One cup of Panda express orange chicken is around 237. 3 grams and contains approximately 830. 5 calories, 42. 4 grams of protein, 39. 0 grams of fat, and 86. 4 grams of carbohydrates. Panda Express Orange Chicken is a delicious blend of crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, inspired by the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine. Each bite offers a perfect balance of zest and savory goodness, making it a favorite among fans. Even though it tastes great, it has some extra sugar and calories, so it’s best to only eat it once in a while. Satisfy your cravings and experience the iconic taste of Panda Express Orange Chicken today!.
People love Panda Express’s orange chicken, which is crispy fried chicken covered in a sweet and sour orange sauce. You may be wondering how many calories are in Panda Express orange chicken, though, since the batter is crunchy and the glaze is sticky.
Today, we’re going to talk about how many calories are in Panda Express’s orange chicken. We’ll look at how the calories change depending on the food, how it’s cooked, how much is eaten, and what goes with it. You can enjoy this signature dish and still meet your health goals if you know what to do.
Calorie Count Breakdown by Portion Size
The number of calories in Panda Express orange chicken varies most significantly by portion size. Here’s a quick calorie breakdown:
- Single serving (5.7 oz): 490 calories
- Kid’s serving (4.2 oz): 355 calories
- Family serving (16 oz): Around 1,400 calories
These counts come straight from Panda Express’s nutrition data As you can see, portion size makes a big difference in calories A smaller kid’s portion clocks in at 355 calories, while a regular single serving has 490. Family servings pack a whopping 1,400 calories but serve multiple people.
Why Portion Size Matters
Bigger portions mean more calories – that’s why paying attention to portion size is so important. A larger 8.6 oz serving can have over 700 calories. Sticking with a smaller kid’s size or splitting a regular portion with a friend helps cut down on calories.
Portion size also varies if you get orange chicken as part of a bowl or plate combo. A Panda Bowl with orange chicken and fried rice packs around 800-900 calories. Opting for a smaller portion of orange chicken within a combo bowl keeps things lighter.
The Role of Ingredients in Calorie Count
A few key ingredients drive up the calorie count in Panda Express orange chicken:
Angry chicken: The chicken is dipped in a batter and fried in oil, which adds a lot of fat and calories. Using boneless thighs also adds more fat than chicken breast.
The orange sauce: The sweet glaze is full of sugar and adds a lot of calories and carbs. This dish has 19g of sugar just from the sauce.
Oil for frying: Frying in oil adds more fat and calories versus grilling or baking. Just the oil contributes around 23g of fat per serving.
So the combination of battered chicken, sugary sauce, and frying results in a higher calorie dish. But what makes it so tasty!
How Cooking Method Affects Calories
As mentioned, the cooking method for Panda Express orange chicken also impacts its nutrition profile. Deep frying the battered chicken adds more fat and calories compared to grilled chicken dishes.
The proprietary batter, made with flour, eggs, and secret spices, also boosts calories versus plain chicken. Wok tossing the chicken in the orange sauce after frying adds tons of flavor without many extra calories.
Small variations in oil, frying time, or batter across locations could result in slight calorie differences. But Panda Express recipes are well standardized for consistency.
Pairings Add More Calories
What you order alongside the orange chicken significantly affects the total calorie count. Pairings like fried rice, chow mein, or noodles add even more calories:
- Fried rice: Around 400 calories, making a bowl nearly 900 calories
- Chow mein: Similarly high in calories at around 300 calories per serving
Lighter pairings like steamed veggies keep things balanced:
- Super greens: Only 90 calories, so just 580 calories total
- Steamed veggies: Around 60 calories, for 550 calories total
Opting for a smaller portion of orange chicken and lighter sides is a great way to cut calories while still enjoying the flavors you love. Share a regular portion or choose a kid’s size to keep your meal balanced.
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Panda Orange Chicken
Here are some easy tips for reducing calories in your Panda Express orange chicken order:
- Choose a kid’s portion (355 calories)
- Ask for light orange sauce or sauce on the side
- Pair with steamed veggies instead of fried rice
- Split a regular portion with a friend
- Enjoy it as an occasional treat along with lighter meals
With smart customizations and balanced sides, you can still enjoy the crispy chicken and tangy orange flavor while managing calories and nutrition.
