Panda Express Orange Chicken Calories Unveiled
Discover the caloric content of your favorite Panda Express Orange Chicken and learn about its nutritional profile to make informed dining choices.
Panda Express is known for American Chinese food, and Orange Chicken is its star. This dish is loved for its taste and raises questions about calories. We’ll look into the calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken to help you choose wisely next time.
Each serving of Orange Chicken has 679 kcal. It’s important to know how these calories are spread out. This way, you can see how it fits into your diet. We’ll also dive into the calorie count and nutritional facts. Get ready to make better choices at the restaurant!
Key Takeaways
- Panda Express Orange Chicken contains 679 kcal per serving.
- Each serving comprises 86g of carbohydrates and 30g of protein.
- Total fat content is 23g, with 149mg of cholesterol.
- Sodium level is high at 1518mg, indicating a need for moderation.
- The dish contains 32g of sugar and provides vital vitamins like A and C.
- Knowing the classic appeal helps you make healthier choices.
Introduction to Panda Express and Orange Chicken
Panda Express started in 1973 in California. It’s now the biggest American Chinese restaurant chain, with over 2,300 locations. The menu is diverse, but Orange Chicken stands out, introduced in 1987 by Andrew Kao.
The Orange Chicken at Panda Express is loved for its sweet and savory taste. It’s crispy chicken in a rich orange sauce. This dish draws millions every year. It’s always on the menu, with updates like Hot Orange Chicken.
Knowing the panda express orange chicken nutrition facts is key for those watching their health. The dish’s unique mix of ingredients makes its flavor special. These panda express orange chicken ingredients make it a favorite, helping diners make smart choices.
The Popularity of Orange Chicken at Panda Express
Orange Chicken is the top favorite at Panda Express, with huge sales every year. Almost 100 million pounds of it are sold annually. It’s a hit, known for its unique taste in American Chinese food.
The mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors is a big draw. It’s made with tender chicken in a zesty orange sauce. This dish has stayed popular, pleasing many tastes over the years.
Looking at the panda express orange chicken calories, a serving has about 490 calories. Most of that comes from fat, making it a calorie-rich choice. The panda express orange chicken nutrition facts show it has over 800 mg of sodium and 19 grams of sugar.
Its calorie count is similar to other favorites. Chow Mein has 510 calories, while Broccoli Beef has just 150. Orange Chicken is among the top five at Panda Express, showing its lasting appeal.
Orange Chicken’s huge popularity and sales show its key role at Panda Express. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a favorite for many.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Calories Unveiled
Panda Express Orange Chicken is a favorite for many. It’s sweet and savory, making it a popular pick. Knowing its calories helps you choose wisely. It has about 405 calories per serving, making it a bit richer.
Caloric Breakdown of Orange Chicken
Looking closer at the calories, we find:
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 1505mg
- Cholesterol: 128mg
- Potassium: 356mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin A: 486IU
- Vitamin C: 0.4mg
- Calcium: 25mg
- Iron: 2mg
How Calories Compare to Other Menu Items
Here’s how Orange Chicken calories compare to other Panda Express dishes:
Menu Item | Calories |
---|---|
Orange Chicken | 405 kcal |
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 300 kcal |
Broccoli Beef | 150 kcal |
These comparisons show Orange Chicken is tasty but high in calories. For those looking for healthier options, Panda Express has other choices. Knowing this helps you make better choices when eating out.
Nutritional Facts of Panda Express Orange Chicken
Panda Express Orange Chicken is known for its unique taste and texture. Knowing its nutritional facts helps you make better diet choices. We’ll look at the macronutrients and vitamins and minerals in this dish.
Macronutrient Overview
One serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken has a lot of calories. This is mainly because of its sweet sauce and fried chicken. Here’s a detailed look at its macronutrients:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 490 |
Total Fat | 23g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 51g |
Protein | 25g |
Sodium | 820mg |
Sugar | 19g |
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Enjoying Panda Express Orange Chicken also means getting some vitamins and minerals. It has protein and carbs but also a lot of sodium. To stay healthy, try pairing it with lighter sides. Super Greens is a great option to add nutrients to your meal.
Panda Express Orange Chicken Ingredients
The appeal of Panda Express Orange Chicken comes from its ingredients. Dark-meat chicken is the main ingredient. It gives the dish a strong flavor.
The chicken is covered in a crunchy breading. This adds to the dish’s texture. The sauce is key, mixing sweetness with a touch of savory. It includes sugar, soy sauce, and flavor enhancers.
Knowing these ingredients helps you enjoy the flavors more. Here’s a list of the main ingredients:
Ingredient | Description |
---|---|
Dark-Meat Chicken | Provides a juicy and rich flavor profile. |
Breading | Creates a crispy texture that complements the sauce. |
Sweet Orange Sauce | Combines sugar, soy sauce, and spices for a balance of sweet and savory. |
Preservatives | Used to enhance flavor and shelf-life of the sauce. |
Panda Express Orange Chicken Serving Size
The serving size of panda express orange chicken can greatly impact your calorie intake. A standard serving, which is 1 cup, has about 400 calories. This is close to the 6.5 ounces serving size, which has around 490 calories.
Knowing about different serving sizes helps you make better choices. For example, a 1 oz serving has 87 calories, 4g of fat, 9g of carbs, and 4g of protein. This lets you adjust your meal to fit your dietary needs.
