Panda Express Orange Chicken: Price, Calories & Nutrition
Orange Chicken is the dish most people picture when they think of Panda Express. Crispy battered chicken pieces get wok-tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce with just enough heat to keep it interesting. It runs about 490 calories per serving and comes standard in a Bowl, Plate, or Bigger Plate with no upcharge, since it isn’t a premium entrée.
What Makes It Different
Unlike Panda’s Wok Smart lineup, which leans on lighter sauces, Orange Chicken is built around a thick, caramelized glaze that clings to each piece. The chicken itself is battered and fried before it hits the wok, which gives it a texture closer to sweet and sour chicken than the steamed or stir-fried entrées elsewhere on the menu. It’s not the leanest option on the menu, but it’s the one most people order first.
Calories and Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Sodium | 820mg (approx.) |
This is one of the higher-calorie entrées on the menu, largely because of the batter and the amount of sauce. If you’re trying to keep the meal lighter, pairing it with Super Greens instead of Chow Mein or Fried Rice makes the biggest difference.
Allergens to Know
Orange Chicken contains wheat, soy, and egg. It’s fried in the same oil as several other items, so anyone with a severe allergy should double-check with the store rather than assume the ingredient list alone tells the full story.
How Much It Costs
- Included in a standard Bowl ($9.50+), Plate ($11.50+), or Bigger Plate ($13.50+) at no extra charge.
- Ordered à la carte on its own, entrées start around $5.60+.
- Not a premium entrée, so it never carries the $1.50 upcharge that applies to Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Sirloin Steak.
Good Pairings
Chow Mein is the classic match, but it pushes the total calorie count well past 1,000. If you want the flavor without going that high, pair it with steamed rice or Super Greens instead. For a spicier plate, Orange Chicken next to Kung Pao Chicken covers both sweet and heat in one order.
Orange Chicken Questions
Is Panda Express Orange Chicken spicy?
Not really. There’s a mild kick from the chili in the sauce, but it’s much closer to sweet and tangy than spicy. Kung Pao Chicken or Beijing Beef are the better picks if you want real heat.
Is Orange Chicken a premium entrée?
No. It’s included in the standard price of any Bowl, Plate, or Bigger Plate, unlike Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak.
How many calories are in a full Orange Chicken Bowl?
An Orange Chicken Bowl with Chow Mein runs close to 1,090 calories total. Swapping the side for Super Greens brings that down to roughly 580.
What’s in Orange Chicken sauce?
The sauce is a sweet, tangy orange-flavored glaze with soy and a touch of chili. Panda Express doesn’t publish the exact recipe, but soy and wheat are listed among the allergens.
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