1 serving (medium) of General Tso Chicken (180 g) has 468 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 41.4 g of carbs, 23.4 g of protein, 21.6 g of fat and 2.2 g of fiber. Its 1206 mg of Sodium covers 52% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a Chinese-American restaurant dish: bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated, fried until crisp, then tossed in a glossy sauce that balances sweetness, tang and chilli heat. Scallions and sesame are common finishing touches. Despite its Chinese name, this version developed in the United States rather than being a standard dish across China.

The craggy coating stays crispest when freshly served, while the sauce turns it sticky and savoury-sweet. It is usually eaten hot with steamed rice, often alongside vegetables; in many places it is a familiar takeaway or Chinese-American restaurant favourite. The fried chicken and sweet sauce make it a fairly energy-dense main with a moderate amount of protein. For a lighter meal, share a portion or pair it with extra vegetables and plain rice.

General Tso Chicken Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

260

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

23g

· 8% DV

Protein

13g

· 26% DV

Fat

12g

· 15% DV

Fiber

1.2g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 37% · Protein 21% · Fat 42%

General Tso Chicken Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

4.1mg · 26% DV

0.32mg · 19% DV

0.7mg · 14% DV

Biotin

3.2µg · 11% DV

Minerals

Sodium

670mg · 29% DV

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Phosphorus

120mg · 17% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

How Nutritious Is General Tso Chicken?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

40/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

General Tso Chicken Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off General Tso Chicken

To burn the 260 calories in 100 g:

🚶

64min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

27min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

35min

Cycling

🏊

30min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is General Tso Chicken Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does General Tso Chicken Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy free

Eggs yes

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy yes

Sesame free

Which Diets Is General Tso Chicken Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

General Tso Chicken Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.5g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

2.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 15:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (15:1).

Compare General Tso Chicken

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General Tso Chicken vs Chicken Wrap65 kcal more per 100 g

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General Tso Chicken vs Protein Bar90 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Foods Similar to General Tso Chicken

🧴

Hawthorn Vinegar

18 kcal

🌯

Tantuni

210 kcal

🌯

Chicken Wrap

195 kcal

🍫

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350 kcal

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290 kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions About General Tso Chicken

What is General Tso Chicken?

General Tso Chicken is a Chinese-American dish of battered, fried chicken pieces coated in a glossy sweet, savory, and often mildly spicy sauce. Restaurants commonly serve it with rice and garnish it with scallions or sesame seeds.

What does General Tso Chicken taste like?

General Tso Chicken tastes sweet, savory, and tangy, with a mild heat in many versions. Its crisp chicken contrasts with the sticky sauce, while the amount of chili and vinegar can make the flavor noticeably hotter or sharper.

Is General Tso Chicken spicy?

General Tso Chicken is often mildly to moderately spicy, but its heat varies by restaurant and recipe. Chili peppers or chili paste provide the kick; ask for less chili if you prefer a gentler version.

What is General Tso Chicken sauce made of?

General Tso Chicken sauce commonly combines soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili, thickened with starch. Some recipes add ginger or sesame oil, so the balance can range from sweeter to tangier depending on the cook.

What is the difference between General Tso Chicken and orange chicken?

General Tso Chicken usually has a savory, tangy sauce with chili, while orange chicken emphasizes a sweet citrus flavor. Both are often battered and fried, but their sauces give them distinctly different tastes.

Is General Tso Chicken an authentic Chinese dish?

General Tso Chicken is generally considered Chinese-American rather than a traditional dish commonly eaten in China. It draws on Chinese cooking influences but developed in the United States, where restaurant versions were adapted for local tastes.

What should you serve with General Tso Chicken?

Steamed white rice is a classic side for General Tso Chicken because it soaks up the sauce. Steamed broccoli or other stir-fried vegetables add a fresh, savory contrast; noodles are another common option.

How do you keep General Tso Chicken crispy?

To keep General Tso Chicken crispy, toss the fried chicken with sauce just before serving rather than letting it sit in the sauce. Keep the pieces in a single layer while they rest so trapped steam does not soften the coating.

Can you make General Tso Chicken without deep-frying?

Yes, General Tso Chicken can be baked or cooked in an air fryer instead of deep-fried. Lightly coat the chicken with oil and arrange the pieces in a single layer; the coating may be less crisp than the deep-fried version.

How should you store and reheat General Tso Chicken leftovers?

Refrigerate General Tso Chicken leftovers in a covered container within two hours of cooking and eat them within three to four days. Reheat until steaming hot; an oven or air fryer can help the chicken stay crisper than a microwave.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026