Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Calories And Nutrition
Complete guide to Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken calories, macros, and nutrition facts. A popular lower-calorie alternative with 320 calories per serving.
A regular serving of Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken has 320 calories, 21g of fat, 15g of carbs, and 17g of protein. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a flavorful entree with fewer calories than Orange Chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Szechuan-inspired dish featuring chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and dried chili peppers in a savory sauce.
Kung Pao Chicken Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Regular Serving | Cub Meal (75%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 220 |
| Total Fat | 21g | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 43mg |
| Sodium | 1,050mg | 750mg |
| Total Carbs | 15g | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 2g |
| Sugars | 7g | 4g |
| Protein | 17g | 12g |
Based on official Panda Express nutritional data
Calories By Serving Size
| Servings | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 (half) | 160 | 8.5g | 10.5g | 7.5g |
| 1 (regular) | 320 | 17g | 21g | 15g |
| 1.5 | 480 | 25.5g | 31.5g | 22.5g |
| 2 | 640 | 34g | 42g | 30g |
Kung Pao Chicken vs Orange Chicken
A common comparison between Panda's two most popular chicken dishes:
| Nutrient | Kung Pao Chicken | Orange Chicken | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 510 | -190 |
| Total Fat | 21g | 24g | -3g |
| Carbs | 15g | 53g | -38g |
| Protein | 17g | 16g | +1g |
| Sugar | 7g | 20g | -13g |
| Sodium | 1,050mg | 850mg | +200mg |
Key takeaway: Kung Pao Chicken has 190 fewer calories and significantly fewer carbs/sugar, but higher sodium.
Kung Pao Chicken In A Plate
2-Entree Plate with Kung Pao Chicken
| Side Choice | Kung Pao | Second Entree | Total Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chow Mein (600) | 320 | Orange Chicken (510) | 1,430 |
| Fried Rice (620) | 320 | Broccoli Beef (150) | 1,090 |
| White Rice (520) | 320 | String Bean Chicken (210) | 1,050 |
| Super Greens (130) | 320 | Grilled Teriyaki (275) | 725 |
Lowest Calorie Plate with Kung Pao Chicken
- Super Greens (130 cal) + Kung Pao Chicken (320 cal) + Broccoli Beef (150 cal)
- Total: 600 calories with 26g protein
Kung Pao Chicken In A Bowl
A bowl is an excellent portion-controlled option:
| Bowl Combination | Total Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Super Greens + Kung Pao | 450 | 26g |
| White Rice + Kung Pao | 840 | 27g |
| Chow Mein + Kung Pao | 920 | 32g |
| Fried Rice + Kung Pao | 940 | 30g |
Why Kung Pao Is A Good Choice
- Moderate calories: 320 cal is middle-of-the-pack for entrees
- Good protein: 17g helps you feel full
- Lower carbs: Only 15g carbs (better for low-carb diets)
- Added nutrients: Contains vegetables and peanuts
- Less sugar: Only 7g compared to 20g in Orange Chicken
High Protein Plate With Kung Pao Chicken
For maximum protein with Kung Pao:
- Kung Pao Chicken (17g) + Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (33g) + Super Greens (9g)
- Total: 59g protein, 725 calories
See more combinations in our High Protein Panda Express Meals guide.
Sodium Consideration
Kung Pao Chicken has 1,050mg sodium (46% of daily value), one of the higher-sodium options. If watching sodium:
- Pair with White Steamed Rice (0mg sodium)
- Choose Super Greens (370mg sodium) over Chow Mein (1,000mg)
- Limit additional soy sauce
Comparing Kung Pao To Other Chicken Entrees
| Chicken Entree | Calories | Protein | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Teriyaki | 275 | 33g | Highest protein/calorie |
| Black Pepper Chicken | 280 | 13g | Balanced option |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 320 | 17g | Flavor + moderate cal |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 13g | Lower calorie |
| Teriyaki Chicken | 340 | 41g | Max protein |
| Orange Chicken | 510 | 16g | Popular but highest cal |
How Long To Burn Off Kung Pao Chicken
After eating one serving (320 calories):
- Walking: ~53 minutes at moderate pace
- Running: ~28 minutes at 6 mph
- Cycling: ~32 minutes at moderate intensity
- StairMaster: ~25 minutes
Use our StairMaster Calorie Calculator for personalized estimates.
Related Panda Express Guides
- Panda Express Calorie & Nutrition Calculator - Build your exact meal
- Panda Express Plate Calorie Calculator - Calculate plate totals
- Orange Chicken Calories - Compare the signature dish
- Panda Express Calories And Protein - Protein-focused guide
- Panda Express Menu Calories - Full menu breakdown
Conclusion
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is an excellent mid-range choice at 320 calories with 17g protein and only 15g carbs. It's 190 calories less than Orange Chicken while delivering bold Szechuan flavors. For the healthiest plate, pair it with Super Greens and a protein-rich second entree. Use our Panda Express Calorie Calculator to customize your perfect meal.