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Fast Food · American Chinese

Panda Express Menu Prices 2026: Bowls, Plates, Family Meals & Orange Chicken

Full Panda Express menu prices for 2026 — including the Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate pricing matrix that defines Panda's build-your-own meal model, every chicken / beef / seafood / veggie entrée with the +$1.25 premium upcharges flagged, the Family Meal breakdown ($45 for 4–5 people), and the Orange Chicken story behind Panda's signature dish. A Bowl is around $9.20; Honey Walnut Shrimp adds $1.25; the cheapest full meal is the $6.50 Kids' Meal.

~2,500 U.S. locationsFast Food · American ChineseBowl from $9.20Family Meal $45 (feeds 4-5)Orange Chicken since 1987Premium entrée +$1.25
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $$

Signature items

Bowl (Orange Chicken)$9.20
Plate$11.40
Bigger Plate$12.80
Family Meal$45.00
Honey Walnut Shrimp+$1.25
Jump to: Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate matrix Entrée pricing & premium upcharges Family Meal breakdown Orange Chicken spotlight Sides & appetizers Cheapest items Most popular What's new in 2026 Calories + prices Full priced menu Compared to P.F. Chang's / Pei Wei FAQ
Quick answers

Common Panda Express menu questions, answered

The four things people most often Google about Panda's menu — answered in one glance, with current prices.

Cheapest meal
Kids' Meal $6.50

1 jr. entrée + side + small drink + fortune cookie. The cheapest full ticket.

Most popular
Bowl w/ Orange Chicken $9.20

Orange Chicken is #1 by a wide margin — 130M+ pounds sold yearly since its 1987 invention.

Premium upcharge
+$1.25

Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak each add $1.25 to any meal size.

Best group deal
Family Meal $45.00

3 large entrées + 2 large sides — feeds 4-5 people at roughly $9-$11 per person.

The Panda Express pricing model

Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate × Family Meal pricing matrix (2026)

Panda's pricing is set by the number of entrées, not which entrées you pick — every standard entrée is priced the same at every meal size. The only price-mover is the +$1.25 premium upcharge for Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Angus Steak. Use this table to price any build instantly.

Meal SizeSidesEntréesPrice
Bowl1 side1 entrée$9.20
Plate1 side2 entrées$11.40
Bigger Plate1 side3 entrées$12.80
Family Meal2 large sides3 large entrées$45.00
Kids' Meal1 jr. side1 jr. entrée + small drink + cookie$6.50

Each premium entrée (Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Angus Steak) adds +$1.25 to whichever meal includes it. A Plate with one premium entrée is ≈ $12.65; with both premium entrées, ≈ $13.90. The Family Meal upcharge for premium entrées is typically $1.25 per large premium entrée, so 1 premium in a Family Meal lands around $46.25 and 2 premiums around $47.50.

Every entrée + premium pricing

Entrée × Premium pricing matrix

Every entrée on Panda's standard menu, flagged as standard (included at regular meal price) or premium (+$1.25). Premium entrées are the only price-movers on the Panda menu — everything else is a free swap.

EntréeTypeUpcharge (if premium)
Orange ChickenStandard (signature)—
Honey Sesame Chicken BreastStandard (Wok Smart)—
Kung Pao ChickenStandard (Wok Smart)—
Mushroom ChickenStandard (Wok Smart)—
String Bean Chicken BreastStandard (Wok Smart)—
Black Pepper ChickenStandard—
Teriyaki ChickenStandard—
Sweet Fire Chicken BreastStandard—
Beijing BeefStandard—
Broccoli BeefStandard—
Mongolian BeefStandard (regional)—
Black Pepper Angus SteakPremium+$1.25
Honey Walnut ShrimpPremium+$1.25
Eggplant Tofu (vegan)Standard—
Super GreensStandard (Wok Smart)—
Sichuan Hot Chicken (LTO)Standard (LTO)—
Crispy Almond Chicken (LTO)Standard (LTO)—
Pineapple Chicken (LTO)Standard (LTO)—

"Wok Smart" is Panda's healthier-pick designation — entrées with at least 8g protein and under 300 calories per serving. Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak are the only two permanent premium entrées; LTOs are occasionally introduced as premium.

