Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Calories Unveiled
Discover the calorie count in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken and make informed choices about your meal. Dive into the health facts and nutritional details today.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a favorite dish. It has tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish is loved for its tasty flavors and big portions.
In this article, we’ll explore the calories and nutrition in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. This info helps you make better choices when eating out.
Panda Express has over 2,200 locations in the U.S. They offer Chinese food with a modern twist. The Teriyaki Chicken is a hit with both health fans and those who love great taste. Let’s look at the calories and nutrition facts of this popular dish.
Key Takeaways
- Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken contains approximately 304 calories per serving.
- Each serving provides 27g of protein and only 12g of fat.
- Sodium content is relatively high at 2825mg per serving.
- The dish is paired well with lighter sides for a balanced meal.
- Understanding portion sizes helps in managing caloric intake effectively.
Introduction to Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Panda Express teriyaki chicken is a hit in casual dining, mainly in the fast-casual scene. It features tender chicken thighs marinated in a mix of soy sauce and sweeteners. This marinade can be grilled or stir-fried to a perfect finish.
The dish’s appeal lies in its balanced flavors, attracting many people. It’s a key example of Panda Express’s dedication to tasty, easy-to-get meals. It’s a favorite for many, perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Calories
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a tasty choice that’s also good for your diet. Knowing how many calories it has and how it stacks up against other Panda Express dishes helps you choose wisely.
Caloric Breakdown of a Serving
A single serving of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken has about 275 calories. Most of these calories, 32%, come from fat. Protein makes up a big 47% of the calories. Here’s a detailed look:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 10.00g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.00g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 160mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 470mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.00g | 5% |
| Sugars | 9.00g | – |
| Protein | 33.00g | – |
Comparative Caloric Value with Other Entrees
When comparing the calories in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken to other dishes, it’s a balanced choice. For instance, Orange Chicken has about 490 calories, and Kung Pao Chicken has around 290 calories. This shows Teriyaki Chicken is a good option for those watching their calories.
Nutritional Information: What’s Inside Your Meal?
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is more than just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients. A 6 oz serving has 275 calories. It’s a mix of macronutrients that helps you understand its nutritional value.
Macro Breakdown of Teriyaki Chicken
The teriyaki chicken’s nutritional breakdown is impressive:
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 33g (47% of total calories)
- Fat: 10g (32% of total calories)
- Carbohydrates: 14g (20% of total calories)
This dish is great for muscle maintenance with 33g of protein. The fat content helps with energy. It also meets 14% of your daily calorie needs, helping you stay on track.
Vitamins and Minerals Present
The teriyaki chicken also has important vitamins and minerals:
- Cholesterol: 53% of the daily value
- Sodium: 20% of the daily value
- Total fat: 13% of the daily value
- Saturated fat: 15% of the daily value
- Total carbohydrates: 5% of the daily value
- Potassium: 394mg
While it lacks vitamins A and C, adding veggies or sides can boost its nutrition. This makes it a more balanced meal.
| Nutritional Component | Content per 6 oz Serving | Daily Value Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 275 | 14% |
| Protein | 33g | N/A |
| Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | N/A | 53% |
| Sodium | N/A | 20% |
| Potassium | 394mg | N/A |
Understanding Serving Sizes
At Panda Express, knowing the panda express teriyaki chicken serving size is key for a balanced diet. Each serving is 6 ounces, with about 275 calories. This amount is packed with nutrients, making it important to know what’s in it.
Controlling portions is vital for managing calories and staying within your diet goals. Pairing Teriyaki Chicken with sides can quickly add calories. It’s best to stick to the recommended sizes to enjoy the taste without losing nutritional value.
Here’s a detailed look at what’s in a standard serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 275 | |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 160mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 470mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g | 5% |
| Sugars | 9g | |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
Knowing the panda express teriyaki chicken serving size helps you make better choices when eating out. By controlling portions, you can enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your diet balanced.
Health Facts About Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
The nutritional profile of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is key for those watching their diet. It’s a good source of protein but needs careful thought. Look at calories, sodium, and fat levels for a balanced meal.
Is It a Healthy Choice?
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken has 6 oz (168g) and 275 calories. It packs 33g of protein, which is 47% of its calories. This is great for those needing more protein. But, it has 470mg of sodium, about 20% of the daily limit. This is something to think about.
