Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: Nutrition & Calories Guide

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is a bold, spicy entrée known for its signature mix of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. Inspired by classic Sichuan-style flavors, this dish stands out on the Panda Express menu for its savory heat and satisfying texture.

At Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is often chosen by customers who enjoy spicy food and want a protein-rich option without the sweetness found in orange-based sauces.

What Is Kung Pao Chicken at Panda Express?

Kung Pao Chicken is a wok-tossed chicken entrée made with:

• Diced chicken breast
• Peanuts
• Bell peppers and zucchini
• Dried red chili peppers
• Savory soy-based sauce

Unlike sweeter Panda Express dishes, Kung Pao Chicken focuses on spice, saltiness, and umami, making it a favorite among those who prefer heat over sugar.

How to Make Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and add it to a bowl. Mix with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and oil. Set aside for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dice zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic. Keep dried chilies whole or cut in half depending on spice preference.

3. Make the Kung Pao Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black vinegar, sugar, chili crisp, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.

4. Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and stir-fry until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Stir-fry vegetables for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and cook briefly.

6. Combine Everything

Return chicken to the pan. Add peanuts, dried chilies, and prepared sauce. Toss until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

7. Serve

Serve hot with steamed rice, brown rice, or enjoy on its own.

Taste & Spice Level

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken has a medium-to-hot spice level, depending on the amount of dried chilies in each serving. The heat is balanced by the richness of peanuts and the savory sauce. You can expect:

• Noticeable chili heat
• Crunch from peanuts
• Savory, slightly smoky flavor
• Minimal sweetness

This balance makes it flavorful without being overwhelming.

Explore Panda Express sauces with copycat recipes, calories, nutrition facts, and flavor profiles. Learn which sauces are sweet, spicy, or savory.

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Nutrition Guide

Here is a clear nutrition breakdown (entrée only) for Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken.
Values are approximate and may vary slightly by location.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~16 g
Total Fat	~23 g
Saturated Fat	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~14 g
Sugars	~6 g
Sodium	~970 mg
Cholesterol	~60 mg

Is Kung Pao Chicken Healthy?

Kung Pao Chicken is considered a moderate option—not the lightest, but not the heaviest on the menu. The calorie count is reasonable, but fat and sodium are higher due to peanuts and sauce.

Why it can fit into a balanced diet:

• Good protein content
• Includes vegetables
• No heavy breading

Things to watch:

• Higher sodium
• Higher fat from peanuts
• Choosing lighter sides can help balance the meal.

Kung Pao Chicken vs Other Chicken Dishes

• Compared to Orange Chicken:
  • Less sugar
  • Fewer carbohydrates
  • More savory, less sweet
• Compared to Mushroom Chicken:
  • Higher calories
  • More fat
  • Spicier flavor
• Compared to Grilled Teriyaki Chicken:
  • Less protein
  • More fat
  • More heat

Ingredients & Allergens (Important for Users)

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken contains several common allergens. Being aware of these helps customers make safer choices.

Common ingredients include:

• Chicken breast
• Peanuts
• Soy-based sauce
• Bell peppers and zucchini
• Dried red chili peppers

Allergen note:

Kung Pao Chicken contains peanuts and soy and is prepared in a shared kitchen, so it may not be suitable for people with nut or soy allergies.

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken – Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (8 oz)
• Soy sauce (2 tsp)
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (2 tsp)
• Cornstarch (1 tsp)
• Neutral oil (1 tsp)

Vegetables & Add-ins

• Zucchini (1 cup, diced)
• Red bell pepper (1 cup, diced)
• Onion (½ cup, diced)
• Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced)
• Dried red chilies or Sichuan peppercorns
• Roasted peanuts (⅓ cup)

Kung Pao Chicken Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is what gives Kung Pao Chicken its signature flavor.

• Chicken stock (⅓ cup)
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp)
• Oyster sauce (1 tbsp)
• Black vinegar (1 tbsp)
• Sugar (½ tbsp)
• Chili crisp or chili paste (1 tbsp)
• Sesame oil (½ tbsp)
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp)

Best Sides to Pair with Kung Pao Chicken

For a more balanced meal, pair Kung Pao Chicken with:

• Super Greens
• Steamed white rice
• Steamed brown rice

Avoid doubling up on fried sides if you’re watching calories or sodium.

Who Should Choose Kung Pao Chicken?

Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is a great choice for:

• Spicy food lovers
• Those avoiding sweet sauces
• Customers wanting bold flavor
• People looking for variety beyond fried entrées

Customization Tips for a Healthier Meal

You can make Kung Pao Chicken more balanced by:

• Choosing Super Greens as a side
• Skipping fried sides
• Drinking water instead of sugary drinks
• Keeping portion size moderate

These small changes help reduce overall calories and sodium.

FAQ’s