Group ordering

Panda Express Family Meal breakdown

The Family Meal is Panda's best per-dollar deal — 3 large entrées + 2 large sides for $45, enough to feed 4–5 people. There are a few related catering and group SKUs worth knowing.

Family Meal (Standard)$45.00

  • 3 large entrées (any standard entrées)
  • 2 large sides (any combination)
  • Fortune cookies for the table
  • Feeds 4-5 people

Works out to roughly $9-$11 per person — the best per-dollar value on the Panda menu.

Family Meal w/ Premium Entrée$46.25 - $47.50

  • Add Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Angus Steak as one of the 3 entrées
  • +$1.25 per premium entrée slot
  • Up to 3 premium entrées possible (max ~$48.75)
  • Fortune cookies included

Premium upcharge is per large premium entrée included in the meal.

4-Course Family Meal~$30.00

  • 1 large entrée
  • 1 large side
  • 3-pack of appetizers (rangoons, spring rolls or egg rolls)
  • 2 medium drinks

Smaller-group family bundle. Pricing varies by market — sometimes promoted seasonally.

Plate (for one)$11.40

  • 1 side
  • 2 entrées (any standard)
  • Fortune cookie
  • Suitable for one person

The 'middle' meal size — most popular individual order.

Catering Bundle (small)~$72.00

  • 2 large sides + 3 large entrées
  • Serves 10-12 (smaller appetites)
  • Includes paper plates, napkins, utensils
  • Order via pandaexpress.com/catering

Smallest catering tray bundle; 24-hour notice recommended.

Catering Bundle (large)~$240.00

  • 4 large sides + 6 large entrées
  • Serves 26-30 people
  • Includes serving utensils + fortune cookies
  • Premium entrée upcharge applies per included premium entrée

Standard 'feed the office' catering tier — about $8-$9 per person.

Orange Chicken spotlight

The dish that built Panda Express — invented in 1987

Orange Chicken was invented at Panda Express in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao at the chain's Hawaii test kitchen. The dish — boneless dark-meat chicken, battered and wok-tossed in a sweet-tangy orange-zest sauce — was Kao's adaptation of a traditional Hunan flavor profile, sweetened and lightened for American palates.

It became the brand's defining item almost immediately. Panda Express now sells more than 130 million pounds of Orange Chicken per year, accounting for roughly a third of all entrée orders across the chain. It's available at every meal size — Bowl, Plate, Bigger Plate, Family Meal, Kids' Meal — and is not a premium entrée: a Bowl with Orange Chicken and Chow Mein is the standard $9.20 price.

Orange Chicken is part of Panda Express's broader American Chinese positioning: dishes that draw on Chinese culinary techniques but are formulated for American taste preferences. Kao's recipe remains the chain's most direct contribution to American food culture.

  • Invented: 1987 (Hawaii test kitchen)
  • Chef: Andy Kao
  • Volume: 130M+ pounds sold yearly
  • Share of orders: ~⅓ of all entrées
  • Price in a Bowl: $9.20 (standard)
  • Calories (single serving): ~490
  • Flavor profile: Sweet, tangy, citrusy
Sides + appetizers

Sides and appetizers — pricing across meal sizes

Sides are included free as the "1 side" in any Bowl, Plate or Bigger Plate, and as "2 large sides" in the Family Meal. À la carte side and appetizer pricing is below.

Chow MeinIncluded / $4.40 single

  • Stir-fried wheat noodles + onions + celery + cabbage
  • The #1 most-ordered side
  • Vegetarian
  • ~510 calories per regular side

Single side à la carte $4.40; large side (Family Meal) $11.50.