Another version of panda express orange chicken has 330 calories and 21g of fat. Yet, it still has 4g of protein, just like other portions. Adding sides can change the calorie count, affecting your meal’s nutrition.
Knowing the exact serving size of panda express orange chicken helps you make healthier choices. By pairing it with other dishes or choosing smaller portions, you can balance your diet.
Healthier Options at Panda Express
Panda Express is famous for its Orange Chicken. But, it also offers healthier choices that are tasty and good for you. The Wok Smart menu has dishes under 300 calories. This makes it easy to find meals that fit your health goals.
Here are some panda express orange chicken healthy options to try:
- String Bean Chicken Breast: 190 calories, 12g protein, 5g fiber
- Broccoli Beef: 150 calories, 9g protein
- Mushroom Chicken: 220 calories, 13g protein
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: 300 calories, 36g protein
- Super Greens: 90 calories, 6g protein, 5g fiber
- Black Pepper Angus Steak: 210 calories, 19g protein
The Super Greens side is just 90 calories. It’s a great choice to add to your meal. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is also a good option. It has lots of protein and only 300 calories.
By picking these options, you can enjoy a delicious meal without too many calories. Choosing panda express orange chicken healthy options lets you enjoy Panda Express’s flavors while watching your diet.
Panda Express Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
The Orange Chicken at Panda Express is loved for its combination of sweet and savory flavors. It mixes crispy chicken with a tangy, orange sauce. This mix is irresistible to many. A serving has 490 calories, making it a filling meal choice.
People love the flavors in Orange Chicken. It’s a big reason it’s so popular. The dish has:
- 25g of protein
- 51g of carbohydrates
- 23g of fat
Pairing Orange Chicken with Super Greens adds just 90 calories. This is good for those watching their calories but still want to enjoy this favorite. Its easy preparation makes it a favorite to make at home too.
Orange Chicken is a top choice at Panda Express. Its taste and calories are well-balanced. Knowing the calorie count helps customers enjoy it while being mindful of their diet.
Menu Item | Calories |
---|---|
Orange Chicken | 490 |
Kung Pao Chicken | 290 |
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 330 |
Beef and Broccoli | 300 |
Fried Rice | 380 |
Vegetable Spring Rolls | 200 |
This table shows the calories in popular menu items. It helps customers make informed choices at Panda Express.
How to Order Panda Express Orange Chicken Wisely
When you order Panda Express Orange Chicken, think about the calories. This dish is tasty, but adding sides can change the calorie count. It’s important to balance your meal.
Choosing healthier sides can cut calories without losing flavor. Steamed rice or Super Greens are great choices instead of fried rice or chow mein. Super Greens, with only 90 calories, pair well with orange chicken and keep your meal light.
It’s key to control your portions. Knowing how much you eat can make your meal more enjoyable and healthy. Here’s a comparison of menu items to help you make better choices:
Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Panda Express Orange Chicken | 490 | 20 | 24 | 40 |
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 300 | 36 | 13 | 8 |
Super Greens | 90 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
Broccoli Beef | 180 | 9 | 7 | 13 |
Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 13 | 14 | 10 |
By being aware of these choices, you can enjoy your favorite dishes. You don’t have to worry too much about calories. This way, you can savor the flavors without guilt.
Conclusion
Understanding the panda express orange chicken nutrition facts helps you make better food choices. It shows that each serving has about 490 calories. This mix of carbs, proteins, and fats can be part of a balanced diet if eaten wisely.
This dish is tasty but also high in fat and sugar. So, it’s important to eat it in moderation. By controlling your portion sizes and adding healthy foods, you can still enjoy it without harming your health.
Remember, your overall health is key. Use what you’ve learned to enjoy panda express orange chicken. Make sure it fits into your health goals.
FAQ
What are the calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Panda Express Orange Chicken has about 490 calories per serving. This makes it a high-calorie choice on the menu.
What are the nutrition facts for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken has 19 grams of sugar and 7 grams of saturated fat. It also has protein from the chicken. It’s good to pair it with lighter options for a balanced meal.
What ingredients are used in Panda Express Orange Chicken?
The dish is made with dark-meat chicken, crispy breading, and a sweet orange sauce. The sauce includes sugar, soy sauce, and other flavor enhancers.
How does Orange Chicken compare to healthier options at Panda Express?
Orange Chicken has about 490 calories. Healthier choices like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken have around 300 calories. Broccoli Beef has about 150 calories. Opt for the Wok Smart menu for lower-calorie options.
What is the standard serving size for Panda Express Orange Chicken?
The standard serving size is 6.5 ounces, which is about 490 calories. Be careful with portion sizes when adding sides.
Are there healthy options at Panda Express beside Orange Chicken?
Yes, Panda Express has healthier choices like the Wok Smart menu. It includes dishes under 300 calories, like Super Greens and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.
How can I enjoy Panda Express Orange Chicken while watching my calorie intake?
To enjoy Orange Chicken mindfully, pair it with lighter sides like steamed rice or Super Greens. Avoid fried options and keep portion sizes in check.
Is Panda Express Orange Chicken a good choice for a regular meal?
Orange Chicken is a tasty treat with its sweet and savory flavor. But, it’s best enjoyed occasionally due to its high calorie and sugar content.