How healthy is kung pao chicken?
Is kung pao chicken healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Kung pao chicken scores 53/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 206 kcal, 16 g protein and 23 mg vitamin C. Kung pao chicken is a Sichuan stir-fry of diced chicken, peanuts and dried chilies in a glossy soy, vinegar and sugar sauce: high in protein, with the peanuts adding unsaturated fat and magnesium. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Kung pao chicken ranks higher than 53% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Protein16%
- Vitamin C12%
- Vitamin E5%
- Magnesium5%
- Potassium3%
- Iron3%
- Fiber2%
- Vitamin A2%
- Calcium1%
Counts against
- Saturated fat5%
- Added sugars2%
- Sodium7%
Raw NRF9.3: 48 minus 13 = 36. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in kung pao chicken?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 206 kcal | 515 kcal | |
| Protein | 16 g | 40 g | 81% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.8 g | 19 g | 7% |
| Fiber | 1.4 g | 3.4 g | 12% |
| Sugars | 3.1 g | 7.8 g | |
| Added sugars | 1.8 g | 4.5 g | 9% |
| Fat | 13 g | 31 g | 40% |
| Saturated fat | 1.9 g | 4.7 g | 24% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0.5 g | 1.1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 32 µg | 80 µg | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 23 mg | 57 mg | 64% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 1.6 mg | 4.1 mg | 27% |
| Vitamin K | 19 µg | 46 µg | 39% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.4 µg | 1 µg | 43% |
| Folate | 23 µg | 58 µg | 15% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 20 mg | 50 mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1 mg | 2.4 mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 304 mg | 760 mg | 16% |
| Magnesium | 39 mg | 98 mg | 23% |
| Zinc | 1.4 mg | 3.6 mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 313 mg | 782 mg | 34% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard kung pao chicken?
We estimate kung pao chicken from this standard recipe (serves 3, about 670 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Modeled without the rice it is served with. Dried chilies and black vinegar use their nearest SR Legacy items.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs, diced | 450 g |
| Cornstarch | 12 g |
| Roasted peanuts | 60 g |
| Dried red chilies (modeled as fresh red chili) | 10 g |
| 1 red bell pepper | 100 g |
| Scallions | 40 g |
| Garlic | 10 g |
| Ginger | 10 g |
| Soy sauce | 30 g |
| Black vinegar (modeled as distilled vinegar) | 15 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Oil for stir-frying | 30 g |
| Sesame oil | 5 g |
Why is kung pao chicken good for you?
- 40 g protein in 1 serving, 81% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- 57 mg vitamin C in 1 serving, 64% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- 1 µg vitamin B12 in 1 serving, 43% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
Good ways to use it
- Serving with steamed rice and a vegetable side
- A high-protein stir-fry at home
What should you watch out for?
- Takeout versions are often fried in more oil and use sweeter sauces.
- It is salty, so watch the soy sauce if you limit sodium.
Which dishes score higher?
Other dishes with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.