Does General Chang's Chicken contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains gluten (wheat flour in batter and wheat in soy sauce). It does not contain dairy ingredients, but always check the label for facility cross-contamination.

Is General Chang's Chicken good for weight loss?

It is likely not ideal for weight loss as it is high in calories, sugar, and sodium, which can contribute to caloric surplus.

Where can I buy General Chang's Chicken?

General Chang's Chicken is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon.

Is General Chang's Chicken safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids, but it is spicy and high in sugar. It contains egg and soy, which are common allergens for children.

Is General Chang's Chicken Gluten Free?

No, General Chang's Chicken is not gluten-free. If you are strictly avoiding gluten due to Celiac disease or a severe sensitivity, you must avoid this product. The recipe contains wheat in both the chicken batter and the signature sauce, making it a definite 'no' for gluten-free diets.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label, the gluten content in General Chang's Chicken is quite obvious. The product contains two distinct sources of gluten that make it unsafe for those with gluten intolerance.

The primary source of gluten comes from the Battered Chicken. The ingredient list explicitly includes Wheat Flour. Wheat flour is the structural base for the batter, providing that crispy texture when fried or baked. Because it is a primary ingredient in the coating, the chicken itself is not gluten-free.

The second major source is hidden within the Sauce. The sauce uses Soy Sauce, which is listed as containing Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Alcohol, and Vinegar. Traditional soy sauce is brewed using wheat as a fermenting agent. Even though the sauce contains corn starch (which is gluten-free), the presence of wheat-based soy sauce contaminates the entire sauce packet.

Finally, the Oyster Sauce and Chili Paste are generally gluten-free ingredients, but in a manufacturing facility that handles wheat, cross-contamination is always a risk. However, the presence of wheat in the batter and soy sauce means the product is intentionally formulated with gluten, not just exposed to it by accident.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

While General Chang's Chicken is not suitable for a gluten-free diet, it is also important to consider the nutritional profile. A single serving contains a significant amount of sugar, primarily from the added sugar in the sauce and the caramelized onion juice concentrate.

The battered chicken contributes to the total fat and calorie count. The use of Canola Oil and Palm Oil adds saturated and unsaturated fats to the dish. If you are monitoring your caloric intake, this meal is likely a high-calorie option due to the combination of fried chicken and sweet, oily sauce.

For those on a low-sodium diet, the combination of soy sauce, salt, and oyster sauce makes this dish quite high in sodium. It fits within standard meal limits for sodium only if consumed in moderation, but it is certainly not a low-sodium food.