Fried RiceIncluded / $4.40 single

  • Wok-tossed rice + peas + carrots + green onion + egg
  • Most-ordered rice side
  • Contains egg
  • ~520 calories per regular side

Single $4.40; large $11.50.

White or Brown Steamed RiceIncluded / ~$3.20 single

  • Plain steamed rice
  • Brown rice is 'wok smart'
  • Vegan, gluten-free
  • ~380 calories (white) / ~420 (brown) per side

Cheapest single side option.

Super GreensIncluded / $4.40 single

  • Broccoli + kale + cabbage
  • Counts as a side OR a vegetable entrée
  • Vegan + gluten-free + Wok Smart
  • ~90 calories per side

The lowest-calorie carb-free option.

Cream Cheese Rangoons$2.50 (3) / $5.40 (6)

  • Crispy wonton wrappers + cream cheese
  • Vegetarian
  • Most-ordered appetizer
  • ~190 calories per 3-pack

3-pack or share-size 6-pack. Often paired with sweet-and-sour sauce.

Chicken Egg Roll & Veggie Spring Roll$2.50 (single) / $5.40 (3-pack)

  • Egg Roll = single chicken + veggies
  • Spring Roll (3-pack) = three veggie spring rolls
  • Crispy fried wrappers
  • ~200 calories per egg roll

Egg roll is $2.50 each; veggie spring roll typically sold in 3-packs.

Cheapest items

The 10 cheapest things to order at Panda Express (May 2026)

Ranked by national-average price. The Kids' Meal is the cheapest full meal; à la carte sides and single appetizers fill out the bottom of the menu.

  1. 1Fortune CookieIncluded with every meal.Free
  2. 2Single Cream Cheese RangoonWhere sold individually — varies by market.$1.00
  3. 3Apple Pie Roll (seasonal)Cheapest dessert when active.$1.90
  4. 4Cream Cheese Rangoons (3-pack)Cheapest appetizer combo.$2.50
  5. 5Chicken Egg RollSingle egg roll à la carte.$2.50
  6. 6Hot Tea (Jasmine)Traditional Asian-restaurant pairing.$2.50
  7. 7Side of Rice (à la carte)Plain steamed white or brown rice, single side.$3.20
  8. 8Side of Chow Mein / Fried Rice (single)À la carte side without a meal build.$4.40
  9. 9Small Entrée (à la carte)Single standalone entrée — about 60% of a Bowl entrée portion.$5.40
  10. 10Kids' MealCheapest full meal: jr. entrée + side + small drink + fortune cookie.$6.50
What's new on the Panda Express menu in 2026

Limited-time, seasonal & recently returned items

Panda runs roughly two to four limited-time entrées per year, plus a small number of seasonal returns. The lineup below reflects items active or recently active in 2026.

LTO 2026

Sichuan Hot Chicken Breast

Crispy chicken breast in a fiery Sichuan-style sauce with Sichuan peppercorns — Panda's spiciest entrée when active. Periodic LTO since 2022.

Included in meal
LTO

Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Crispy chicken breast with sliced almonds in a sweet-savory sauce. A recurring fan-favorite LTO.

Included in meal
Seasonal

Pineapple Chicken Breast

Crispy chicken breast with pineapple in a sweet tropical glaze. Seasonal LTO.

Included in meal
Permanent

Panda Rewards (updated)

Earn 1 point per $1 spent; 10 points = free entrée. 2026 updates include surprise free-item promotions and a streak bonus.

Free
Expansion

Airport + college campus push

Panda continues to expand into U.S. airport terminals and college campus dining halls, plus growing the international footprint past 100 stores.

—
Seasonal

Apple Pie Roll

A long-running seasonal dessert: crispy fried roll filled with apple-pie filling. Returns periodically.

$1.90
Browse the menu

Jump to a category

All Panda Express menu categories with item counts.

