How Many Calories Are in Orange Chicken from Panda Express?

AvatarByNora Gaines Chicken

If you’re a fan of Panda Express, chances are you’ve savored their iconic Orange Chicken—a flavorful, crispy favorite that has won the hearts of many. But beyond its irresistible taste, you might be curious about what this popular dish means for your daily calorie intake. Understanding the calorie content of your favorite meals is an essential step toward mindful eating and maintaining a balanced diet.

Orange Chicken from Panda Express is often celebrated for its sweet and tangy glaze combined with tender, battered chicken pieces. While it’s undeniably delicious, it’s also important to consider how it fits into your nutritional goals. Whether you’re tracking calories for weight management, fitness, or simply staying informed, knowing the calorie count can help you make smarter dining choices without sacrificing flavor.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the calorie content of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken and provide insights into how it compares with other menu items. This information will empower you to enjoy your meal with confidence and awareness, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Caloric Content of Orange Chicken From Panda Express

Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is one of their most popular menu items, known for its crispy texture and sweet, tangy sauce. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those tracking their daily intake or managing nutritional goals. A standard serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken, which is approximately 5.7 ounces (about 6 pieces), contains roughly 490 calories.

These calories come from a combination of macronutrients, primarily carbohydrates and fats, due to the batter-fried chicken and sugary orange sauce. The dish is relatively high in calories compared to other entrees because of its preparation method and sauce ingredients.

Nutritional Breakdown of Orange Chicken

The caloric content of Orange Chicken is influenced by the following nutritional components:

  • Proteins: The chicken provides a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety.
  • Carbohydrates: The orange sauce contains sugar and other carbohydrates that contribute significantly to the total calories.
  • Fats: The frying process adds fat content, which increases the overall calorie count.
  • Sodium: This dish is also notable for its sodium content, which is important to monitor for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular concerns.

Below is a detailed nutritional breakdown per serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken:

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 490 kcal 24%
Total Fat 23 g 35%
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 18%
Cholesterol 50 mg 17%
Sodium 820 mg 36%
Total Carbohydrates 52 g 19%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 8%
Sugars 19 g **N/A**
Protein 14 g 28%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

Several factors can influence the calorie count of Orange Chicken from Panda Express:

  • Portion Size: Larger servings or additional pieces will proportionally increase calorie intake.
  • Sauce Quantity: The amount of orange sauce applied can vary, which affects sugar and calorie content.
  • Preparation Variability: Slight differences in frying time or batter thickness may alter fat content.
  • Menu Changes: Panda Express occasionally updates recipes, which can impact nutritional values.

For those monitoring caloric intake, opting for smaller portions, or pairing Orange Chicken with lower-calorie sides such as steamed vegetables or brown rice can help balance the overall meal.

Comparing Orange Chicken Calories to Other Panda Express Entrees

To put the Orange Chicken’s caloric content into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular Panda Express entrees based on standard serving sizes:

Menu Item 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 on the higher end of the calorie spectrum among Panda Express entrées, primarily due to its batter-fried preparation and sweet sauce. Those seeking lower-calorie options might consider dishes like Broccoli Beef or Kung Pao Chicken, which have fewer calories and less fat.

Tips for Managing Caloric Intake When Enjoying Orange Chicken

To enjoy Orange Chicken without exceeding daily calorie goals, consider the following strategies:

  • Share the serving with another person or save half for later.
  • Substitute high-calorie sides like fried rice or chow mein with steamed rice or mixed vegetables.
  • Limit additional high-sugar beverages or desserts alongside the meal.
  • Balance the day’s meals by reducing calorie intake in other meals.
  • Incorporate physical activity to offset higher-calorie meals.

By being mindful of portion sizes and meal composition, it is possible to enjoy Panda Express Orange Chicken as part of a balanced diet.

Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken from Panda Express is a popular menu item known for its sweet and tangy flavor paired with a crispy texture. Understanding the caloric content of this dish is essential for those monitoring their diet or managing calorie intake.

The standard serving size for Orange Chicken at Panda Express is typically one entree portion, which weighs approximately 5.7 ounces (162 grams). The calorie count for this serving size is as follows:

Menu Item Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
Orange Chicken 5.7 oz (162 g) 490 23 53 25

The 490 calories in a serving of Orange Chicken primarily come from the combination of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet orange-flavored sauce, which contains sugar and oil contributing to the energy density.

