Which Dish at Panda Express Has the Most Protein? The Definitive Guide

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken consistently ranks as the entree with the most protein at Panda Express. While popular favorites may come to mind, this specific wok-fired dish offers a substantial protein content that outshines the competition, making it a go-to for health-conscious diners.

Quick Summary

The Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken contains the most protein of all entrees, offering a significant nutritional boost. Strategic ordering, like adding extra servings or opting for high-protein sides, can further maximize a meal's protein content.

Key Points

Top Protein Dish: The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken consistently has the most protein per serving at Panda Express, with some reports citing up to 43g.
Wok Smart Options: Dishes with the 'Wok Smart' label, like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, are lower in calories and fat, making them better high-protein choices.
Maximize Protein Intake: To boost your protein, consider ordering a double or triple portion of a high-protein entree like the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a Bigger Plate.
Choose Smart Sides: Pairing high-protein entrees with sides like Super Greens or steamed brown rice can increase the total protein and fiber while managing calories.
Other High Protein Choices: Good alternatives include Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (~19g protein), Kung Pao Chicken (~17g protein), and Wok-Fired Shrimp (~17g protein).
Customize Your Meal: The customizable nature of Panda Express bowls and plates allows you to strategically combine entrees and sides for a balanced, high-protein meal.

Finding the Ultimate Protein Powerhouse at Panda Express

When navigating the menu at Panda Express with a high-protein goal in mind, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. Many customers are drawn to the comforting, fried staples, but for those prioritizing protein, a closer look at the nutritional information is essential. Understanding the protein content of each entree allows for smarter, more deliberate meal choices that support a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you are an athlete, on a weight-loss journey, or simply looking to increase your protein intake, Panda Express offers customizable options to help you achieve your goals.

The Highest Protein Contender: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Without a doubt, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken stands out as the undisputed champion when it comes to protein content at Panda Express. This entree features tender, juicy strips of all-white meat chicken breast, grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Its status as a 'Wok Smart' item further cements its place as a healthier menu choice. A single serving provides a massive protein punch, with some sources listing it as high as 41-43 grams of protein. This makes it an ideal foundation for a protein-focused meal. Unlike many other dishes that are battered and fried, the grilling process keeps the fat and calorie counts lower, allowing you to get more protein per calorie.

Other Excellent High-Protein Entree Choices

While the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken leads the pack, several other entrees offer commendable protein counts and can be excellent additions to your meal. Many of these also fall under the 'Wok Smart' category, providing a great balance of flavor and nutrition.

Here are some of the best alternatives:

Black Pepper Sirloin Steak: This dish features tender sirloin steak tossed with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in a savory black pepper sauce. It's a rich source of protein and a fantastic option for those who prefer beef over chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, this entree combines marinated chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a bold, savory sauce. It offers a solid protein boost with a bit of a kick.
Broccoli Beef: A classic choice, this dish includes tender beef and fresh broccoli florets tossed in a ginger soy sauce. It provides a good dose of protein along with the nutritional benefits of a healthy vegetable.
Wok-Fired Shrimp: A delicious seafood option, the Wok-Fired Shrimp offers a lean source of protein and is lower in saturated fat than many other menu items.

Maximizing Protein with Smart Side Choices

Choosing the right sides is crucial for building a high-protein meal at Panda Express. While the entrees provide the bulk of the protein, the right side dish can significantly increase your meal's total protein content without adding excessive calories or carbs. For example, opting for half Super Greens and half steamed white rice is a popular strategy.

Here is a list of side dishes and their potential impact:

Super Greens: This low-calorie, vegetable-heavy side of broccoli, kale, and cabbage adds a decent amount of fiber and a notable 3 grams of protein per half serving. When paired with a protein-heavy entree, it helps fill you up without the carb-load.
Steamed Brown Rice: A healthier alternative to fried rice, brown rice adds more fiber and protein to your meal. A full side can contribute an extra 9 grams of protein.
Chow Mein: While higher in carbs and fat than other sides, a half portion still adds approximately 5.5 grams of protein to your plate.

Panda Express High-Protein Entree Comparison Table

To provide a clear view of your options, here is a comparison of some of the top high-protein entrees based on a standard single-serving portion.


Entree	Protein (g)	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	41-43	340	13	14
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak	19	210	10	13
Kung Pao Chicken	17	240	18	13
Wok Fired Shrimp	17	240	14	14
Broccoli Beef	9	150	7	13

The Double Protein Hack: How to Get Even More

For those with serious protein goals, a popular strategy among fitness enthusiasts is to request a double portion of a high-protein entree. The Panda Express menu structure makes this easy to do, especially with a Bigger Plate order that allows for three entrees. By requesting two servings of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and one serving of another protein, or even three servings of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, you can significantly increase your total protein intake in a single meal. For example, ordering three servings of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken on a single Bigger Plate with a side of Super Greens could yield over 100 grams of protein, a fantastic option for a high-protein diet. It's a simple, effective hack for maximizing your meal's nutritional value.

Conclusion

When you're at Panda Express and your primary goal is maximizing protein, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is the most reliable choice. By understanding the nutritional content of the different entree and side options, you can build a customizable meal that is both delicious and supportive of your dietary needs. While the temptation of fried favorites may be strong, choosing the lean, grilled protein option is the smartest path. Pairing it with a serving of Super Greens can further enhance the nutritional profile of your meal, proving that you don't have to sacrifice health for convenience when eating fast food. Informed ordering makes all the difference.

For more detailed nutritional information, visit the official Panda Express website: https://www.www.pandaexpress.com/nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is the entree with the most protein at Panda Express, often providing over 40 grams of protein in a single serving.

To increase your protein intake, you can order a Bigger Plate and request a double portion of the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. You can also pair a high-protein entree with a side of steamed brown rice, which adds additional protein and fiber.

While Orange Chicken contains some protein, it is also high in calories, carbs, and sugar due to its breaded and fried nature. It is not considered the best choice for a meal focused on maximizing lean protein.

For vegetarian options, the Eggplant Tofu contains protein, though significantly less than the chicken or beef entrees. Your best vegetarian bet is to focus on a high-protein side like Super Greens and supplement with other items if needed.

'Wok Smart' is a label used by Panda Express to identify entrees with 300 calories or less and at least 8 grams of protein per serving. This label helps diners easily identify healthier, high-protein options on the menu.

Yes, the Black Pepper Sirloin Steak is a good source of protein, delivering approximately 19 grams per single serving, making it a strong second-place contender to the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.

Pairing a high-protein entree with a low-carb side like Super Greens or a moderately high-protein side like steamed brown rice can significantly increase the total protein of your meal while keeping overall calories in check.