Build-Your-Own Meals (Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate)6 itemsChicken Entrées8 itemsBeef Entrées4 itemsSeafood & Premium Entrées1 itemVegetable & Tofu Entrées3 itemsSides7 itemsAppetizers6 itemsÀ La Carte Entrées4 itemsDrinks7 itemsLimited-Time & Seasonal5 items
The full priced menu

Every item on Panda Express's standard U.S. menu (with 2026 prices)

All categories below. Tags flag vegan / vegetarian / spicy / Wok Smart items. The 'Included in meal' price means the entrée is included at the base Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate price — premium entrées are flagged with the +$1.25 upcharge.

About these prices. Pricing shown is national-average as of May 2026, sourced from publicly documented Panda Express pricing. Panda Express is corporate-owned (no franchises) but pricing varies meaningfully by market: California, Hawaii, the Northeast and airport units typically run 15–25% higher than the prices shown; airport, stadium and Manhattan locations can run 30–45% higher. Midwest and South typically sit at or just below the prices shown. Confirm at your local store or in the Panda Express app.
Calories + prices

Most-ordered builds: calories and current price together

Calories from Panda Express's official nutrition tables for the most-ordered single entrées and full meal builds. A Bowl with one entrée + one side typically lands between 700 and 900 calories.

Item / BuildCaloriesPrice
Orange Chicken (entrée alone)~490Included
Beijing Beef (entrée alone)~470Included
Honey Walnut Shrimp (entrée alone, premium)~360+$1.25
String Bean Chicken Breast (Wok Smart)~190Included
Mushroom Chicken (Wok Smart)~220Included
Kung Pao Chicken (Wok Smart)~290Included
Chow Mein (regular side)~510Included
Fried Rice (regular side)~520Included
White Steamed Rice (regular side)~380Included
Super Greens (regular side)~90Included
Bowl (Orange Chicken + Chow Mein)~1,000$9.20
Bowl (String Bean Chicken + Super Greens)~280$9.20
Plate (Orange Chicken + Beijing Beef + Chow Mein)~1,470$11.40
Bigger Plate (3 entrées + Chow Mein)~1,800-2,100$12.80
Kids' Meal (Orange Chicken + White Rice + drink)~720$6.50

Calories are from Panda Express's published nutrition information. For an exact figure use the Panda Express nutrition calculator before ordering — sauce ladles and portioning vary per server. Premium entrées and LTOs include their own nutrition information; Honey Walnut Shrimp's higher fat content offsets its slightly lower calorie count.

Price comparison

How Panda Express prices compare to P.F. Chang's, Pei Wei & Pick Up Stix

P.F. Chang's is the closest premium American Chinese peer (sit-down casual dining); Pei Wei is its fast-casual sister; Pick Up Stix is the West Coast fast-casual rival. May 2026 national averages on like-for-like items.

ItemPanda ExpressP.F. Chang'sPei WeiPick Up Stix
Bowl / single-entrée meal$9.20$18.95 (entrée + rice)$10.95$9.95
Plate / two-entrée meal$11.40$28-32 (two-entrée combo)$13.95$11.95
Family Meal / Group bundle$45.00Family Pack ~$55-65Family Bundle ~$42Family Feast ~$45
Signature dishOrange Chicken $9.20 in BowlChang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps $13.95Mongolian Beef $11.95House Special Chow Mein $9.95
Premium entrée upcharge+$1.25 (HW Shrimp, BP Angus)Already premium-priced+$2 for shrimp+$1.50 for shrimp
Kids' Meal$6.50$6.95$5.95$5.95

P.F. Chang's is full-service casual dining (table service, alcohol, dessert), so the price gap reflects format, not just food. Pei Wei is P.F. Chang's fast-casual sibling — closest direct comparison to Panda in service format, slightly higher pricing. Pick Up Stix is regional (mostly California) and the closest direct competitor to Panda on both price and format.

About Panda Express

The chain that made American Chinese food a fast-food category.

