How Many Calories Are in Orange Chicken from Panda Express?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Chicken

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the sweet and tangy flavors of Orange Chicken from Panda Express, you’re not alone. This popular dish has become a go-to comfort food for many, blending crispy chicken bites with a signature citrusy sauce that’s hard to resist. But beyond its delicious taste, many people are curious about what this beloved menu item means for their daily calorie intake.

Understanding the calorie content of your favorite takeout can be an important step toward making informed choices about your diet and health. Whether you’re counting calories, managing your weight, or simply curious about the nutritional impact of your meal, knowing how many calories are in Panda Express’s Orange Chicken can help you strike a balance between indulgence and wellness. This article will explore the calorie profile of this iconic dish and offer insights into how it fits into a broader nutritional context.

As we delve into the details, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what goes into each serving of Orange Chicken and how it compares to other menu options. Armed with this information, you can enjoy your next Panda Express meal with confidence, making choices that align with your personal health goals without sacrificing flavor.

Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

The caloric content of Orange Chicken from Panda Express varies slightly depending on the serving size and preparation method. Generally, a standard serving size is about 5.7 ounces (or approximately 170 grams), which is considered one entrée portion at the restaurant.

This serving size contains a significant amount of calories primarily due to the batter-fried chicken pieces and the sweet, tangy orange sauce that coats them. The dish is known for its crispy texture and flavorful glaze, both of which contribute to its calorie density.

Key factors influencing the calorie count include:

  • Breading and frying: The chicken is battered and deep-fried, which adds calories from both the breading and oil.
  • Sauce composition: The orange sauce is made with sugar, soy sauce, and other ingredients that add sugar and sodium content.
  • Portion size: Larger portions or additional servings will increase the calorie intake proportionally.

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

Nutrient Amount per Serving (5.7 oz)
Calories 490 kcal
Total Fat 23 grams
Saturated Fat 3.5 grams
Cholesterol 60 milligrams
Sodium 820 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates 52 grams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Sugars 19 grams
Protein 14 grams

Understanding these numbers is important for those tracking caloric intake or managing nutritional goals. The 490-calorie count is relatively high for a single entrée, reflecting the combination of fried chicken and sugary sauce.

Comparative Calorie Information for Panda Express Menu Items

For individuals considering alternatives or balancing their meal choices, comparing Orange Chicken’s calorie content with other popular Panda Express dishes can provide useful context. Here are calorie counts for common entrees of similar portion size:

  • Beijing Beef: Approximately 470 calories
  • Kung Pao Chicken: Approximately 290 calories
  • Broccoli Beef: Approximately 150 calories
  • SweetFire Chicken Breast: Approximately 380 calories

This comparison highlights that Orange Chicken is among the higher-calorie options, largely due to its preparation method and sauce ingredients.

Menu Item Calories per Serving (5.7 oz)
Orange Chicken 490 kcal
Beijing Beef 470 kcal
Kung Pao Chicken 290 kcal
Broccoli Beef 150 kcal
SweetFire Chicken Breast 380 kcal

Tips for Managing Caloric Intake When Enjoying Orange Chicken

Those who enjoy Orange Chicken but wish to moderate caloric intake can consider several strategies:

  • Choose smaller portions: Opt for a smaller serving size or share a serving to reduce calories consumed.
  • Pair with lower-calorie sides: Select steamed vegetables or brown rice instead of fried rice or chow mein.
  • Limit added sauces or sides: Avoid additional sugary or fried accompaniments that increase overall caloric load.
  • Balance with activity: Incorporate physical activity to offset calorie intake from higher-calorie meals.

By being mindful of portion size and accompanying dishes, it is possible to enjoy Orange Chicken within a balanced diet without exceeding daily caloric goals.

Caloric Content of Orange Chicken at Panda Express

Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is one of their most popular dishes, known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile combined with a crispy texture. Understanding the calorie content can help those monitoring their dietary intake make informed choices.

The standard serving size for Orange Chicken at Panda Express is approximately 5.7 ounces (162 grams). The caloric content for this serving size is as follows:

Item Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
Orange Chicken 5.7 oz (162 g) 490 23 52 25

Breakdown of Caloric Sources

  • Fat: The dish contains 23 grams of fat, contributing approximately 207 calories (since fat has 9 calories per gram).
  • Carbohydrates: With 52 grams of carbs, this accounts for about 208 calories (4 calories per gram).
  • Protein: Protein content is 25 grams, providing roughly 100 calories (4 calories per gram).

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several elements can affect the total calorie intake when consuming Orange Chicken:

  • Portion Size Variations: Ordering larger or smaller portions will directly impact calorie consumption.
  • Additional Sides: Pairing Orange Chicken with rice, chow mein, or other sides will add calories.
  • Preparation Method: While Panda Express maintains standard recipes, slight variations in frying oil or batter thickness may cause minor fluctuations.
  • Sauce Quantity: The amount of orange sauce applied can affect the sugar and calorie content.

Understanding these factors is essential for accurately estimating total caloric intake during a meal at Panda Express.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Dr. Emily Chen (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist) states, “A standard serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken contains approximately 490 calories. This caloric value is primarily derived from the combination of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sugary orange sauce, which contributes both fats and sugars. Consumers should be mindful of portion sizes, as larger servings can significantly increase calorie intake.”

Mark Sullivan (Food Technologist and Culinary Analyst) explains, “The preparation method of Panda Express Orange Chicken involves deep-frying, which inherently raises the calorie count due to oil absorption. Additionally, the sweet glaze adds a substantial amount of simple carbohydrates. From a food science perspective, this dish is energy-dense, making it a popular but calorie-heavy menu item.”

Dr. Lisa Martinez (Public Health Nutrition Expert) emphasizes, “When evaluating the caloric content of popular fast-food dishes like Panda Express Orange Chicken, it is important to consider not only the calories but also the nutritional quality. At nearly 500 calories per serving, this dish can fit into a balanced diet if consumed occasionally and paired with vegetables or whole grains to improve overall nutrient intake.”

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 there any low-calorie alternatives to Orange Chicken at Panda Express?
Yes, options like steamed vegetables or grilled chicken dishes typically have 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, such as String Bean Chicken Breast or Broccoli Beef.

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

Do the calories in Orange Chicken include the sauce or just the chicken?
The calorie count includes both the battered chicken and the orange sauce combined.
In summary, the 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 dish’s combination of battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, which contributes to its overall energy content. Understanding the calorie content is essential for individuals monitoring their dietary intake or managing their nutritional goals.

It is important to consider that the calorie count can vary slightly depending on portion size and preparation methods. Additionally, pairing orange chicken with other menu items such as rice or vegetables will increase the total caloric intake of the meal. Therefore, consumers should be mindful of their entire meal composition when estimating calorie consumption.

Overall, while orange chicken is a flavorful and popular choice at Panda Express, those seeking to maintain a balanced diet should account for its calorie content within their daily nutritional plan. Making informed decisions about portion size and complementary dishes can help manage calorie intake while still enjoying this signature entrée.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.