watchers points is Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken?
A: While point values can vary based on your personal WW plan, generally it would be around 9-11 points due to its calorie, fat, and sugar content.

Q: Does Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken contain any allergens?
A: Yes, it may contain wheat, soy, and potentially other allergens. Always check with the restaurant for the most up-to-date allergen information.

Q: Is Panda Express General Tso’s Chicken spicy?
A: It has a mild-to-moderate spice level, but it’s more sweet than spicy compared to traditional General Tso’s recipes.