Andrew Cherng, his wife Peggy Cherng, and his father Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng opened the first Panda Express in 1983 at the Glendale Galleria food court in Glendale, California. It was the fast-food spinoff of the family's earlier sit-down restaurant, Panda Inn (founded 1973). The thesis was simple: take the Chinese-American restaurant repertoire and adapt it for the speed and price point of mall food courts.

It worked. Panda Express grew through mall locations in the 1980s and 1990s, then expanded into freestanding drive-thru units, then into airports, college campuses and international markets. Today it operates ~2,500 U.S. locations plus 100+ internationally — the largest American Chinese fast-food chain in the world. The chain is still privately held by the Cherng family; the company employs ~50,000 people.

The defining moment came in 1987 when Chef Andy Kao created Orange Chicken at the Hawaii test kitchen. It became the signature dish almost immediately and now accounts for roughly a third of all Panda entrée orders. Panda Express's positioning has stayed consistent: American Chinese — adapted for American palates rather than regionally authentic Chinese (no Sichuan / Cantonese / Hunan claim). The Wok Smart designation, launched in the 2010s, flags entrées with at least 8g protein and under 300 calories.

1983Founded (Glendale, CA)
~2,500U.S. locations
100+International
130Mlbs Orange Chicken / yr
Dietary & allergen guide

Wok Smart, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-aware picks

Panda Express runs a Wok Smart designation across the menu — entrées with at least 8g of protein and under 300 calories. There's one fully vegan entrée option in most markets (Eggplant Tofu) and Super Greens / steamed rice are vegan + gluten-free. Most other entrées contain soy, wheat or both.

Panda does not maintain a certified-gluten-free kitchen and most sauces contain wheat-derived soy sauce — gluten-sensitive guests should stick to steamed rice + Super Greens + plain grilled options.

Cross-contact is likely on shared wok stations. Confirm with the restaurant if you have a serious allergy.

  • Cheapest meal: Kids' Meal ($6.50)
  • Cheapest adult meal: Bowl ($9.20)
  • Vegan entrée: Eggplant Tofu (where available)
  • Vegan sides: Super Greens, White/Brown Steamed Rice
  • Wok Smart picks: String Bean Chicken, Mushroom Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Honey Sesame Chicken, Super Greens, Brown Rice
  • Lowest-calorie Bowl: String Bean Chicken + Super Greens (~280 cal)
  • Highest-protein Bowl: Kung Pao Chicken + Fried Rice (~45g protein)
  • Soy/wheat allergies: Most entrées contain soy sauce
Ordering tips

How to get more value out of a Panda Express order

Best deal

Family Meal for groups of 3+

The $45 Family Meal (3 large entrées + 2 large sides) works out to roughly $9-$11 per person and easily feeds 4-5. Two Plates ($22.80) for two people equals the same per-person rate but with less variety — the Family Meal wins on per-dollar variety.

Free swap

Half-and-half sides

You can mix two half-portions of sides (half Chow Mein, half Fried Rice) at no extra charge in the Bowl / Plate / Bigger Plate. Some stores also allow half-and-half entrées on a Bowl as a courtesy — ask at the line.

Premium math

Premium entrée timing

Each premium entrée adds $1.25 regardless of meal size. The cheapest way to try Honey Walnut Shrimp is a Bowl + premium upcharge ($10.45). Two premium entrées in a Plate is $13.90 — still cheaper than a single premium entrée at most peers.

Rewards

Panda Rewards (10 pts = free entrée)

Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 10 points unlocks a free entrée — so roughly every $90 spent earns a free $5-7 entrée. Sign-up bonuses (often a free entrée on first order) and birthday rewards stack on top.

Wok Smart

Lowest-calorie Bowl build

String Bean Chicken Breast (~190 cal) + Super Greens (~90 cal) is a ~280-calorie Bowl at the standard $9.20 price — among the lowest-calorie full meals at any U.S. fast-food chain.

App

Use the Panda Express app

The app surfaces app-exclusive deals (free entrée with $25+ order, double-point days), and points accumulate automatically. App pricing matches in-store pricing — the value comes from Rewards, not discounts.