Nutritional Considerations for Orange Chicken

When evaluating the nutritional impact of Orange Chicken, it is important to consider not only calories but also macronutrient distribution and other dietary factors:

  • Fat Content: At 23 grams per serving, the fat content is relatively high due to the frying process and the sauce’s oil base. This includes saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.
  • Carbohydrates: With 53 grams of carbohydrates, a significant portion comes from sugars and starches. The sauce contains added sugars contributing to the total carbohydrate count.
  • Protein: The chicken provides a moderate protein amount of 25 grams, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Sodium: While not listed in the table, Orange Chicken typically contains a high sodium level, often exceeding 800 mg per serving, which is a consideration for individuals monitoring salt intake.

Caloric Impact of Common Meal Combinations

Orange Chicken is frequently paired with side dishes such as fried rice or chow mein, which significantly increase the overall calorie intake of a meal. Below is a comparison of common combinations:

Combination Total Calories Notes
Orange Chicken + Fried Rice ~1,090 Fried rice adds approximately 600 calories per serving
Orange Chicken + Chow Mein ~1,020 Chow mein adds approximately 530 calories per serving
Orange Chicken Only 490 Single entree portion without sides

For individuals aiming to reduce calorie intake, selecting steamed vegetables or a side salad instead of fried rice or chow mein can significantly lower the total meal calories.

Tips for Managing Calorie Intake with Orange Chicken

  • Portion Control: Consider ordering a half-portion if available or sharing the entree to reduce calorie consumption.
  • Side Selection: Opt for steamed vegetables or brown rice instead of higher-calorie fried sides.
  • Frequency: Limit the frequency of consuming fried, sugary dishes to maintain balanced nutrition.
  • Customization: Request less sauce if possible to reduce sugar and calorie content.

By being mindful of serving sizes and meal combinations, consumers can enjoy Panda Express Orange Chicken while managing their daily caloric intake effectively.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Dr. Melissa Chen (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The typical serving of Orange Chicken from Panda Express contains approximately 490 calories per entrée portion. This calorie count is influenced by the dish’s combination of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sugary, tangy sauce, which contributes to both the fat and sugar content. Consumers should be mindful of portion sizes and consider balancing this dish with lower-calorie sides to maintain a well-rounded meal.

James O’Neill (Food Scientist and Culinary Nutrition Expert). The caloric density of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is primarily due to the deep-frying process and the sweet glaze, which adds significant sugar calories. From a food science perspective, the batter absorbs oil during frying, increasing fat content, while the sauce adds simple carbohydrates. For those tracking caloric intake, it is important to recognize that this dish is relatively high in calories compared to other menu items.

Dr. Karen Liu (Public Health Nutritionist and Author). When assessing the caloric impact of Panda Express Orange Chicken, it is essential to consider both the macronutrient composition and portion control. At nearly 490 calories per serving, this entrée can contribute substantially to daily calorie needs, especially when paired with rice or noodles. From a public health standpoint, moderation and awareness of added sugars and fats in such dishes are crucial for maintaining a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a standard serving of Orange Chicken from Panda Express?
A standard serving of Orange Chicken from Panda Express 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 additional servings.

Are the calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken mainly from fat, carbohydrates, or protein?
Most calories in Orange Chicken come from carbohydrates and fats, primarily due to the breading and sauce.

Is Orange Chicken from Panda Express considered a high-calorie meal?
Yes, with nearly 500 calories per serving, it is relatively high in calories compared to other menu items.

Can the calorie content of Orange Chicken be reduced by modifying the order?
Reducing portion size or pairing Orange Chicken with steamed vegetables instead of fried rice can lower overall calorie intake.

Where can I find official nutritional information for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Official nutritional details are available on the Panda Express website and in-store nutritional brochures.
Orange Chicken from Panda Express contains approximately 490 calories per serving, making it a moderately calorie-dense option within their menu. This calorie count reflects the combination of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, which contributes to both the flavor and caloric content. Understanding the calorie content is essential for individuals who are monitoring their daily caloric intake or managing dietary goals.

In addition to calories, Orange Chicken is also notable for its carbohydrate and sugar content due to the sauce, which can impact overall nutritional balance. Consumers seeking a healthier alternative might consider portion control or pairing the dish with lower-calorie sides such as steamed vegetables or brown rice. Awareness of these nutritional factors can help make more informed dining choices while enjoying flavorful options.

Overall, while Orange Chicken is a popular and flavorful menu item at Panda Express, it should be consumed with consideration of its calorie and nutritional profile. Balancing indulgence with nutritional awareness allows for a satisfying yet health-conscious approach to enjoying this dish. For those tracking their diet closely, consulting Panda Express’s nutritional information can provide additional guidance tailored to individual needs.

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.