Panda Express Plate Bundle: Full Review, Recipe, and Nutritional Breakdown

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The Plate Bundle from Panda Express is a filling, customizable meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. It comes with any 1 side, 2 entrées, and a Medium Fountain Drink, letting you mix and match flavors while keeping calories and cost manageable.


Add-Ons & Customization

The Plate Bundle is fully customizable. Here’s a table showing all options:

Step 1 – Sides

SideCalories
White Steamed Rice520
Fried Rice620
Chow Mein600
Super Greens130

Step 2 – Entrées (Choose 2)

EntréePriceCalories
Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken–400
Honey Walnut Shrimp (Premium)+$1.50430
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (Premium)+$1.50180
Mushroom Chicken–220
Kung Pao Chicken–320
String Bean Chicken Breast–210
The Original Orange Chicken–510
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast–340
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken–275
Broccoli Beef–150
Beijing Beef–470
Black Pepper Chicken–280
Super Greens–130

Step 3 – Drink (Medium Fountain Drink included)

DrinkCalories
Coca-Cola140
Diet Coke0
Sprite140
Fanta Orange160
Barq’s Root Beer150
Lemonade150

Personal Review

I recently tried the Plate Bundle with White Rice, Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Kung Pao Chicken, paired with a Medium Coca-Cola. Here’s my review:

  • The rice was fluffy and slightly sweet, pairing perfectly with the tangy and slightly spicy Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken.
  • Kung Pao Chicken had a nice crunch from peanuts, subtle heat, and savory sauce that balanced the meal.
  • The medium Coca-Cola provided a refreshing finish, cutting through the richness of the sauces.

Overall, the Plate Bundle is filling, flavorful, and offers great value for a mix-and-match meal.


Ingredients (for one Plate Bundle)

ComponentIngredients
White Steamed RiceWhite rice, water
Dynamite Sweet & Sour ChickenChicken breast, cornstarch, egg, sweet & sour sauce (sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce), garlic, ginger, chili
Kung Pao ChickenChicken breast, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, roasted peanuts, green onions, red chili flakes, cornstarch slurry
Medium Fountain DrinkCarbonated water, flavor syrup

Step-by-Step Recipe: Plate Bundle at Home

  1. Cook Rice: Steam 1 cup of rice until fluffy.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken into cubes. Toss in cornstarch and lightly coat with egg.
  3. Cook Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken: Fry lightly, then coat with sweet & sour sauce.
  4. Cook Kung Pao Chicken: Stir-fry chicken with garlic, ginger, peanuts, and chili flakes. Add sauce and green onions.
  5. Assemble Plate: Serve rice on one side, layer the two entrées beside it.
  6. Add Drink: Serve with a chilled medium soda or lemonade.

Calorie Breakdown & Energy Equivalent

A typical Plate Bundle with:

  • White Rice – 520 Cal
  • Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken – 400 Cal
  • Kung Pao Chicken – 320 Cal
  • Medium Coca-Cola – 140 Cal

Total Calories: 1,380 Cal

Energy Equivalent

ActivityDuration Approx.
Light walking4.5 hours
Jogging2.2 hours
Moderate cycling1.7 hours

This helps put the energy content into perspective — the meal is satisfying and provides fuel for multiple hours of activity.


FAQs

1. Can I mix and match sides and entrées?
Yes, the Plate Bundle is fully customizable. Premium entrées cost extra.

2. Is it healthy?
Choosing Super Greens and lighter proteins can reduce calories. Avoid double fried rice for a healthier option.

3. Can I make it at home?
Yes, you can replicate both entrées using the recipes provided above.

4. How long does it take to prepare?
About 25–30 minutes including rice, chicken, and vegetable prep.

5. Can I reduce calories further?
Yes — select Super Greens as your side, skip sugary soda, and choose lighter entrées.


Final Thoughts

The Plate Bundle is a convenient, flexible meal that balances flavor, protein, and carbs. Personally, the combination of Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken with Kung Pao Chicken is flavorful, filling, and pairs perfectly with a medium soda. Making it at home is simple with basic ingredients, and the calorie breakdown helps plan your meal for energy and satiety.