Panda Express Orange Chicken: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (168g (5.9 oz)). Source: Panda Express Nutrition Information, March 2026.
Panda Express Orange Chicken is the chain's most popular menu item, accounting for an estimated one-third of all entree orders. Created by chef Andy Kao in 1987, it features crispy battered chicken pieces wok-tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. A single entree serving contains 510 calories, with 20g of sugar primarily from the orange glaze. The 16g of protein comes from the chicken breast, though the thick batter coating contributes significantly to the carbohydrate (53g) and fat (24g) content. This calorie count is for the orange chicken entree portion only. A full Plate (entree + one side) or Bigger Plate (entree + two sides) will have additional calories from rice or chow mein.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 | 26% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 19% |
| Fat | 24g | 31% |
| Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Sodium | 850mg | 37% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a Panda Express Orange Chicken?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (battered and fried) | 280 | 24g | 20g | 14g |
| Orange Sauce | 160 | 0g | 30g | 5g |
| Frying Oil (absorbed) | 45 | 1g | 0g | 4g |
| Green Onion Garnish | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
Daily Intake
26% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1490 calories remaining.
Burn Off 510 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Orange Chicken Recipe
A homemade version of the Panda Express Orange Chicken with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 340g / 12 oz total), cut into bite-sized pieces
- •1/2 cup cornstarch
- •2 eggs
- •1 tablespoon soy sauce (for batter)
- •Salt and pepper to taste
- •Vegetable oil for deep frying
- •1/3 cup orange juice
- •2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
- •2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- •3 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
- •1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- •1 teaspoon sesame oil
- •1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- •Zest of 1 orange
- •2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes). Season with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, eggs, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce to form a batter. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375F (190C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 4
In a separate large pan or wok, combine the orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, red chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 5
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- 6
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- 7
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Similar Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Panda Express Orange Chicken?
A single entree serving has 510 calories, 16g protein, 53g carbs, and 24g fat. This does not include rice or sides. With fried rice (520 cal), a Plate totals over 1,030 calories. Choosing steamed white rice (380 cal) instead brings the total to about 890 calories.
Is Orange Chicken actually Chinese food?
Orange Chicken is a Chinese-American creation, not a traditional Chinese dish. Chef Andy Kao created it for Panda Express in 1987, inspired by flavors from Hunan province. Traditional Chinese cuisine has similar dishes (like tangerine chicken) but they are typically less sweet and use different preparation methods. The heavy batter and sugary glaze are distinctly American adaptations.
Why does Orange Chicken have so much sugar?
The 20g of sugar comes primarily from the orange glaze, which contains sugar, orange juice concentrate, and rice vinegar. For context, this is roughly the same sugar content as a small candy bar. The sauce is what makes it taste sweet and tangy, and it is the main reason this dish is higher in carbohydrates than plain grilled chicken.
What is the healthiest item at Panda Express?
The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken has 275 calories and 36g of protein with much less sugar (8g) and fat (13g). String Bean Chicken Breast (190 cal, 14g protein) is another lighter option. Pairing a lighter entree with steamed white rice instead of fried rice saves about 200 calories per meal.
Track Your Own Orange Chicken
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual orange chicken and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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