How many calories does Panda Express orange chicken?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Panda Express's official nutrition data, an entrée serving of their Original Orange Chicken contains 510 calories. While this fan-favorite menu item is delicious, its crispy, sweet nature places it among the higher-calorie options, and its total nutritional impact depends heavily on your choice of side dishes.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie count for Panda Express's orange chicken entrée, detailing its nutritional profile. It also explains how different sides impact the overall meal's caloric load and compares it to other menu options for smarter ordering decisions.

Key Points

Entrée Calories: A standard entrée serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken contains 510 calories.
High in Sugar: With 20g of sugar per serving, the sweet orange sauce contributes heavily to the calorie count.
Side Choices are Critical: Pairing Orange Chicken with a high-calorie side like Chow Mein can push a meal to over 1,000 calories.
Healthier Swaps: Opt for Super Greens (90 calories) instead of rice or noodles to significantly reduce meal calories.
Portion Control is Key: Consider ordering a smaller Cub Meal or sharing an entree to manage portion sizes.
Beyond Orange Chicken: The Beyond Orange Chicken alternative offers a slightly lower calorie count at 440 calories per entree.

Understanding the Calories in Panda Express Orange Chicken

The Original Orange Chicken is a staple of the Panda Express menu, known for its sweet, tangy sauce and crispy batter. A standard entrée serving is approximately 5.92 ounces and contains 510 calories. This figure is just for the chicken itself and does not account for any side dishes, which can significantly increase the total energy intake of your meal.

A Detailed Nutritional Profile

Beyond just calories, it's important to look at the macronutrient breakdown. According to various nutrition trackers, the 5.92 oz serving of Orange Chicken offers:

Total Fat: 24g (31% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (25% of daily value)
Total Carbohydrates: 53g (19% of daily value)
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 26g (52% of daily value)
Sodium: 850mg (37% of daily value)

The high fat and sugar content are due to the chicken being breaded and deep-fried before being coated in the sugary orange sauce. While it offers a decent amount of protein, the overall profile is not particularly diet-friendly due to its high calorie and sugar load.

The Impact of Sides on Your Total Calorie Count

Your side choice is often the single biggest factor in determining the overall caloric total of your Panda Express meal. The following list highlights the calorie contribution of common sides:

Chow Mein: Adds 510 calories per serving
Fried Rice: Adds 520 calories per serving
Steamed Brown Rice: Adds 420 calories per serving
Steamed White Rice: Adds 380 calories per serving
Super Greens: Adds only 90 calories per serving

As you can see, combining Orange Chicken with a side like chow mein or fried rice can easily push a single meal over 1,000 calories, which is a significant portion of most people's daily recommended intake.

Making Smarter Combinations

To make your Orange Chicken meal lighter, consider pairing it with a lower-calorie side. A Bowl with Orange Chicken and Super Greens, for example, would total around 600 calories, a considerable reduction compared to the 1,020 calories of a Bowl with Orange Chicken and Chow Mein.

Orange Chicken vs. Other Panda Express Entrees

When craving Chinese food, exploring other entree options can help you save on calories. Panda Express conveniently labels many of its lighter dishes as “Wok Smart.” Below is a comparison of the Orange Chicken to some of these healthier alternatives.


Entree	Calories (per serving)	Wok Smart?
The Original Orange Chicken	510	No
Mushroom Chicken	220	Yes
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	340	Yes
Broccoli Beef	150	Yes
Black Pepper Chicken	280	Yes

Tips for Enjoying Orange Chicken While Watching Your Diet

Opt for Half Portions: If you must have orange chicken, ask for a half-serving along with a half-serving of a healthier Wok Smart entree.
Double the Veggies: Instead of a starchy side, order double Super Greens to fill up on fiber and nutrients with minimal calories.
Go Easy on the Sauce: While the sauce is what makes the dish, a large part of its calorie and sugar count comes from it. A homemade version can significantly reduce these numbers.
Split Your Meal: A plate with two or three entrees can easily be split between two people, effectively halving your intake.

For more healthy eating tips, Verywell Fit offers a guide to navigating the Panda Express menu.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Panda Express's Original Orange Chicken is a high-calorie, high-sugar entree due to its preparation and sauce. A single serving contains 510 calories, but the total meal can be much higher depending on the side dishes you choose. By being mindful of your combinations and exploring lighter menu items like Super Greens or Wok Smart entrees, you can still enjoy a satisfying meal at Panda Express that aligns better with your dietary goals. The key is to balance the more indulgent options with lighter sides and entrees, or simply enjoy a smaller, controlled portion of your favorite dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total calories for a bowl depend on the side you choose. For example, a bowl with Orange Chicken (510 calories) and Super Greens (90 calories) is approximately 600 calories, while a bowl with Orange Chicken and Fried Rice is about 1,030 calories.

No, Orange Chicken is generally not considered a healthy option at Panda Express. It is one of the highest-calorie entrees, high in sugar and sodium, which comes from its deep-fried preparation and sweet sauce.

Among the healthiest choices at Panda Express are the Wok Smart items, which are generally lower in calories and higher in protein. Some options include Broccoli Beef (150 calories) and Mushroom Chicken (220 calories).

To make your meal healthier, pair your Orange Chicken with a side of Super Greens instead of noodles or rice. You can also order a half-portion of the Orange Chicken with a half-portion of a lower-calorie entree.

The Beyond Orange Chicken, a plant-based alternative, has 440 calories per entree serving. This is slightly lower than the traditional Orange Chicken and still provides a good amount of protein.

A single entree serving of Panda Express Orange Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of sugar. This is a notable amount and should be factored into your daily sugar intake.

While Panda Express does not offer a specific 'lite' version of its classic Orange Chicken, the Beyond Orange Chicken is a slightly lower-calorie alternative. For the lowest-calorie options, explore their Wok Smart menu.