Panda Express Menu USA – Updated Prices 2026
Panda Express runs from about $0.30 for a fortune cookie up to $42.99 for a Family Feast, with a standard Bowl around $9.20-$9.40 and Plates $10.50-$11.40. Below is the full Bowl/Plate/Bigger Plate system, every entrée, and the story behind Orange Chicken’s dominance since 1987.
How we built this page: prices below are estimated national averages compiled by cross-checking multiple public menu-price trackers as of 2026, not a single unverified source. Panda Express pricing varies by store and region, with premium entrées carrying a small upcharge. Always confirm at your local restaurant or in the app before ordering.
Jump to: Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate | Entrées | Family Meals | Allergens | FAQ
About Panda Express
Panda Express was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, building American Chinese cuisine into the largest Asian dining concept in the country with over 2,300 US locations. Orange Chicken, introduced in 1987, remains the chain’s single best-selling item and one of the best-selling fast food items in the country by volume — the dish most people associate with the brand more than any other.
Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate System
| Size | Estimated Price | Includes | Calories Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl | $9.20 | 1 entrée + 1 side | 280-1,130 |
| Plate | $11.40 | 2 entrées + 1 side | 430-1,640 |
| Bigger Plate | $12.80 | 3 entrées + 1 side | 580-2,150 |
Panda Express runs one of the leanest menus among major chains — just a handful of core items across entrées, sides, and appetizers — built around this Bowl/Plate/Bigger Plate scaling model rather than dozens of separate named dishes.
Entrées
| Item | Estimated Price (as entrée) | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Orange Chicken | Standard (no upcharge) | 510 |
| Beijing Beef | Standard | 480 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Standard | 290 |
| Broccoli Beef | Standard | 150 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Standard | 275 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | +$1.25 premium upcharge | 430 |
| Firecracker Shrimp | +$1.25 premium upcharge | 420 |
Sides
| Item | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fried Rice | 620 |
| Chow Mein | 600 |
| White Rice | 520 |
| Super Greens | 130 |
A La Carte
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A La Carte Entrée | $5.50-$7.70 | Standalone protein portion |
| A La Carte Side | $3.00-$3.50 | Standalone side portion |
Ordering multiple A La Carte entrées and pairing them with sides at home can sometimes cost less than a Bigger Plate for the same amount of food.
Family Meals & Catering
| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family Meal (5 person) | $40-$45 | Feeds 4-5 people |
| 12-16 Person Party Bundle | $112 | Catering-scale order |
| 18-22 Person Party Bundle | $159 | Largest standard catering tier |
Kids Meals
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Panda Cub Meal | $6.50 |
Drinks
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Panda Crafted Beverages (fountain) | $2.20-$3.30 |
| Mango Guava Refresher | $3.00 |
Panda Express’s Specialty & Services
Panda Express’s specialty is running one of the leanest, most focused menus among major fast food chains — a small set of core entrées and sides scaled through the Bowl/Plate/Bigger Plate system rather than a sprawling menu. Beyond the standard counter:
- Panda Rewards: free loyalty program giving new app members a free entrée on their first mobile order, plus points on every purchase
- Catering program: Party Bundles scaling from 12 to 22+ people, ordered ahead through the app or website
- Limited-time seasonal promotions: events like the Lunar New Year Good Fortune Scratcher offer surprise deals (discounted Family Meals, free Bigger Plate upgrades) to Rewards members
Allergen Quick-Reference
| Item | Gluten | Soy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Orange Chicken | Yes | Yes | Battered and fried; sauce contains soy |
| Broccoli Beef | Possible | Yes | Soy sauce-based; check for wheat in soy sauce |
| Fried Rice | Yes | Yes | Contains soy sauce and egg |
| Super Greens | No | Possible | Generally the lowest-allergen side option |
This is a general reference only — Panda Express’s official allergen and nutrition guide should be checked directly, and staff notified of any severe allergy before ordering.
Approximate Nutrition (Protein / Carbs / Fat)
| Item | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Orange Chicken | ~510 kcal | 25g | 51g | 23g |
| Broccoli Beef | ~150 kcal | 9g | 13g | 7g |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | ~275 kcal | 36g | 10g | 9g |
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Beef are consistently the leanest entrée choices, both well under 300 calories.
