How Many Calories Are in Orange Chicken from Panda Express?

AvatarByMary Davis 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 beloved staple for many who enjoy a quick, flavorful meal with a hint of Asian-inspired zest. But beyond its irresistible taste, many people are curious about its nutritional content, especially when it comes to calorie count.

Understanding how many calories are in Orange Chicken from Panda Express can help you make informed choices about your diet without sacrificing the foods you love. Whether you’re managing your calorie intake, following a specific nutrition plan, or simply curious about what goes into your favorite takeout, knowing the calorie content is an important step. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about balancing enjoyment with health-conscious decisions.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the calorie content of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken, along with insights into what contributes to those calories. This will give you a clearer picture of how this dish fits into your overall dietary goals and help you savor your meal with confidence.

Calorie Breakdown of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular menu item known for its crispy texture and sweet, tangy flavor. Understanding the calorie content of this dish can help you make informed choices when dining out or tracking your daily caloric intake.

The standard serving size of Orange Chicken at Panda Express is approximately 5.7 ounces (about 170 grams). This serving contains a significant amount of calories primarily due to the batter-fried chicken pieces and the sugary orange sauce coating them.

Key contributors to the calorie content include:

  • Fried Chicken: The chicken is battered and deep-fried, which adds fat and calories from the oil absorption.
  • Orange Sauce: The sauce is sweetened with sugar and often contains additional ingredients like corn syrup and soy sauce, increasing the carbohydrate and calorie count.
  • Portion Size: Larger portions naturally contain more calories, so being mindful of the amount you consume is essential.

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

Nutrient Amount per Serving (5.7 oz / 170 g)
Calories 490 kcal
Total Fat 23 grams
Saturated Fat 3.5 grams
Cholesterol 65 milligrams
Sodium 820 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates 52 grams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Sugars 26 grams
Protein 14 grams

The high sugar content in the sauce contributes significantly to the carbohydrate load, while the frying process increases the fat content. This combination makes Orange Chicken a calorie-dense entrée compared to other options such as steamed vegetables or grilled chicken.

Comparing Caloric Content With Other Panda Express Entrées

When assessing calorie intake from Panda Express, it’s helpful to compare Orange Chicken with other common entrées to understand where it stands in terms of energy density and nutritional profile.

For example:

  • Beijing Beef: Approximately 470 calories per serving, with higher fat content due to frying and sauce ingredients.
  • Kung Pao Chicken: Around 290 calories per serving, featuring a stir-fried preparation with vegetables and peanuts, resulting in lower calories than Orange Chicken.
  • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Roughly 300 calories per serving, focusing on grilled protein and a lighter sauce.
  • Broccoli Beef: Approximately 150 calories per serving, with lean beef and steamed broccoli.

This comparison highlights that Orange Chicken is one of the higher-calorie options on the menu, largely due to its fried preparation and sweet sauce.

Strategies to Manage Calorie Intake When Ordering Orange Chicken

If you enjoy Orange Chicken but want to manage your calorie intake, consider the following strategies:

  • Portion Control: Opt for a smaller serving size or share your entrée to reduce calories consumed.
  • Pair with Low-Calorie Sides: Choose steamed vegetables or brown rice instead of fried rice or chow mein to balance the meal.
  • Limit Additional Sauces: Avoid adding extra sauces or appetizers high in calories.
  • Balance Your Day: Account for the higher calorie count of Orange Chicken by adjusting meals earlier or later in the day.
  • Customize Your Order: Request less sauce or ask if they can prepare a lighter version to reduce sugar and calorie content.

By combining these approaches, you can enjoy the flavors of Orange Chicken while maintaining a balanced dietary intake.

Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Panda Express Orange Chicken is a popular menu item known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile combined with crispy fried chicken pieces. Understanding its caloric content can aid in making informed dietary choices.

The standard serving size of Orange Chicken at Panda Express is approximately 5.7 ounces (about 170 grams). The calorie count for this portion is as follows:

Menu Item Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
Orange Chicken 5.7 oz (170 g) 490 kcal 23 g 52 g 25 g

This calorie amount includes the breaded and fried chicken pieces coated in the signature orange sauce, which contributes significantly to the carbohydrate and sugar content.

Nutritional Breakdown and Considerations

Beyond calories, understanding the macronutrient composition is essential for balancing dietary needs:

  • Total Fat (23g): A significant portion of the calories comes from fat, mainly due to the frying process. This includes saturated fats, which should be consumed in moderation.
  • Carbohydrates (52g): The orange sauce contains sugars and starches, elevating the carbohydrate content. This is important for individuals monitoring blood sugar levels.
  • Protein (25g): Chicken provides a considerable amount of protein, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall health.

Additional nutritional factors include sodium content, which is relatively high in this dish due to seasoning and sauce, an important consideration for those managing hypertension or cardiovascular health.

