Panda Express Entrees Menu 2026: Prices & Calories

Walking into your local American Chinese restaurant means making some tough, delicious choices. The wok-fired aromas hit you immediately, and the vibrant display of proteins and vegetables makes picking just one or two items a challenge. Knowing what to expect before you reach the front of the line saves time and guarantees you get exactly the flavor profile you crave.

Reviewing the panda express entrees menu 2026 helps you plan the perfect meal for your budget and nutritional goals. You can easily find options that pack a heavy protein punch, satisfy your sweet tooth, or keep your calorie count low for the day.

What are the entrees at Panda Express?

Panda Express entrees are the main protein or vegetable dishes served alongside base carbohydrates like rice or chow mein. The 2026 menu features wok-tossed chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetable options. Standard entrees include favorites like Orange Chicken and Broccoli Beef, while premium options include Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak.

Panda Express Entrees Menu List (2026 Updated)

The 2026 menu continues the tradition of balancing sweet, savory, and spicy American Chinese flavors. Customers can choose from a streamlined selection of proteins that rotate slightly based on seasonal availability. Here is the complete breakdown of the entrees, including their standard a la carte prices and caloric values.

Chicken Entrees

Chicken dominates the menu, offering the widest variety of flavor profiles. You will find everything from the heavily glazed signature dishes to lighter, vegetable-heavy wok-tossed options.

Beef & Steak Entrees

The beef selections provide a hearty, savory alternative to the poultry dishes. These options tend to feature crisp bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to balance the rich sauces.

Shrimp & Seafood Entree

Seafood items provide a sweet and crunchy alternative. These are highly sought after and usually come with a slight premium upcharge.

Vegetable Entrees

For those looking to add more greens to their diet or seeking a plant-based meal, the vegetable and tofu offerings are a fantastic addition to any plate.

Can you order entrees a la carte?

Yes, you can order entrees a la carte at Panda Express. Buying a single portion of a standard entree currently starts at $5.40, while premium entrees like Honey Walnut Shrimp start at $6.90. Ordering a la carte is perfect if you want extra protein without purchasing another full combination meal.

Panda Express Entrees Prices (2026)

Pricing at Panda Express is tiered based on the size of the meal and the type of protein you select. The most cost-effective way to enjoy these dishes is by bundling them into a multi-item combination.

Here is a quick look at the base meal sizes and their starting costs for 2026:

• Bowl: 1 Side + 1 Entree (Starts at $9.30+)
• Plate: 1 Side + 2 Entrees (Starts at $11.10+)
• Bigger Plate: 1 Side + 3 Entrees (Starts at $12.90+)
• Panda Cub Meal: 1 Jr. Side + 1 Jr. Entree + Drink (Starts at $7.80)
• 5-Person Family Meal: 2 Large Sides + 3 Large Entrees (Starts at $43.00+)

What are the premium entrees at Panda Express?

The premium entrees at Panda Express are high-quality protein dishes that require an additional upcharge. Currently, Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak are the primary premium offerings. Adding one of these to your bowl or plate will increase your total bill by approximately $1.50 per scoop.

Which Panda Express entrees are healthy?

The healthiest Panda Express entrees belong to the Wok Smart menu. These items contain 300 calories or less and provide at least 8 grams of protein per serving. Top healthy options include Broccoli Beef (150 calories), String Bean Chicken Breast (210 calories), and Mushroom Chicken (220 calories).

Wok Smart Entrees (Healthy Options Under 300 Calories)

Maintaining a healthy diet while eating fast-casual food is completely achievable. The “Wok Smart” designation on the menu helps diners quickly identify nutrient-dense, lower-calorie options.

Building a lean meal is simple when you pair a Wok Smart entree with a side of Super Greens. For example, a bowl featuring Broccoli Beef and Super Greens contains only 280 calories total. If you need higher protein for muscle recovery, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken offers an impressive 33 grams of protein for just 275 calories.

What is the most popular Panda Express entree?

The most popular Panda Express entree is The Original Orange Chicken. Created by Executive Chef Andy Kao in 1987, this iconic dish features crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, mildly spicy, and tangy orange glaze. It remains the undisputed best-seller and signature item of the brand.

What’s the spiciest entree at Panda Express?

The spiciest entree at Panda Express is currently the limited-time Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken with Buldak Sauce. Among the permanent menu items, Kung Pao Chicken and SweetFire Chicken Breast carry a moderate heat level, utilizing chili peppers and spicy sauces to give the dishes a distinct, fiery kick.

Limited-Time & Seasonal Entrees

The menu regularly features rotating seasonal dishes to keep the options fresh and exciting. In 2026, the brand introduced items designed to appeal to adventurous eaters looking for bolder flavors.

• Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken with Buldak Sauce: This collaboration brings immense heat to the menu, recognized as the spiciest dish the brand has served to date.
• Firecracker Steak & Shrimp: A premium surf-and-turf stir fry tossed in a savory, spicy chili garlic sauce.
• Hot Orange Chicken: A fiery variation of the classic fan favorite, featuring extra chili flakes and a higher spice level.

Are there vegetarian entrees at Panda Express?

Yes, there are vegetarian entrees at Panda Express. The Eggplant Tofu is a hearty, plant-based entree option. Additionally, sides like Super Greens and Chow Mein are made without animal products. However, all items are prepared in a shared kitchen, so cross-contamination with meat products is possible.

How many entrees come with a Plate?

A standard Plate at Panda Express comes with two entrees and one side. This is the most popular meal size, offering customers a chance to mix and match two different flavor profiles. The Plate currently starts at $11.10, providing an average of 430 to 1,640 calories depending on your selections.

How to Order Entrees (Bowl vs Plate vs Bigger Plate)

Structuring your order properly ensures you get the best value for your money. The menu is designed around tiered meal sizes, allowing you to scale your food volume based on your appetite.

• The Bowl: Perfect for a light lunch. You choose one base (like rice or noodles) and top it with a single scoop of your favorite entree.
• The Plate: The standard dinner option. You receive a larger container divided into three sections: one for your carbohydrate side and two for different entrees.
• The Bigger Plate: The ultimate value option for heavy eaters. It includes one side and three separate entrees. The cost to add the third entree is generally much lower than buying an item a la carte, making this an incredibly cost-efficient way to sample multiple dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my side for an extra entree?

You cannot directly substitute a side for an entree without paying an a la carte charge. However, you can order an entree a la carte alongside a bowl or plate.

How many calories are in the Eggplant Tofu?

The Eggplant Tofu entree contains 340 calories, 24 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein per serving.

Does the Orange Chicken come in a kids’ size?

Yes, the Panda Cub Meal features a junior-sized serving of Orange Chicken, a junior side, a fruit side, and a drink, totaling around 380 calories for the entree portion.

What oil does Panda Express use to cook its entrees?

Panda Express primarily uses soybean oil for all of its wok-frying and cooking processes.