Locations

Where to find a Panda Express

Panda Express operates approximately 2,500 restaurants in the United States across all 50 states, plus more than 100 international locations across Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan, the U.A.E., the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Guatemala. The chain is the largest American Chinese fast-food brand globally and is still entirely corporate-owned (no franchises).

Format mix includes traditional inline mall locations (the original format), freestanding drive-thru units (the dominant new-build format since the 2010s), and a fast-growing presence in airports, college campuses and military bases.

Use the official store locator at pandaexpress.com/locations for exact hours and store format detail.

  • ~2,500 U.S. restaurants
  • 100+ international locations
  • All 50 U.S. states
  • Drive-thru — dominant new format since the 2010s
  • Corporate-owned — no franchises
  • Growing: airports, campuses, military bases
Signature spotlight

The six entrées that define the Panda Express menu

If you've never been to Panda Express, these six entrées tell you what the chain actually is. All available at every meal size; Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak carry a +$1.25 premium.

Standard · Since 1987

Orange Chicken

The signature. Crispy boneless chicken in a sweet-tangy orange-zest sauce. Invented at Panda by Chef Andy Kao; 130M+ pounds sold yearly. Available in every meal size at the standard price.

Premium · +$1.25

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy tempura shrimp in a honey sauce with glazed walnuts. The most-loved premium entrée and the #2 most-ordered overall. Worth the $1.25 upcharge in almost every poll.

Standard · Crispy beef

Beijing Beef

Crispy battered beef with bell peppers and onions in a sweet-tangy sauce. The #1 most-ordered beef entrée — and the textural counterpoint to Orange Chicken's crispy chicken format.

Premium · +$1.25

Black Pepper Angus Steak

Marinated premium Angus steak with broccoli, mushrooms and onions in a black pepper sauce. The other +$1.25 premium entrée — the chain's premium beef option.

Wok Smart · Spicy

Kung Pao Chicken

Wok-tossed chicken with peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers — a Wok Smart entrée at ~290 calories per serving. Spiciest mainstream entrée on the menu.

Side · Vegetarian

Chow Mein

Stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery and cabbage. The most-ordered side, served alongside roughly half of all Panda Bowls, Plates and Bigger Plates.

Related on Menupedia

Compare with other fast food & fast casual menus

If you're choosing between Panda Express and a peer — or want a related menu — these are the closest comparisons on Menupedia.

Mexican · Fast Casual

Chipotle menu prices

Chicken Bowl $10.45, Lifestyle Bowls (Whole30, Keto, Vegan). The closest build-your-own fast-casual peer to Panda's Bowl / Plate model.

$$ · Bowl $10.45 Mexican · Fast Food

Taco Bell menu prices

Crunchwrap Supreme $6.49, Cravings Box $5.99. The cheapest fast-food alternative when comparing single-meal tickets.

$ · Combo $5.99 Chicken · Fast Food

Chick-fil-A menu prices

Original Chicken Sandwich $5.25, 8-pc Nuggets $5.49. The fast-food chicken benchmark alongside Panda's Orange Chicken.

$$ · Closed Sundays Burgers · Fast Food

McDonald's menu prices

Big Mac $5.99, Quarter Pounder $6.79, $5 Meal Deal. The benchmark on value vs. Panda's $9.20 Bowl.

$ · Meal Deal $5
Common questions

Panda Express menu — frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions people most commonly ask about Panda's Bowls, Plates, premium upcharges, Orange Chicken and Family Meal.

How much is a Panda Express Bowl in 2026?

A Panda Express Bowl is around $9.20 at most U.S. locations as of May 2026 — 1 side + 1 entrée. Pricing varies by market: California, Hawaii, the Northeast and airports typically run $10.50–$12; Midwest and Southern markets often sit at or just below $9.20. Adding a premium entrée (Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Angus Steak) adds $1.25 on top.

What's the difference between a Bowl, Plate and Bigger Plate at Panda Express?