Impact on Daily Caloric Intake
This dish is about 15% of a 2,000-calorie diet’s calories. It’s good for protein but also has fat and carbs. Planning can help keep your diet balanced with this dish.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 275 | – |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 160mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 470mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
When looking at panda express teriyaki chicken health facts, consider these details. This helps match your diet with your health goals.
Popular Accompaniments for Teriyaki Chicken
Adding the right sides and drinks to your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken can make your meal better. It brings balance to the flavors and adds nutrients. Here are some popular choices to go with Teriyaki Chicken.
Best Side Dishes at Panda Express
Looking for the best sides for Teriyaki Chicken at Panda Express? Here are a few great options:
- Fried Rice – A classic choice that adds a nice texture.
- Chow Mein – Great for those who love noodles with a bit of crunch.
- Super Greens – A light option that adds freshness and nutrients.
Adding these sides not only makes your meal taste better but also adds important nutrients. Super Greens, for example, can help balance out the calories from the Teriyaki Chicken while adding nutrition.
Complementary Beverages to Consider
Choosing the right drinks to go with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken can make your meal complete. Here are some good options:
- Green Tea – A refreshing and light choice.
- Water – Simple and helps keep you hydrated without extra calories.
- Avoid Soft Drinks – They have too much sugar and extra calories.
Drinks like soft drinks or sweetened teas can ruin the balance of your meal. Lighter drinks are better. By picking the right sides and drinks, you can enjoy your Teriyaki Chicken in a healthy way.
| Side Dish | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Rice | 520 | 75g | 12g |
| Chow Mein | 480 | 66g | 14g |
| Super Greens | 90 | 12g | 4g |
Preparation and Ingredients of Teriyaki Chicken
Panda Express teriyaki chicken is a tasty journey into easy cooking. It uses tender chicken thighs to soak up flavors. The main ingredients list includes:
- 1 pound of skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch & 2 tbsp. of water mixed together
These ingredients mix to create a flavorful marinade. Cooking takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick meal.
Each serving has:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 321kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 162mg |
| Sodium | 1593mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 36g |
Knowing the nutritional facts makes you appreciate Panda Express teriyaki chicken more. It’s not just tasty but also good for you. The ingredients and preparation make it a favorite dish.
Comparing Cooking Methods: Restaurant vs. Homemade
Choosing between homemade and restaurant teriyaki chicken affects its nutrition. Making it at home means using fresher ingredients. You can also adjust sugar and sodium levels to fit your diet.
Nutritional Implications of Cooking at Home
Cooking teriyaki chicken at home is often healthier. You can avoid unhealthy additives found in restaurant meals. For instance, using low-sodium soy sauce cuts down on sodium.
Fresh vegetables add more nutrients to your dish. A homemade serving of teriyaki chicken has about 202 calories. Restaurant versions can have over 400 calories, thanks to added sugars and fats.
Benefits of Making Your Own Teriyaki Sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce is not only tastier but also healthier. Making it from scratch lets you control sugar and fat levels. You can choose fresh ingredients for better flavor.
Customizing your sauce makes each dish special. Using organic ingredients ensures a cleaner, healthier sauce. This is different from the pre-made sauces found in restaurants.
Portion Control Tips for Enjoying Teriyaki Chicken
When you eat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, it’s key to control your portions. A serving has about 300 calories. To manage this, try sharing a meal with someone. This way, you both enjoy the dish without eating too much.
Using a smaller plate can trick your brain into thinking you’re eating more. This trick helps you avoid eating too much. Also, adding more vegetables to your meal is smart. String beans or mixed veggies add nutrition and make you feel full without adding too many calories.
Here are some tips for managing portions effectively:
- Opt for smaller, shareable servings.
- Incorporate additional veggies to bulk up your plate.
- Choose a smaller plate to reduce portion size perception.
- Be mindful of heavier side dishes like rice and limit their quantity.
By following these tips, you can enjoy Teriyaki Chicken in a healthier way. It supports your goals and lets you enjoy a favorite Panda Express dish.
Cultural Background of Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken’s popularity stems from its cultural roots. The teriyaki cooking style origins come from Japan. There, meat was grilled with a soy sauce-based glaze. This method shows Japanese values of simplicity, balance, and fresh ingredients.
Origins of Teriyaki Cooking Style
The teriyaki concept is simple yet deep. It uses a few key ingredients to create flavors loved by many. The term “teriyaki” means “to grill” and “glaze.” It shows a cooking tradition that values fresh, quality ingredients.
