Quick Answer
The total calorie count for a typical order of General Tso’s chicken with fried rice at a Chinese restaurant can range from 1000-1500 calories depending on the portion size and ingredients. A medium 8 oz portion of General Tso’s chicken can contain 500-800 calories while a cup of fried rice can range from 200-500 calories. Together, this puts the average calorie count of a General Tso’s chicken and fried rice order around 1000-1500 calories. However, this number may be higher or lower depending on factors like:
- Chicken portion size – More chicken means more calories
- Breading/batter – Thicker batter coating adds more calories
- Sauce – Sugary sauces like General Tso’s add more calories
- Oil used for frying – Deep frying adds more fat and calories vs pan frying
- Rice portion size – Larger portions of fried rice increase calories
- Ingredients in fried rice – Additions like egg, peas, carrots, etc add more calories
When dining out, it’s hard to determine the exact calorie count. Requesting light batter, sauce on the side, and a smaller rice portion can help reduce calories.
Calories in General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s chicken is a classic Chinese takeout dish of boneless chicken pieces that are battered, fried, and coated in a sweet, tangy sauce. The calorie count of General Tso’s chicken comes from three main sources:
- Chicken – Protein is 4 calories per gram
- Breading/Batter – Carbohydrates add calories during frying
- Sauce – Typically contains sugar which increases calories
Let’s break down the average calorie count of an 8 oz portion of General Tso’s chicken:
Chicken (8 oz, no batter) – 640 calories
There are typically around 80 grams of chicken in an 8 oz portion. With protein containing 4 calories per gram, this equals 320 calories (80g x 4 cal/g = 320 calories). When including batter and deep frying, the calorie count of the chicken increases.
Breading/Batter coating – Around 120 calories
The thin layer of flour-egg breading or thicker tempura-style batter adds extra calories, especially when deep fried. Light breading adds about 50 calories while a thick batter coating can add 100+ calories.
Sauce (1/4 cup) – Around 60 calories
The sweet sauce in General Tso’s chicken is made from ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and chili peppers. The addition of sugar increases the calorie density. A 1/4 cup of the sauce adds about 60 calories.
Total calories in 8 oz General Tso’s chicken – Around 800 calories
Adding up the calories from an 8 oz portion of chicken, batter and sauce gives us a total of around 800 calories. This number can vary based on factors like:
- Chicken portion size – More chicken means more calories
- Batter thickness – Thick tempura batter adds more calories than light breading
- Cooking method – Deep frying adds more oil and calories vs pan frying
- Sauce – Some recipes have added sugar which increases calories
An 8 oz portion with heavy breading/batter and sugary sauce could contain up to 1000 calories, while a lighter version could be around 500-600 calories.
Ways to Reduce Calories in General Tso’s Chicken
Here are some tips to lighten up General Tso’s chicken and reduce the calorie count:
- Request light breading or batter
- Ask for sauce on side and use sparingly
- Opt for steamed chicken instead of fried
- Substitute vegetables like broccoli or green beans for some of the chicken
- Request smaller 6 oz portion of chicken
- Avoid high-calorie side dishes like pork fried rice
Calories in Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular side dish often served with General Tso’s chicken. It’s made by stir frying rice with oil and other mix-ins like egg, vegetables and meat. The three main sources of calories in fried rice are:
- Rice
- Oil used for frying
- Ingredients like egg, meat and vegetables
Let’s analyze the calorie density of a typical order of pork fried rice:
Cooked white rice (1 cup) – Around 210 calories
There are about 45 grams of cooked white rice in 1 cup. With carbohydrates providing 4 calories per gram, this equals 210 calories (45g x 4 cal/g = 210 calories).
Pork (2 oz) – Around 140 calories
A small 2 oz portion of lean pork contains about 70 calories. When factoring in a bit of oil for stir frying, 2 oz of pork adds roughly 140 calories to fried rice.
Egg (1 large) – Around 80 calories
One whole egg scrambled into fried rice provides protein, fat and around 80 calories.
Oil for frying (1 Tbsp) – Around 120 calories
The oil used to stir fry the rice and ingredients also adds significant calories. Just 1 tablespoon of oils like canola, peanut or sesame oil contains about 120 calories.
Vegetables – Around 30 calories
Small portions of mix-ins like carrot, peas, onion, garlic add more bulk and nutrients while contributing minimal calories.