It's the number of entrées. A Bowl ($9.20) has 1 side + 1 entrée. A Plate ($11.40) has 1 side + 2 entrées. A Bigger Plate ($12.80) has 1 side + 3 entrées. The side portion stays the same across all three sizes — only the entrée count changes. The Bigger Plate is the best value if you actually want three different entrées; the Bowl is the best for a single entrée focus.

How much extra is Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a premium entrée at +$1.25 on any meal that includes it. A Bowl with Honey Walnut Shrimp runs roughly $10.45; a Plate with one premium entrée is about $12.65; a Bigger Plate with one premium entrée is about $14.05. Black Pepper Angus Steak carries the same $1.25 upcharge. The premium upcharge applies per premium entrée — so a Plate with both Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak would add $2.50.

How much is Orange Chicken at Panda Express?

Orange Chicken is a standard (non-premium) entrée, so it's included at the regular meal price — a Bowl with Orange Chicken is around $9.20. À la carte, a small Orange Chicken entrée runs about $5.40, medium ~$8.50, and a family-size large around $13.50. Orange Chicken is Panda's signature dish — invented in 1987 at the Hawaii test kitchen by Chef Andy Kao — and Panda sells more than 130 million pounds of it annually.

What's a Family Meal at Panda Express?

The Family Meal is $45 and includes 3 large entrées + 2 large sides — enough for 4–5 people. Fortune cookies are included. Adding a premium entrée (Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Angus Steak) adds $1.25–$2.50 depending on how many premium entrées you include. The Family Meal works out to roughly $9–$11 per person, making it the best per-dollar deal on the menu when you're feeding a group.

Is Panda Express more expensive than Chipotle?

Slightly cheaper. A Panda Express Bowl is around $9.20, vs. a Chipotle Chicken Bowl at $10.45. For two entrées, a Panda Plate ($11.40) is still under a Chipotle Bowl with a side of chips & guac ($15.45). Panda's premium tier (Honey Walnut Shrimp +$1.25, Black Pepper Angus Steak +$1.25) is also much cheaper than Chipotle's steak/barbacoa premium (+$2 per bowl). The Family Meal ($45 for 4–5) has no real Chipotle equivalent at that price point.

What's in Panda Express Chow Mein?

Panda Express Chow Mein is stir-fried wheat noodles tossed with onions, celery and cabbage in a light soy-based sauce. It's vegetarian as served (no meat) and Panda's most-ordered side across all meal sizes. A regular-size Chow Mein side is around 510 calories. Fried Rice and steamed white/brown rice are the alternative sides — all are included free as the 1 side in any Bowl, Plate, or Bigger Plate.

Are Panda Express fortune cookies free?

Yes — fortune cookies are free with every order at Panda Express. You'll typically get 1 fortune cookie per Bowl, 2 with a Plate or Bigger Plate, and a small bag with a Family Meal. They're a Panda Express tradition since the chain's earliest years and are still made for Panda by a specialty bakery. Fortune cookies are not invoiced as a line item.

How does Panda Rewards work?

Panda Rewards is Panda Express's free loyalty program. You earn 1 point per $1 spent, and 10 points unlocks a free entrée. Sign-up bonuses (typically a free entrée on your first order), birthday rewards, double-point days and surprise free-item promotions run regularly. The program lives in the Panda Express app and at pandaexpress.com/rewards. Worth using if you visit Panda monthly or more — the free entrée at 10 points is the strongest single reward.

What's the cheapest Panda Express meal?

The cheapest full meal is the Kids' Meal at $6.50 — 1 jr. side + 1 jr. entrée + small drink + fortune cookie. The cheapest adult meal is the Bowl at $9.20 (1 side + 1 entrée). À la carte, you can get a Small Entrée for $5.40 or a side for $4.40 if you don't need the full meal build. Single appetizers (Cream Cheese Rangoons or Egg Rolls) start at $2.50 — the cheapest items on the menu.

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