Panda Express Plate – Menu, Calories, Best Combos, Nutrition, History, and Homemade Recipes

When it comes to fast-casual American Chinese food, few menu items are as recognizable as the Panda Express Plate from Panda Express. The Plate is the brand’s most popular meal option because it gives customers flexibility, value, and variety in a single order. Whether you want crispy orange chicken, healthier grilled teriyaki chicken, savory chow mein, or steamed rice, the Plate allows you to customize your meal exactly the way you want it.

This detailed guide covers everything about the Panda Express Plate including pricing, side options, entrée choices, calories, nutrition, customization strategies, popular combinations, history, tips for healthier ordering, and even homemade copycat recipes so you can recreate the experience in your own kitchen.

What Is the Panda Express Plate?

The Panda Express Plate is a customizable combo meal that includes:

1 side item
2 entrée selections

The Plate is considered the middle-sized combo on the Panda Express menu. It sits between the Bowl (1 entrée) and the Bigger Plate (3 entrées).

The standard starting price is around:

Starting at $10.50

Prices may vary depending on:

Location
Premium entrée selections
Delivery platform fees
Regional taxes

Some premium entrées add an extra charge, usually around:

+$1.50 for premium seafood or steak options

Why the Panda Express Plate Is So Popular

The Plate became extremely popular because it solves several customer preferences at once:

1. Variety

People can mix sweet, spicy, savory, crispy, and healthy options in one meal.

2. Portion Size

The Plate provides a satisfying amount of food without being as large as the Bigger Plate.

3. Customization

Customers can create:

High-protein meals
Low-calorie meals
Comfort-food combinations
Balanced meals
Family-style sharing plates

4. Affordability

Compared to ordering separate entrées and sides individually, the Plate offers strong value.

How the Panda Express Plate Works

Step 1: Choose a Side

Customers first select one side dish.

Options typically include:

Side	Calories
White Steamed Rice	520 Cal
Fried Rice	620 Cal
Chow Mein	600 Cal
Super Greens	130 Cal

Many locations also allow:

Half-and-half combinations
Mixed side portions

Example:

Half chow mein + half fried rice
Half super greens + half rice

Detailed Breakdown of Side Options

White Steamed Rice

Description

Simple steamed white rice with a neutral flavor profile.

Texture

Soft
Fluffy
Mild

Best Pairings

Kung Pao Chicken
Beijing Beef
Mushroom Chicken

Pros

Lower fat
Good for spicy dishes
Traditional pairing

Cons

Less flavorful than chow mein or fried rice

Calories

520 calories

Fried Rice

Ingredients

Rice
Soy sauce
Peas
Carrots
Green onions
Egg

Flavor

Savory and rich with umami flavor.

Texture

Slightly oily
Soft
Aromatic

Best Pairings

Orange Chicken
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Black Pepper Chicken

Calories

620 calories

Why Customers Love It

It adds extra flavor and makes the meal feel more indulgent.

Chow Mein

Ingredients

Wheat noodles
Cabbage
Celery
Onion

Flavor Profile

Savory and slightly smoky.

Texture

Soft noodles
Slight vegetable crunch

Best Pairings

Orange Chicken
Beijing Beef
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

Calories

600 calories

Popularity

Chow mein is one of the most ordered side choices at Panda Express.

Super Greens

Ingredients

Broccoli
Kale
Cabbage

Calories

130 calories

Why It’s Popular

Customers looking for:

Lower-carb meals
Healthier choices
Higher vegetable intake

often select Super Greens.

Best Pairings

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
String Bean Chicken Breast
Broccoli Beef

Step 2: Choose Two Entrées

The most exciting part of the Plate is choosing entrées.

Current popular options include:

Entrée	Calories
Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken	400
Honey Walnut Shrimp	430
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak	180
Mushroom Chicken	220
Kung Pao Chicken	320
String Bean Chicken Breast	210
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

Detailed Entrée Guide

The Original Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken

The Most Famous Panda Express Dish

Orange Chicken is arguably the defining item of Panda Express.

Flavor

Sweet
Tangy
Crispy
Slightly spicy

Texture

Deep-fried crispy chicken
Sticky orange glaze

Calories

510 calories

Why It’s Famous

It helped popularize American Chinese fast food across the United States.

Best Pairings

Chow mein
Fried rice
Honey Walnut Shrimp

Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken

2 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs
Oil for frying

Sauce

1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Coat

Dip in egg then coat with cornstarch.

Step 3: Fry

Deep fry until golden brown.

Step 4: Make Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a pan.

Step 5: Thicken

Add slurry and simmer.

Step 6: Toss

Mix chicken into sauce.

Serve immediately.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Premium Entrée

Usually costs an additional $1.50.

Flavor

Creamy
Sweet
Crunchy

Components

Tempura shrimp
Sweet mayo sauce
Candied walnuts

Calories

430 calories

Why Customers Love It

It feels more upscale than standard fast-food options.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

Large shrimp
Cornstarch
Egg whites
Walnuts
Sugar
Honey
Mayonnaise
Condensed milk

Instructions

Candy the Walnuts

Boil walnuts in sugar syrup.

Fry Shrimp

Coat and fry shrimp until crispy.

Make Sauce

Mix:

Mayo
Honey
Condensed milk

Combine

Toss shrimp in sauce and top with walnuts.

Kung Pao Chicken

Flavor

Spicy
Savory
Nutty

Ingredients

Chicken
Peanuts
Bell peppers
Chili peppers
Zucchini

Calories

320 calories

Best For

Customers wanting:

Heat
Protein
Balanced flavor

Mushroom Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken breast
Mushrooms
Zucchini

Calories

220 calories

Why It’s Popular

A lighter entrée with simple flavors.