Total calories in 1 cup fried rice – Around 580 calories
Adding up the main sources of calories gives us a total of around 580 calories in a typical 1 cup portion of pork fried rice. Calorie counts can range depending on factors like:
- Rice portion – More rice means more carbs and calories
- Oil used for frying – More oil adds more fat and calories
- Ingredients – More pork, egg or additions like cashews increase calories
- Cooking method – Deep frying adds more oil than pan frying
A large order or very oily fried rice could contain 700-1000+ calories per cup.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Fried Rice
Some simple substitutions and preparation methods can lower the calories in fried rice:
- Use brown rice instead of white rice
- Load up on vegetables instead of meat
- Skip the egg or use just egg whites
- Use cooking spray instead of oil for frying
- Opt for steamed rice instead of fried
- Ask for sauce/dressing on the side
- Request a smaller portion like 1/2 cup rice
Calories in Full Meal of General Tso’s Chicken and Fried Rice
Now that we’ve looked at the average calories in General Tso’s chicken and fried rice individually, let’s put it all together to get a total for a full takeout meal:
- 8 oz General Tso’s Chicken – 800 calories
- 1 cup Pork Fried Rice – 580 calories
- Total Calories – 1380 calories
Based on typical portion sizes, a full takeout meal of 8 oz of General Tso’s chicken and 1 cup of pork fried rice contains around 1380 calories.
Of course, this number can vary significantly based on factors like:
- Chicken portion size – More chicken adds more calories
- Rice portion size – Larger portions of rice increase calories
- Cooking method – Deep frying adds more oil and calories
- Batter and sauce – Thick batter and sugary sauces increase calories
A smaller 6 oz chicken portion and 1/2 cup rice could be around 1000 calories. While a larger 12 oz chicken portion with 2 cups fried rice may exceed 1500+ calories.
When ordering takeout, keep portion sizes in mind and try these simple substitutions to reduce the overall calories in a General Tso’s chicken and fried rice meal:
- Swap fried rice for steamed rice or veggies
- Choose broccoli or mixed veggies instead of some chicken
- Request light sauce or sauce on the side
- Ask for 1/2 portion of rice
- Get steamed or grilled chicken instead of fried
Nutrition Facts Comparison of General Tso’s Chicken and Fried Rice
Now let’s take a look at the full nutrition facts and see how General Tso’s chicken and fried rice compare:
General Tso’s Chicken (8 oz portion) Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 800 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Protein | 50g |
As a deep fried dish, General Tso’s chicken is high in calories, fat and sodium. An 8 oz portion provides 50g protein but also 45g fat, much of which comes from the oil used for deep frying. There are 800 total calories in the average 8 oz portion of General Tso’s chicken.
Fried Rice (1 cup) Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 580 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Carbs | 90g |
| Protein | 12g |
Fried rice contains fewer calories and fat compared to General Tso’s chicken, since it uses less oil during cooking. However, a 1 cup portion still provides 580 calories and 13g fat. Fried rice is higher in carbs, with 90g coming from the white rice. It also contains less protein than chicken.
Full Meal Nutrition Facts
For the full takeout combo meal containing both dishes:
| Calories | 1380 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 58g |
| Carbs | 120g |
| Protein | 62g |
The General Tso’s chicken provides the bulk of fat and protein, while the fried rice contributes more carbs. Together this typical takeout meal offers 1380 calories, 58g fat, 120g carbs and 62g protein.
As a high calorie meal, it’s smart to avoid large portions and high-calorie sides like egg rolls when dining on General Tso’s chicken and fried rice. Sharing dishes or taking leftovers home is one of the best ways to control portions.
Conclusion
General Tso’s chicken and fried rice are classic Chinese takeout dishes that often come as a meal combo. While tasty, both dishes can be high in calories, fat and sodium when prepared with large portions, heavy batter frying, and sugary sauces.
An average order containing 8 oz of General Tso’s chicken and 1 cup fried rice can provide around 1000-1500 calories. However, the calorie count depends on many factors including:
- Chicken portion size
- Thickness of batter
- Amount of frying oil used
- Rice portion size
- Ingredients mixed into the fried rice
To lighten up this takeout meal, request smaller portions, light batter, sauce on the side, and substitutions like steamed rice and extra veggies instead of fried rice. Being mindful of portions and high calorie additions like egg rolls can help control calories when enjoying these favorite Chinese dishes.
