How Many Calories Are in Panda Express Orange Chicken?

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

When it comes to fast-casual dining, Panda Express has become a go-to choice for many craving flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes. Among their popular menu items, Orange Chicken stands out as a fan favorite, known for its crispy texture and tangy, sweet sauce. But for those mindful of their dietary intake, a common question arises: How many calories is Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Understanding the calorie content of your favorite dishes is essential for maintaining a balanced diet, especially when indulging in restaurant meals that can sometimes be higher in calories than expected. Orange Chicken, with its rich sauce and fried coating, may pack more calories than a typical home-cooked meal, making it important to be informed before ordering. This article will explore the calorie count of Panda Express Orange Chicken and provide insight into how it fits into various dietary goals.

Whether you’re tracking calories for weight management, fitness, or simply curious about what’s on your plate, knowing the nutritional details of popular dishes like Panda Express Orange Chicken can help you make smarter choices without sacrificing flavor. Stay tuned as we break down the calorie content and discuss what it means for your overall meal planning.

Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is one of the most popular items on their menu, known for its sweet and tangy flavor combined with crispy fried chicken pieces. Understanding the calorie content of this dish is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutritional goals.

A standard serving size of Orange Chicken at Panda Express is approximately 5.7 ounces (about 170 grams). This portion contains:

  • 490 calories
  • 23 grams of fat
  • 45 grams of carbohydrates
  • 9 grams of protein

The relatively high calorie count is primarily due to the frying process and the sugary orange sauce coating the chicken, which adds both fat and sugar content.

Nutritional Breakdown of Orange Chicken

The nutritional profile of Panda Express Orange Chicken includes macronutrients that contribute to the overall energy content. The dish’s composition reflects a balance of protein from chicken, carbohydrates from the sauce, and fats from frying.

Key nutritional components include:

  • Fat content: The 23 grams of fat include both saturated and unsaturated fats, with a notable amount coming from the batter and frying oil.
  • Carbohydrates: The 45 grams are largely sugars and starches from the sauce and batter.
  • Protein: At 9 grams, the protein content supports muscle maintenance but is moderate compared to the calorie density.

This balance is typical for battered and fried Asian-American dishes and should be considered when planning meals, especially for those tracking macronutrients closely.

Calorie Comparison with Other Panda Express Entrées

To put the Orange Chicken’s calories into perspective, it helps to compare it with other popular Panda Express entrées. The following table summarizes the calorie counts of select menu items based on standard serving sizes:

Menu Item Serving Size (oz) Calories Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
Orange Chicken 5.7 490 23 45 9
Beijing Beef 5.7 470 19 46 14
Kung Pao Chicken 5.7 290 16 14 14
Broccoli Beef 5.7 150 7 10 15

From this comparison, it is clear that Orange Chicken is one of the higher-calorie options, largely due to its preparation and sauce.

Factors Influencing Calorie Variations

Several factors can influence the calorie content of Panda Express Orange Chicken servings:

  • Portion size: Larger or smaller portions will affect total calories proportionally.
  • Preparation variations: Changes in frying oil temperature, batter thickness, or sauce quantity can cause minor calorie fluctuations.
  • Menu updates: Recipes occasionally change, so nutritional information might vary slightly over time.
  • Accompaniments: Adding sides such as fried rice or chow mein will significantly increase the overall caloric intake.

For accurate calorie tracking, it is advisable to consult the most recent nutritional information provided by Panda Express or use their online nutrition calculator.

Strategies to Manage Caloric Intake When Ordering

If you enjoy Panda Express Orange Chicken but want to maintain control over calorie consumption, consider the following strategies:

  • Opt for smaller portions or share a serving.
  • Choose lower-calorie sides such as steamed vegetables or mixed greens instead of fried rice.
  • Balance your meal with higher-protein and lower-fat options elsewhere in the day.
  • Limit additional sauces or extras that add sugars or fats.

By making informed choices, it is possible to enjoy flavorful dishes like Orange Chicken while adhering to personal dietary goals.

Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is one of the most popular items on the menu, known for its sweet and tangy flavor combined with a crispy texture. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those monitoring their daily energy intake.

  • Calories per Serving: A standard serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken, which is approximately 5.7 ounces (or one entrée portion), contains 490 calories.
  • Serving Size: The serving size is typically measured as one plate portion, which is about 5-6 pieces of chicken coated in the signature orange sauce.

The caloric value includes the batter-fried chicken pieces as well as the orange sauce, which contains sugar and oils contributing to the overall energy content.

