# Panda Express Menu: Full Prices, Best Dishes & Plates (2026)
By Daniel Rozin | A Versus B | December 12, 2026
Panda Express is the largest American Chinese fast food chain, with over 2,300 locations in the US and more than 70 menu items. It is best known for Orange Chicken — a sweet-and-crispy dish that accounts for roughly 30% of all sales. The menu is ordered by plate system: choose one or two sides (chow mein or fried rice), then one, two, or three entrées. A standard Plate (2 entrées + 1 side) costs $11.40. Here is everything on the Panda Express menu with 2026 prices, calories, and what to order.
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Panda Express Menu Prices (2026)#
Plate Sizes#
| Size | What You Get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 1 side + 1 entrée | $9.40 |
| Plate | 1 side + 2 entrées | $11.40 |
| Bigger Plate | 1 side + 3 entrées | $13.40 |
| Family Feast (serves 4-5) | 3 large sides + 3 large entrées | $49.99 |
| A La Carte (small entrée) | 1 serving of any entrée | $5.70-$7.00 |
| Kids Meal (1 side + 1 entrée) | — | $6.99 |
Entrées#
| Dish | Calories (serving) | Premium? |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | 490 cal | No |
| Beijing Beef | 470 cal | No |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 290 cal | No |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 cal | No |
| Mushroom Chicken | 180 cal | No |
| Black Pepper Chicken | 280 cal | No |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak | 180 cal | Yes (+$1.50) |
| Honey Sesame Chicken | 420 cal | No |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 430 cal | Yes (+$1.50) |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | 190 cal | No |
| Shanghai Angus Steak | 210 cal | Yes (+$1.50) |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 300 cal | No |
| Sweetfire Chicken Breast | 380 cal | No |
| Beyond The Original Orange Chicken (Plant-Based) | 440 cal | Yes (+$1.50) |
Premium items cost an additional $1.50 when included in a Plate.
Sides#
| Side | Calories (serving) |
|---|---|
| Chow Mein | 510 cal |
| White Steamed Rice | 380 cal |
| Brown Steamed Rice | 420 cal |
| Fried Rice | 520 cal |
| Mixed Vegetables | 70 cal |
| Super Greens (Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage) | 90 cal |
Appetizers & Add-Ons#
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Egg Roll | $2.40 | 200 cal |
| Veggie Spring Roll | $2.40 | 190 cal |
| Apple Pie Roll | $1.60 | 150 cal |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | $2.40 | 190 cal |
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What to Order at Panda Express#
Best entrée: Orange Chicken — The most popular item on the menu and for good reason. Crispy battered chicken in a sweet-tangy orange sauce. 490 calories per serving, but highly satisfying. If you only order one entrée, this is the one.
Best low-calorie entrée: Broccoli Beef — 150 calories per serving. Tender beef with broccoli in a savory sauce. High protein-to-calorie ratio. Best paired with Super Greens or Brown Rice to keep the meal under 600 calories.
Best side: Chow Mein vs. Fried Rice — Chow Mein (510 cal) and Fried Rice (520 cal) are similar in calories. Chow Mein has more texture and is more filling. White Steamed Rice (380 cal) is the lowest-calorie option. Super Greens (90 cal) is best if you want a lighter base.
Best two-entrée combo: Orange Chicken + String Bean Chicken Breast. You get the crowd-pleaser plus a lighter chicken option. Under 700 calories for the entrées alone.
Best value addition: Add a Chicken Egg Roll ($2.40, 200 cal) to any Plate for a complete meal feel.
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Panda Express Calories: Light Options#
If you are watching calories, the best Panda Express low-calorie plate:
- Side: Super Greens (90 cal)
- Entrée 1: Broccoli Beef (150 cal)
- Entrée 2: String Bean Chicken Breast (190 cal)
- Total plate calories: ~430 cal — under 500 calories for a full Panda Plate
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Panda Express vs. Competitors#
Panda Express occupies a unique position as the only nationwide American Chinese fast food chain of its scale.
- Panda Express vs P.F. Chang's — P.F. Chang's has full-service dining and more authentic dishes; Panda Express is 60-70% cheaper and much faster
- Panda Express vs Chipotle — Chipotle uses fresher ingredients; Panda Express has a bigger menu and more flavor variety
- Panda Express vs Hibachi — Hibachi restaurants are full-experience dining; Panda Express is fast food with similar flavor profiles
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Is Panda Express Worth It in 2026?#
At $9.40-$13.40 for a bowl or plate, Panda Express is priced comparably to Chipotle or Panera. For the portion size and food quality (made fresh in batches throughout the day), it is good value in the fast-casual range. A full Bigger Plate (3 entrées + 1 side) at $13.40 feeds one person generously or two people sharing. The Orange Chicken alone justifies at least one visit — it is one of the most iconic fast food items in the US, regardless of your usual preferences.
A Versus B covers menus, prices, and comparisons across the most popular restaurant chains. All prices reflect 2026 US national averages and may vary by location.
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