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Dish guides · Sichuan

Is kung pao chicken healthy?

Kung pao chicken costs about $3.12 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, weight loss and more protein.

By health goal

Lower LDL cholesterol
Good fit
For lower LDL cholesterol, cashews in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
Steadier blood sugar
Neutral
It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.
Lower blood pressure
Watch the sauce
Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and cashews help. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.
Weight loss
Good fit
For weight loss, chicken breast and green pepper in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.
More protein
Good fit
For more protein, chicken breast and cashews in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

For LDL cholesterol, with sources

2 of 5
LDL habits in this dish
Soluble fiber (oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, fruit)
Fish, ideally oily (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Soy or beans in place of some meat
✓
Nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocado
✓
Little fatty meat, cream, butter or cheese
Helps your LDL
cashews
Nuts and seeds: healthy fats.
Mayo Clinic

What goes in (per portion)

chicken breast
¼ lb
green pepper
½
cashews
0 lb
green onion
¼ bunch
garlic
¼ head
ginger
¼ knob
rice mix
¼ cup

Questions

Is kung pao chicken healthy?

Kung pao chicken costs about $3.12 a serving to make at home at typical US grocery prices. Going by its main ingredients, it's a good fit for lower LDL cholesterol, weight loss and more protein.

Is kung pao chicken good for high cholesterol?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For lower LDL cholesterol, cashews in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is kung pao chicken OK for blood sugar or diabetes?

It's neutral for steadier blood sugar: nothing in it stands out either way. Add a side of vegetables or beans to make it work harder for you.

Is kung pao chicken OK for high blood pressure?

Mostly, depending on the sauce. Nothing in the main ingredients works against lower blood pressure, and cashews help. Most of the salt in dishes like this comes from the sauce, so go light on soy sauce or use a low-sodium one.

Is kung pao chicken good for weight loss?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For weight loss, chicken breast and green pepper in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

Is kung pao chicken high in protein?

Yes, going by its main ingredients. For more protein, chicken breast and cashews in kung pao chicken help, and nothing in it works against that goal.

How much does kung pao chicken cost to make at home?

About $3.12 a serving, or $12.47 for four servings, at typical US grocery prices, with pantry staples like soy sauce and oil counted at $0.40 a serving.

How can I make kung pao chicken healthier?

It's already in good shape. Serve it with a vegetable side, like spinach or broccoli, and brown rice if you want more fiber.

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General nutrition information, not medical advice, based on each dish's main ingredients as we cook it; sauces and salt vary by recipe. Prices are typical US grocery prices and vary by store.
Eat Healthy AF (AF as in Asian Food) is general nutrition information, not medical advice. It doesn't diagnose or treat anything. Keep your doctor in the loop, and don't change any medication without them.
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