String Bean Chicken Breast

Calories

210 calories

Features

Lean protein
Green beans
Garlic soy flavor

Good Choice For

Lower calorie meals
High protein diets

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Calories

275 calories

Features

Grilled instead of fried
Lean protein
Sweet teriyaki glaze

Why Fitness Enthusiasts Choose It

High protein with relatively moderate calories.

Broccoli Beef

Calories

150 calories

One of the Lowest-Calorie Entrées

Flavor

Savory
Mild
Garlic ginger sauce

Ideal For

Low calorie meals
Keto-style modifications
Vegetable lovers

Beijing Beef

Calories

470 calories

Flavor

Sweet
Tangy
Crispy

Similar To

Orange Chicken, but beef-based.

Black Pepper Chicken

Calories

280 calories

Flavor

Peppery
Smoky
Savory

Ingredients

Chicken
Celery
Onion

Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

Premium Entrée

Additional cost applies.

Calories

180 calories

Features

Steak
Bell peppers
Onion
Black pepper sauce

Why It Stands Out

Relatively low calories for a steak dish.

Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Flavor

Tangy
Crispy
Sweet

Calories

400 calories

Texture

Crunchy coating with glossy sauce.

Healthiest Panda Express Plate Combinations

Low-Calorie Plate

Side

Super Greens

Entrées

Broccoli Beef
String Bean Chicken Breast

Approximate Calories

490 calories

High-Protein Plate

Side

White Rice

Entrées

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

Benefits

Strong protein intake
Filling
Balanced macros

Best Healthy Panda Express Strategy

Many customers use these strategies:

1. Choose Super Greens

Cuts calories dramatically.

2. Avoid Double Fried Entrées

Choose one fried and one grilled entrée.

3. Request Sauce on the Side

Reduces sugar and sodium.

4. Use Half-and-Half Sides

Example:

Half chow mein
Half super greens

Panda Express Nutrition Overview

Panda Express meals can vary greatly in nutrition.

Lower-Calorie Options

Broccoli Beef
String Bean Chicken Breast
Super Greens

Higher-Calorie Options

Orange Chicken
Beijing Beef
Fried Rice

Sodium Levels

Many entrées contain high sodium due to:

Soy sauce
Marinades
Stir-fry sauces

Customers watching sodium intake should:

Choose steamed rice
Choose grilled proteins
Limit sauces

History of Panda Express

Panda Express was founded in 1983 by:

Andrew Cherng
Peggy Cherng

The company expanded rapidly by introducing:

Fast service
Americanized Chinese cuisine
Consistent flavors

Orange Chicken became the company’s signature product and transformed the chain into one of the largest Asian fast-food brands in America.

Today, Panda Express has thousands of locations globally.

Why Panda Express Food Tastes Different

Panda Express food differs from traditional Chinese cuisine because it was designed specifically for American tastes.

Key characteristics:

Sweeter sauces
Crispier textures
Larger meat portions
Fast-casual preparation

This style became known as:
“American Chinese cuisine.”

Panda Express Plate vs Bowl vs Bigger Plate

Meal	Side	Entrées
Bowl	1	1
Plate	1	2
Bigger Plate	1	3

Best Choice?

Bowl = lighter appetite
Plate = balanced value
Bigger Plate = maximum variety

Tips for Ordering the Best Panda Express Plate

1. Mix Textures

Choose:

One crispy entrée
One grilled entrée

2. Balance Richness

Example:

Orange Chicken
Mushroom Chicken

3. Add Vegetables

Super Greens help balance heavier items.

4. Consider Protein

Grilled options often provide better protein-to-calorie ratios.

Budget Value of the Plate

Compared to separate items:

The Plate offers substantial quantity
Includes two proteins
Usually enough for one large meal or two smaller meals

Some customers even split a Plate into:

Lunch
Dinner

Can You Make Panda Express at Home?

Yes. Homemade Panda Express recipes have become extremely popular online because people want:

Lower cost
Healthier ingredients
Less sodium
Fresh cooking

Common homemade versions include:

Orange Chicken
Chow Mein
Fried Rice
Honey Walnut Shrimp

Homemade Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe

Ingredients

Yakisoba noodles
Cabbage
Celery
Onion
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Garlic

Instructions

Step 1

Cook noodles.

Step 2

Stir fry vegetables.

Step 3

Add noodles.

Step 4

Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Serve hot.

Homemade Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Cooked rice
Eggs
Peas
Carrots
Soy sauce
Green onions

Instructions

Step 1

Scramble eggs.

Step 2

Cook vegetables.

Step 3

Add rice.

Step 4

Season and stir fry.

Is Panda Express Authentic Chinese Food?

Not exactly.

It is better described as:

Chinese-American cuisine
Fast-casual fusion food
Americanized Chinese flavors

However, many dishes are inspired by real Chinese cooking traditions.

Examples:

Kung Pao Chicken has Sichuan roots
Chow mein originated from Chinese noodle dishes
Broccoli Beef resembles Cantonese stir fries

Final Thoughts

The Panda Express Plate remains one of the most successful fast-casual meal concepts because it combines:

Variety
Convenience
Customization
Strong flavors
Affordable pricing

Whether you prefer crispy Orange Chicken with chow mein, a healthier Super Greens combo, or premium Honey Walnut Shrimp, the Plate gives customers nearly endless combinations.

Its flexibility allows it to appeal to:

Students
Families
Fitness-focused eaters
Comfort-food lovers
Busy professionals

From its famous Orange Chicken to lighter vegetable-based entrées, the Panda Express Plate continues to define American Chinese fast food culture.

For people who love customizable meals with bold flavors and satisfying portions, the Panda Express Plate remains a go-to favorite across the United States and beyond.