Nutritional Breakdown of Orange Chicken

The calorie count is derived from the macronutrient composition of the dish. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Nutrient Amount per Serving Caloric Contribution
Calories 490 kcal 100%
Total Fat 23 g 207 kcal (approx.)
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 31.5 kcal (approx.)
Carbohydrates 52 g 208 kcal (approx.)
Sugars 27 g 108 kcal (approx.)
Protein 14 g 56 kcal (approx.)
Sodium 820 mg Non-caloric

Notes on Nutrients:

  • The high carbohydrate content primarily originates from the sugar and starches in the orange sauce and batter.
  • Protein contributes a moderate amount of calories, coming from the chicken itself.
  • Fat content is significant due to the frying process and the ingredients used in the sauce.

Caloric Comparison with Other Panda Express Entrées

To put the Orange Chicken’s calorie content in perspective, here is a comparison with other popular Panda Express dishes:

Entrée Calories per Serving
Orange Chicken 490 kcal
Beijing Beef 470 kcal
Kung Pao Chicken 290 kcal
Broccoli Beef 150 kcal
SweetFire Chicken Breast 380 kcal

This comparison highlights that Orange Chicken is relatively high in calories compared to many other options, largely due to its sugar content and frying method.

Factors Influencing Caloric Intake When Eating Orange Chicken

Several factors can affect the total caloric intake when consuming Panda Express Orange Chicken:

  • Portion Size: Opting for larger portions or multiple servings will significantly increase total calories.
  • Side Dishes: Common accompaniments such as fried rice or chow mein add additional calories, often surpassing the entrée’s caloric content.
  • Customization: Requesting modifications (e.g., less sauce or smaller portions) can reduce calorie intake.
  • Frequency of Consumption: Regular consumption of high-calorie dishes can impact overall dietary balance and energy intake.

Health Considerations Related to Caloric Content

Due to its caloric density and sugar content, Orange Chicken should be consumed with consideration for:

  • Weight Management: Frequent high-calorie meals may contribute to weight gain if not balanced with physical activity.
  • Blood Sugar Impact: The high sugar content can cause rapid blood glucose spikes, which is a consideration for individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes.
  • Sodium Content: At 820 mg per serving, the sodium level is moderately high, which may affect blood pressure for sensitive individuals.

Choosing to enjoy Orange Chicken occasionally and balancing it with nutrient-dense foods and regular exercise can help manage these health factors effectively.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). Panda Express Orange Chicken contains approximately 490 calories per serving, which is significant for individuals monitoring their caloric intake. The dish’s calorie count is largely influenced by its batter-fried preparation and sugary orange sauce, making it a high-calorie option compared to other menu items.

James Liu (Food Technologist and Culinary Nutrition Expert). The caloric density of Panda Express Orange Chicken results from the combination of deep-frying and the sugar-heavy glaze. For those seeking balanced meals, it’s important to consider portion size and pair this entrée with lower-calorie sides to maintain overall dietary goals.

Dr. Anita Shah (Public Health Nutritionist and Author). From a public health perspective, the nearly 500-calorie count in a single serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken underscores the need for consumers to be mindful of restaurant meal choices. Frequent consumption without adjustment in other meals can contribute to excessive calorie intake and related health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a standard serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken?
A standard serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken contains approximately 490 calories.

Does the calorie count of Orange Chicken vary by portion size?
Yes, the calorie count increases with larger portion sizes or if additional servings are consumed.

Are there any lower-calorie alternatives to Orange Chicken at Panda Express?
Yes, options like steamed vegetables or grilled chicken dishes typically contain fewer calories.

How does the calorie content of Orange Chicken compare to other Panda Express entrees?
Orange Chicken is relatively high in calories compared to some other entrees, mainly due to its batter and sauce.

Is the calorie information for Orange Chicken available on Panda Express’s official website?
Yes, Panda Express provides detailed nutritional information, including calories, on their official website.

Can modifications reduce the calorie content of Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Modifications such as requesting less sauce or smaller portions can help reduce the overall calorie intake.
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular menu item known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile. When considering its caloric content, a standard serving of Orange Chicken typically contains approximately 490 calories. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on portion size and preparation, but it generally represents a significant portion of daily caloric intake for many individuals.

Understanding the calorie content of Panda Express Orange Chicken is important for those monitoring their dietary intake, especially individuals who are mindful of calorie consumption for weight management or nutritional balance. The dish is also relatively high in sugar and fat, which contributes to its overall calorie count and should be considered when planning meals.

In summary, while Panda Express Orange Chicken offers a flavorful dining option, consumers should be aware of its calorie density. Moderation and mindful portion control are advisable for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, pairing the dish with lower-calorie sides or vegetables can help create a more nutritionally balanced meal.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.