Caloric Variations Based on Serving Size and Customization

Caloric content can vary based on portion size and any modifications made:

  • Larger Portions: Opting for a double serving or combining Orange Chicken with other sides increases total calorie intake proportionally.
  • Meal Combos: When paired with fried rice or chow mein, total calories can surpass 1,000 kcal, affecting daily calorie goals.
  • Sauce Modifications: Some locations may offer sauce on the side, reducing calorie intake from sugars and fats if used sparingly.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: Panda Express does not typically offer non-fried Orange Chicken, so calorie reduction through cooking method changes is limited.

Comparison with Other Panda Express Entrées

To contextualize, compare Orange Chicken with other popular entrées at Panda Express:

Entrée Serving Size Calories Total Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g)
Beijing Beef 5.7 oz (170 g) 470 kcal 19 g 58 g 16 g
General Tso’s Chicken 5.7 oz (170 g) 510 kcal 23 g 53 g 27 g
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken 5.7 oz (170 g) 300 kcal 7 g 18 g 40 g

This comparison illustrates that Orange Chicken is among the higher-calorie fried options, largely due to its batter and sugary sauce, whereas grilled options like Teriyaki Chicken offer fewer calories and fat.

Strategies for Managing Caloric Intake When Ordering Orange Chicken

For those who enjoy Orange Chicken but wish to manage calorie consumption, consider the following approaches:

  • Portion Control: Order smaller portions or share with others to reduce calorie intake.
  • Balance with Vegetables: Pair Orange Chicken with steamed vegetables or side salads instead of fried rice or noodles.
  • Limit Additional Sauces: Avoid extra sauces that add sugars and calories.
  • Frequency: Limit consumption to occasional indulgences rather than regular meals.
  • Hydration: Choose water or unsweetened beverages to avoid additional calorie intake from sugary drinks.

By implementing these strategies, it is possible to enjoy the flavors of Panda Express Orange Chicken while maintaining a balanced diet.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Panda Express Orange Chicken

Dr. Melissa Tran (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The typical serving of Orange Chicken from Panda Express contains approximately 490 calories per entree portion. This calorie count is primarily driven by the dish’s breaded and fried chicken pieces combined with a sugary orange sauce, which contributes significant amounts of both fats and sugars. For individuals monitoring caloric intake, it is important to consider portion size and accompanying sides to maintain a balanced meal.

James O’Connor (Food Scientist and Culinary Nutrition Expert). From a food science perspective, the caloric density of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken results from the frying process and the sauce’s sugar content. The batter absorbs oil during frying, increasing fat calories, while the orange glaze contains high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners. Consumers should be aware that even a single serving can constitute a substantial portion of daily caloric needs, especially when paired with rice or noodles.

Linda Martinez (Public Health Nutritionist and Author). When evaluating the calories in Orange Chicken from Panda Express, it’s crucial to contextualize this within overall dietary patterns. While the dish is flavorful and satisfying, its nearly 500-calorie count per serving can contribute to excess calorie consumption if eaten frequently or in large portions. For those aiming to manage weight or improve metabolic health, occasional consumption combined with nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods is advisable.

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, so it is important to consider the serving size when calculating calorie intake.

Are the calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken primarily from fat or carbohydrates?
The calories primarily come from carbohydrates due to the breading and sauce, but there is also a significant contribution from fat.

Is Panda Express Orange Chicken suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Orange Chicken is relatively high in calories and sugar, so it may not be ideal for a low-calorie diet if consumed in large portions.

Can the calorie content of Orange Chicken be reduced by modifying the order?
Yes, choosing smaller portions or pairing the Orange Chicken with steamed vegetables instead of fried sides can help reduce overall calorie intake.

Where can I find official nutritional information for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Official nutritional information is available on the Panda Express website and in-store nutritional guides.
In summary, Orange Chicken from Panda Express contains approximately 490 calories per serving, making it a moderately calorie-dense option within their menu offerings. 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 caloric and sugar content. Understanding the calorie content is essential for individuals managing their dietary intake or seeking to balance indulgent meals with nutritional goals.

It is important to consider that the calorie count may vary slightly depending on portion size and preparation variations. Additionally, pairing Orange Chicken with sides such as steamed vegetables or brown rice can help create a more balanced meal. For those monitoring their caloric intake, being mindful of portion control and complementary dishes can support healthier dining choices without sacrificing flavor.

Overall, Orange Chicken remains a popular and flavorful option at Panda Express, but awareness of its calorie content allows consumers to make informed decisions aligned with their nutritional needs. Incorporating this knowledge into meal planning can enhance dietary management while still enjoying favorite dishes from fast-casual dining establishments.

Author Profile

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Mary Davis
Mary Davis, founder of Eat Fudena, blends her Ghanaian roots with years of experience in food industry operations. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she worked closely with ingredient sourcing, nutrition, and food systems, gaining a deep understanding of how everyday cooking intersects with real-life questions. Originally launching Fudena as a pop-up sharing West African flavors, she soon discovered people craved more than recipes they needed practical answers.

Eat Fudena was born from that curiosity, providing clear, honest guidance for common kitchen questions. Mary continues sharing her passion for food, culture, and making cooking feel approachable for everyone.