Calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Panda Express Orange Chicken is the chain's best-selling entree, featuring crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. A standard entree serving contains approximately 490 calories, with the breading, frying, and sugary glaze accounting for much of the calorie density. Despite the higher calorie count, it provides 25 grams of protein, making it a moderately filling option among Panda Express entrees.

Calories by serving size:

Panda Express entrees vary dramatically in calorie content, from 150 calories for Broccoli Beef to 490 for Orange Chicken. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken stands out as the best protein-per-calorie option at 36 grams of protein for just 275 calories, while the Orange Chicken's appeal is its sweet, crispy flavor profile rather than its nutritional efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does Orange Chicken compare to Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?

Orange Chicken has 490 calories with 25 grams of protein, while Grilled Teriyaki Chicken has just 275 calories with an impressive 36 grams of protein. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is not breaded or fried, which dramatically reduces its fat and carbohydrate content. If you are looking for the most nutritious entree at Panda Express, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is the clear winner with nearly half the calories and significantly more protein.

What is the calorie difference between a plate and a bowl?

A Panda Express bowl includes one entree and one side, while a plate includes two entrees and one side. A bowl with Orange Chicken and fried rice totals roughly 1010 calories, while a plate with two entrees and fried rice can range from 930 to over 1500 calories depending on entree choices. Choosing steamed rice or mixed veggies as the side instead of fried rice saves 200-300 calories on either option.

Is Panda Express unhealthy?

Panda Express can be high in calories, sodium, and sugar depending on your choices, with a typical plate easily exceeding 1000 calories. However, the menu offers lighter options like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (275 calories), Broccoli Beef (150 calories), and steamed mixed vegetables as a side. Building a meal around grilled proteins and vegetable-based entrees with steamed rice makes it possible to eat a balanced meal under 600 calories.

What is the lowest calorie entree at Panda Express?

Broccoli Beef is one of the lowest-calorie entrees at Panda Express, with just 150 calories and 9 grams of protein per entree serving. String Bean Chicken Breast is another light option at approximately 190 calories with 14 grams of protein. Both are wok-tossed rather than deep-fried, which keeps the fat and calorie content considerably lower than breaded options like Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef.

How many calories does fried rice add compared to steamed rice?

Panda Express fried rice contains approximately 520 calories per side serving, while steamed white rice has about 380 calories for the same portion. Switching from fried rice to steamed rice saves roughly 140 calories and significantly reduces fat and sodium content. For the biggest calorie savings, choosing steamed mixed vegetables as a side adds only about 80 calories, saving over 400 calories compared to fried rice.