How Panda Express Adapted Traditional Recipes
Panda Express took this tradition and made its own panda express teriyaki adaptation. They created a sweeter teriyaki sauce for American tastes. This is a great example of fusion cuisine, mixing Japanese techniques with US flavors. Panda Express makes teriyaki chicken easy to enjoy for more people.
Common Misconceptions About Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
Many people think Panda Express teriyaki chicken is healthy because it has chicken. But, this isn’t always true. It’s important to look at all parts of a dish, not just the chicken. The teriyaki chicken has a lot of sodium and sugar, which affects its healthiness.
The sauce in teriyaki chicken has a lot of sodium, more than you should eat in a day. This is a problem for those watching their sodium. Also, the sugar in it can be high. For example, Panda Express’s orange chicken has 19 grams of sugar per serving.
It’s smart to know about other choices at Panda Express. Grilled teriyaki or black pepper chicken are better options. Also, choosing super greens over fried rice is healthier. Knowing these facts helps clear up misconceptions panda express teriyaki chicken has.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken has received many reviews. People love its tasty flavor and tender chicken. They say the mix of sweet and savory is amazing.
Some feedback points out the dish’s high sodium. This makes some customers look for lighter sides to balance their meal.
What Diners Are Saying About the Dish
Reviews of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken often talk about its great taste. The chicken is tender, and the glaze is a big hit. But, some wish for less sodium.
They suggest adding sides to make the meal better without too much salt.
Favorite Pairings and Enjoyment Factors
Many like to pair the Teriyaki Chicken with Super Greens and Fried Rice. These choices add texture and flavor to the meal. They make the dish even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
The Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is tasty but high in calories. It’s key to balance it in your diet. With 300 calories and 36g of protein, it’s a good protein source. But, watch out for sodium and sugar to keep your health good.
Choosing the right portion and sides can make your meal better. Pair it with Mixed Vegetables for a healthier option. Teriyaki Chicken also shows the mix of old and new in food culture.
In summary, Teriyaki Chicken from Panda Express is flavorful and protein-rich. But, it’s important to eat it wisely for a healthy meal. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, knowing its nutritional value helps you stay healthy.
FAQ
What are the calories in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
A standard serving of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken has about 304 calories.
What is the nutritional information for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
It has 27g of protein, 23g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat. It also has 2825mg of sodium.
What is the serving size for Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
The serving size is about 5 ounces. This helps manage your calories well.
Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken a healthy option?
It has a lot of protein. But, the high sodium and sugar might not be good for everyone, like those on special diets.
How does the caloric content of Teriyaki Chicken compare to other Panda Express entrees?
Teriyaki Chicken has around 304 calories. Orange Chicken has about 490 calories. Kung Pao Chicken has 290 calories.
What are the macro breakdown details for Teriyaki Chicken?
It has 27g of protein, 12g of fat (with 2g of saturated fat), and 23g of carbohydrates.
What vitamins and minerals can be found in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
It has a bit of potassium (394mg). But, it doesn’t have much vitamins A and C.
What are some popular side dishes to pair with Teriyaki Chicken?
Fried Rice, Chow Mein, and Super Greens are great. They make the meal more balanced.
What drinks are recommended to accompany Teriyaki Chicken?
Green tea or water are good choices. They keep the meal light and refreshing.
How does Panda Express prepare their Teriyaki Chicken?
They use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. It’s marinated in soy sauce, garlic powder, and sugar. This makes it tender and flavorful.
What are the benefits of making Teriyaki Chicken at home?
Cooking at home lets you control sugar and sodium. This makes for a healthier meal without losing flavor.
What tips can help with portion control for Teriyaki Chicken?
Share a serving with a friend or use smaller plates. Adding more vegetables also helps control calories.
What is the cultural background of Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki cooking comes from Japan. It focuses on simplicity and fresh ingredients. Panda Express has adapted it for American tastes.
Are there any misconceptions about Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?
Many think it’s healthy just because it’s chicken. But, it has high sodium and sugar levels.
What feedback do customers provide about Teriyaki Chicken?
People love its flavor and tender chicken. But, some worry about sodium levels. They suggest eating it with lighter sides.
What are customers’ favorite pairings for Teriyaki Chicken?
Super Greens or Fried Rice are top choices. They add flavor and texture to the meal.
