Panda Express Panda Bowl (Orange Chicken + Fried Rice): Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (480g (16.9 oz)). Source: Panda Express USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
The Panda Express Panda Bowl is the most popular combo at Panda Express, pairing one entree with one side in a single bowl. The most commonly ordered version combines Orange Chicken with Fried Rice, coming in at 1,130 calories. This bowl includes a full side portion of Fried Rice (620 cal) and an entree portion of Orange Chicken (510 cal). With 29g of protein, 154g of carbohydrates, and 43g of fat, it is a calorie-dense meal that accounts for more than half of a standard 2,000 calorie daily intake. For a lighter bowl, swapping Fried Rice for Steamed White Rice saves about 240 calories, and choosing Grilled Teriyaki Chicken instead of Orange Chicken saves another 235 calories.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1130 | 56% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Carbohydrates | 154g | 56% |
| Fat | 43g | 55% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Sodium | 1850mg | 80% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a Panda Express Panda Bowl (Orange Chicken + Fried Rice)?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken: Battered & Fried Chicken Breast | 280 | 16g | 20g | 14g |
| Orange Chicken: Orange Sauce | 160 | 0g | 30g | 5g |
| Orange Chicken: Frying Oil (absorbed) | 45 | 0g | 0g | 4g |
| Orange Chicken: Green Onion Garnish | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Fried Rice: Cooked White Rice | 400 | 8g | 88g | 1g |
| Fried Rice: Stir-Fry Oil (soybean oil) | 120 | 0g | 0g | 14g |
| Fried Rice: Scrambled Egg | 55 | 4g | 1g | 4g |
| Fried Rice: Peas, Carrots & Green Onions | 30 | 1g | 6g | 0g |
| Fried Rice: Soy Sauce and Seasoning | 15 | 0g | 6g | 0g |
| Orange Chicken: Batter Coating | 20 | 0g | 2g | 1g |
Daily Intake
56% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 870 calories remaining.
Burn Off 1130 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Panda Bowl (Orange Chicken + Fried Rice) Recipe
A homemade version of the Panda Express Panda Bowl (Orange Chicken + Fried Rice) 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 (for chicken batter)
- •1 tablespoon soy sauce (for chicken batter)
- •Vegetable oil for deep frying
- •1/3 cup orange juice
- •2 tablespoons soy sauce (for orange sauce)
- •2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- •3 tablespoons sugar
- •1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for sauce)
- •1 teaspoon sesame oil
- •1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- •Zest of 1 orange
- •3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- •2 large eggs, lightly beaten (for fried rice)
- •1/2 cup frozen peas and diced carrots, thawed
- •3 green onions, sliced
- •2 tablespoons soy sauce (for fried rice)
- •1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- •3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for fried rice)
- •Salt, pepper, and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Start with the fried rice. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Scramble the 2 beaten eggs, breaking them into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry the peas, carrots, and white parts of the green onions for 1 minute. Add the cold rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3
Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper to the rice. Toss to combine. Add the scrambled egg and green onion tops. Set the finished fried rice aside and keep warm.
- 4
For the orange chicken, cut the chicken breasts into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce to form a batter. Toss the chicken pieces in the batter until coated.
- 6
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 190C (375F). Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 7
In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 8
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the fried chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- 9
To assemble the Panda Bowl, scoop the fried rice into a bowl. Top with the orange chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Similar Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Panda Express Panda Bowl?
The Panda Bowl with Orange Chicken and Fried Rice contains 1,130 calories, with 29g of protein, 154g of carbohydrates, and 43g of fat. This is the most popular combo at Panda Express. The calories break down to 510 from the Orange Chicken entree and 620 from the Fried Rice side. Choosing Steamed White Rice instead of Fried Rice reduces the total to about 890 calories.
What is the cheapest way to eat at Panda Express?
The Panda Bowl is the entry-level combo at Panda Express, offering one entree and one side. It is the most affordable combo option. The Plate adds a second entree for a few dollars more, and the Bigger Plate adds a third. For the best calorie-to-dollar ratio, the Panda Bowl with Orange Chicken and Fried Rice delivers 1,130 calories. However, if you want more food, the Plate typically offers better value per calorie since the second entree costs less than ordering it separately.
How can I reduce the calories in a Panda Bowl?
The most impactful swap is changing the side. Replacing Fried Rice (620 cal) with Steamed White Rice (380 cal) saves 240 calories. Choosing Super Greens (90 cal) saves even more, bringing the total down to 600 calories with Orange Chicken. For the entree, switching from Orange Chicken (510 cal) to Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (275 cal) saves 235 calories. A Panda Bowl with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Super Greens totals roughly 365 calories.
How much sodium is in a Panda Bowl?
The Orange Chicken and Fried Rice Panda Bowl contains 1,850mg of sodium, which is about 80% of the recommended daily limit of 2,300mg. The sodium comes from both components: 850mg from the Orange Chicken and 1,000mg from the Fried Rice. This high sodium content is common in Chinese-American fast food due to soy sauce and other seasonings used in cooking. Choosing Steamed White Rice (0mg sodium) as your side significantly reduces the total sodium.
Track Your Own Panda Bowl (Orange Chicken + Fried Rice)
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual panda bowl (orange chicken + fried rice) and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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