Most Popular Orders
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Orange Chicken Bowl | $9.20 |
| 2-Entrée Plate (Orange Chicken + Beijing Beef) | $11.40 |
| Bigger Plate | $12.80 |
| Family Meal | $40-$45 |
Panda Express vs. Other Fast-Casual Chains
| Chain | Comparable Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Panda Express | Bowl | $9.20 |
| Chipotle | Chicken Bowl | $9.79 |
| Taco Bell | Crunchwrap Supreme | $4.49 |
| McDonald’s | Big Mac Meal | $7.99 |
Panda Express prices close to Chipotle for a comparable single-portion meal, positioning it in the middle of the fast-casual bracket between traditional fast food value pricing and pricier build-your-own concepts.
Price Quick-Reference
- Cheapest item: Fortune Cookie — around $0.30
- Cheapest full meal: Panda Cub Meal — around $6.50
- Most expensive standard item: Family Meal (largest tier) — around $42.99-$45
- Premium upcharge: Honey Walnut Shrimp and Firecracker Shrimp add roughly $1.25 to any size
Deals & Loyalty
Panda Rewards, free through the app, gives new members a free entrée on their first mobile order and earns points on every purchase redeemable for free food. Seasonal promotions like the Lunar New Year Good Fortune Scratcher periodically unlock surprise deals for members.
Service Options & Dining Details
- Service options: dine-in, takeout, drive-through at select locations, delivery through the app and third-party platforms
- Popular for: quick lunch, dinner, mall food court visits
- Amenities: catering ordering online, kids’ meal option
Panda Express Hours
Most Panda Express locations are open daily from approximately 10:00 AM to 9:30-10:00 PM, with mall and food court locations often following the host location’s hours. Check the app or your local restaurant’s page for exact hours.
Nutrition & Dietary Quick Facts
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Beef are the leanest standard entrée options, both under 300 calories
- Super Greens is the lowest-calorie side, at roughly 130 calories
- Fried entrées like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef carry meaningfully more fat and carbs than grilled options
- Panda Express’s official nutrition calculator online covers every entrée and side combination
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Bowl at Panda Express?
A Bowl (1 entrée + 1 side) runs about $9.20-$9.40 as an estimated national average.
What is the difference between a Bowl, Plate, and Bigger Plate?
A Bowl includes 1 entrée and 1 side, a Plate includes 2 entrées and 1 side, and a Bigger Plate includes 3 entrées and 1 side.
Does Honey Walnut Shrimp cost extra?
Yes — it and other premium entrées like Firecracker Shrimp typically carry a $1.25 upcharge over standard entrées.
How much is a Panda Express Family Meal?
Family Meals run $40-$45 and are designed to feed 4-5 people.
Does Panda Express have a rewards program?
Yes — Panda Rewards is free through the app, giving new members a free entrée on their first mobile order.
What is the most popular item at Panda Express?
Original Orange Chicken, introduced in 1987, remains the single best-selling item and is widely considered one of the best-selling fast food dishes in the country.
Does Panda Express offer catering?
Yes — Party Bundles scale from 12 to 22+ people, ordered ahead through the app or website.
What are the leanest options at Panda Express?
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Beef are consistently the lowest-calorie entrée choices, both under 300 calories.
Is Panda Express cheaper than Chipotle?
Pricing is close between the two for a comparable single-portion meal — neither is consistently cheaper.
Does Panda Express have a kids menu?
Yes — the Panda Cub Meal is priced around $6.50.
What Makes Panda Express Different
Panda Express runs one of the leanest menus among major fast food chains — a small, focused set of entrées and sides scaled through the Bowl/Plate/Bigger Plate system rather than dozens of separately named dishes. Orange Chicken’s near-40-year run as the chain’s defining item, combined with a straightforward premium-upcharge structure for items like Honey Walnut Shrimp, gives Panda Express a menu identity built on doing a small number of dishes consistently well rather than constant menu expansion.
This page is independently published and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. All prices are estimated national averages compiled from multiple public sources and may not reflect current pricing at your local restaurant. Last updated: 2026.
See Also: Culver’s Menu