Nutrition Beyond Just Calories
When looking at Panda Express nutrition, it’s important to look beyond just calories. Here are some other key nutrients per 5.7 oz serving:
- Fat: 23g (5g saturated)
- Carbs: 51g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Sugar: 19g
As you can see, orange chicken is high in sodium due to ingredients like soy sauce. It also packs a good amount of protein but is low in fiber without veggie sides.
The high sugar content (19g per serving) comes from the orange sauce, making it best enjoyed occasionally as a treat. People with food allergies should also note the wheat, soy, eggs, and dairy in the ingredients.
Why Calorie Counts Can Vary
You may notice small variations in reported calorie counts for Panda Express orange chicken online or on apps. A few factors cause these differences:
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Inconsistent portion sizes: Heaping scoops or sauce amounts could add 50-100 calories
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Preparation differences: More or less batter, sauce, oil affects calories
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Customizations: Extra sauce, chicken increases calories
For the most accurate info, check Panda Express’s online nutrition calculator. Their data takes franchise-wide standardization into account for consistency.
The Takeaway on Panda Express Orange Chicken Calories
So how many calories in Panda Express orange chicken? A standard 5.7 oz serving packs 490 calories, while portion size, ingredients, and prep impact the totals. Choosing smaller portions, customizing with light sauce, and pairing with lower calorie sides are great ways to balance nutrition and enjoy the flavors you love. With the right info and smart choices, Panda’s famous orange chicken can be part of a balanced diet.
Log this food in SnapCalorie
Quantity: 830.5 calories 42.4 protein 86.4 carbohydrates 39.0 fat
Calories | 830.5 | ||
---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* | |||
Total Fat | 39.0 g | 50% | |
Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
Cholesterol | 135.6 mg | 45% | |
Sodium | 1389.8 mg | 60% | |
Total Carbohydrates | 86.4 g | 31% | |
Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
Sugars | 32.2 g | ||
protein | 42.4 g | 84% | |
Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
Calcium | 33.9 mg | 2% | |
Iron | 3.4 mg | 18% | |
Potassium | 508.5 mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Crazy Orange Chicken Comparison
FAQ
How many calories are in orange chicken at Panda Express?
Разговор Hi there! A large entree of our Original Orange Chicken has 1530 calories.Mar 6, 2025
How many calories are in 4 pieces of orange chicken?
Depending on the recipe and serving size, four pieces of orange chicken can have between 300 and 700 calories. One example is 4 pieces of John Soules Foods’ lightly breaded orange chicken, which has 170 calories.
What is the healthiest thing from Panda Express?
We’ve included values from the Panda Express nutrition chart for our favorite dishes below. String Bean Chicken Breast With Steamed Brown Rice. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken With Steamed White Rice. The Wok-Smart Black Pepper Angus Steak. Broccoli Beef With Steamed Brown Rice. Mushroom Chicken With Super Greens.
Is Panda Express Chow Mein and orange chicken healthy?
Unfortunately, if it’s a nutritious meal you’re on the hunt for, this one isn’t it. “People don’t like Panda Express’s Orange Chicken and Chow Mein because they have a lot of sodium, sugar, and bad fats,” says Young. The Chow Mein and Orange Chicken is packed with: Calories: 1,000.
How many calories are in a Panda Express orange chicken?
A Panda Express Orange Chicken contains 370 calories, 17 grams of fat and 38 grams of carbohydrates. Keep reading to see the full nutrition facts and Weight Watchers points for a Orange Chicken from Panda Express Chinese Food. *All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Does Panda Express have orange chicken?
Get detailed nutrition facts and allergen information for Panda Express orange chicken. Make informed choices about your meal. Discover Panda Express orange chicken nutrition facts, calories, allergen info, and menu details. Find complete nutritional information for your favorite Panda Express dish.
What ingredients are in Panda Express orange chicken?
Ginger, garlic, and chicken are all ingredients in Panda Express’ orange chicken. One of the key ingredients in the orange chicken is likely ginger.