Sweet and sour chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s often served with rice or noodles and makes for a delicious and filling meal. However, if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering just how many calories are in this dish.
Calories in Sweet and Sour Chicken
The number of calories in sweet and sour chicken can vary depending on the recipe and how it’s prepared. Generally speaking, a serving of sweet and sour chicken contains around 400-600 calories.
However, it’s worth noting that this dish is often high in fat, sugar, and sodium, which can make it less healthy than other options. If you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake or eat a more balanced diet, you may want to opt for a different meal.
Nutrition Information
Aside from calories, sweet and sour chicken also contains a variety of other nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for a typical serving (around 1 cup) of sweet and sour chicken:
Calories: 400-600
Protein: 20-30 grams
Fat: 15-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-60 grams
Sugar: 20-30 grams
Sodium: 800-1200 milligrams
As you can see, sweet and sour chicken is a relatively high-carb and high-sugar dish. It’s also high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems if consumed in excess.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sweet and sour chicken, there are a few things you can do:
Opt for grilled or baked chicken instead of fried.
Use a homemade sweet and sour sauce with less sugar and sodium.
Pair your chicken with steamed vegetables instead of rice or noodles.
By making these simple swaps, you can reduce the calorie count and improve the nutritional value of your meal. Remember, eating a healthy and balanced diet is key to maintaining good health and wellbeing.
