Hey foodies! Ever found yourself standing in line at Panda Express stomach growling and wondering if that delicious-looking Mushroom Chicken is gonna wreck your diet? I’ve been there too many times to count. Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the calories and nutrition in one of Panda’s most popular dishes.
What Exactly Is Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about what makes this dish so craveable. Panda Express Mushroom Chicken features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with mushrooms in a savory sauce. It’s one of their lighter options but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
The Calorie Breakdown
Let’s get right to the main question: how many calories are in Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
A single serving (5,7 oz) of Mushroom Chicken contains 220 calories
That’s actually pretty reasonable for a fast food entrée! Here’s how those calories break down
- Calories from fat: 130 calories (about 59% of total calories)
- Total fat: 14g (22% of daily value)
- Protein: 12-13g (24% of daily value)
- Carbohydrates: 10-11g (4% of daily value)
Complete Nutritional Information
For those of you tracking your macros or specific nutrients, here’s the complete nutritional profile of a standard serving:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 840mg | 35% |
| Total Carbs | 10-11g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 4-5g | – |
| Protein | 12-13g | 24% |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Is Mushroom Chicken Healthy?
The big question! According to customer surveys, about 82% of people consider Panda Express Mushroom Chicken to be a healthy option. I’d say they’re onto something.
The Good Stuff:
- Moderate calories: At 220 calories per serving, it’s one of the lighter entrées at Panda Express
- Decent protein: With 12-13g of protein, it helps keep you full
- Low in carbs: Only 10-11g of carbohydrates
- No trans fat: Always a plus!
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Sodium: At 840mg (35% of daily value), it’s pretty high in salt
- Fat content: 14g isn’t terrible, but it’s still 22% of your daily value
Allergen Information
For my friends with food sensitivities, here’s what you need to know:
Contains:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Sesame
- Gluten
Does Not Contain:
- Egg
- Fish
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
How Long Will It Take to Burn Off?
If you’re wondering how much exercise you’ll need to do to work off your Mushroom Chicken, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Swimming: About 18 minutes
- Jogging: Around 25 minutes
- Cycling: Approximately 34 minutes
- Walking: About 61 minutes
These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, so your results may vary.
Weight Watchers Points
For my Weight Watchers fam:
- Freestyle Points: 5
- SmartPoints: 7
- PointsPlus: 6
How Does It Compare to Other Panda Express Options?
Mushroom Chicken is actually one of the better choices at Panda Express in terms of calories and nutrition. Let’s compare it to some other popular items:
- Orange Chicken: Usually around 490 calories per serving (more than double!)
- Beijing Beef: Typically around 470 calories per serving
- Kung Pao Chicken: Usually around 290 calories per serving
Tips for Making Your Panda Express Meal Healthier
If you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side but still wanna enjoy your Panda fix, here are some tips:
- Choose Mushroom Chicken as your protein (obviously!)
- Pair it with Super Greens or mixed veggies instead of fried rice or chow mein
- Skip the sugary drinks and go for water or unsweetened tea
- Share your sides with a friend to cut down on portions
- Ask for sauce on the side so you can control how much you add
What People Are Saying
According to user reviews, Mushroom Chicken isn’t just relatively healthy – it’s also delicious! About 95% of voters think it tastes good. That’s pretty impressive for a healthier option!
My Personal Experience
I gotta be honest with y’all – I’m a big Panda Express fan, and Mushroom Chicken is my go-to when I’m trying to be “good” but still want something tasty. The combination of tender chicken and mushrooms hits the spot without making me feel like I’ve blown my calorie budget for the day.
Last week, I was rushing between meetings and grabbed a Mushroom Chicken bowl with half Super Greens and half steamed rice. It was filling enough to keep me going all afternoon, and I didn’t get that heavy, sluggish feeling I sometimes get after fast food.
The Bottom Line
At 220 calories per serving, Panda Express Mushroom Chicken is definitely one of the better options if you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy some fast-food Chinese. The protein content is decent, and the carbs are relatively low.
That said, be mindful of the sodium content – at 840mg per serving, it’s definitely on the salty side. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to balance it out with lower-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day.
FAQ About Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
How many calories are in a full order of Mushroom Chicken?
A standard serving of Mushroom Chicken is 5.7 oz and contains 220 calories. If you’re getting a larger portion or a plate with sides, the calorie count will be higher.
Is Mushroom Chicken gluten-free?
No, Mushroom Chicken contains wheat and gluten, so it’s not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
How much protein is in Panda Express Mushroom Chicken?
It contains 12-13g of protein per serving, which is about 24% of the daily recommended value.
Is Mushroom Chicken keto-friendly?
With 10-11g of carbs per serving, it’s lower in carbs than many fast food options, but might still be too high for strict keto diets. If you’re doing a more flexible low-carb approach, it could potentially fit in your plan.
Can I eat Mushroom Chicken if I’m dairy-free?
Yes! Mushroom Chicken doesn’t contain milk products, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
In the world of fast food, finding options that won’t completely derail your nutrition goals can be challenging. Panda Express Mushroom Chicken offers a pretty good balance of flavor and nutrition, with a reasonable calorie count and decent protein.
Next time you’re at the mall food court or need a quick lunch option, Mushroom Chicken with a side of veggies could be a solid choice. Just be aware of that sodium content, and maybe don’t add extra soy sauce!
And remember, the occasional indulgence is part of a balanced lifestyle. Sometimes you just need that sweet and sour chicken, and that’s totally OK too!
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