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The Ultimate Guide to Panda Express Chicken Potsticker Calories (Everything You Need to Know!)

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Have you ever found yourself standing in line at Panda Express, stomach growling, eyeing those delicious chicken potstickers, but wondering if they’ll wreck your diet? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves Chinese food but tries to watch my calorie intake, I totally understand the struggle That’s why I decided to dig deep into the nutrition facts of Panda Express chicken potstickers and share everything I’ve learned with you!

Quick Calorie Breakdown

Before we dive into all the details, let’s get straight to the point. According to different reliable sources, here’s what you need to know about Panda Express chicken potsticker calories:

Calories in Panda Express Chicken Potstickers:

  • CalorieKing: 160 calories per serving (3 pieces/3.3 oz)
  • FastFoodNutrition.org: 220 calories per serving (3 pieces)
  • EatThisMuch.com: 220 calories per serving (3 pieces/94g)

Hmm, that’s interesting! There’s actually a difference in the calorie count depending on the source. Let’s explore more to understand why and what other nutritional components these tasty dumplings contain.

Nutritional Facts Breakdown

Let’s compare the detailed nutritional information from our various sources

From CalorieKing:

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 6g (9% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g (8% DV)
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
  • Sodium: 250mg (10% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 6g

From FastFoodNutrition.org:

  • Calories: 220
  • Calories From Fat: 100
  • Total Fat: 11g (17% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV)
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
  • Sodium: 280mg (12% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 23g (8% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 7g

From EatThisMuch.com:

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 11g (14% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 2g (12% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
  • Sodium: 280mg (12% DV)
  • Carbs: 23g (8% DV)
  • Net Carbs: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
  • Glucose: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Macronutrient Breakdown: 45% fat, 42% carbs, 13% protein

Why the Calorie Discrepancy?

You might be wondering why there’s a difference between the 160 calories reported by CalorieKing and the 220 calories reported by the other sources This could be due to

  1. Different serving sizes: While all sources mention 3 pieces per serving, the weight differs (3.3 oz vs. 94g/about 3.3 oz)
  2. Menu changes: Panda Express might have updated their recipe since CalorieKing collected their data
  3. Different measurement methods: Different testing methods can yield different results

Based on multiple sources showing 220 calories, this is likely the most accurate and up-to-date calorie count for Panda Express chicken potstickers.

Are Panda Express Chicken Potstickers Healthy?

According to FastFoodNutrition.org, 61% of their website visitors consider Panda Express chicken potstickers to be healthy. But is this really the case? Let’s break it down:

Pros:

  • Moderate calorie content compared to many other fast food options
  • Contains protein (6-7g per serving)
  • Low in sugar (2g per serving)
  • Contains dietary fiber (1g per serving)
  • No trans fat
  • Tasty (88% of voters on FastFoodNutrition.org think they taste good!)

Cons:

  • Relatively high in sodium (250-280mg per serving)
  • Contains 6-11g of fat (sources vary)
  • Has 20-23g of carbs per serving
  • Small serving size (just 3 pieces might leave you wanting more)

Calorie Burn Time

Ever wondered how long it would take to burn off those potsticker calories? According to CalorieKing, for a 160-calorie serving, you’d need:

  • Swimming: 13 minutes
  • Jogging: 18 minutes
  • Cycling: 24 minutes
  • Walking: 45 minutes

These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs.

For the more likely 220-calorie serving, FastFoodNutrition.org suggests:

  • Running: 19 minutes
  • Walking: 31 minutes

Weight Watchers Points

If you’re following Weight Watchers, FastFoodNutrition.org provides these point values for a serving of chicken potstickers:

  • SmartPoints: 7
  • PointsPlus: 6
  • Freestyle: 5

How Do Panda Express Chicken Potstickers Compare to Other Menu Items?

While I haven’t included a comprehensive comparison of all Panda Express menu items (that would make this article way too long!), chicken potstickers are generally considered one of the moderate calorie options. They’re not the lightest item on the menu, but they’re far from the heaviest.

For context, a single serving of Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef will typically contain significantly more calories, while steamed vegetables would contain less.

Tips for Enjoying Chicken Potstickers While Watching Calories

If you love Panda Express chicken potstickers but are trying to watch your calorie intake, here are some tips that work for me:

  1. Share a serving: Split those 3 pieces with a friend to cut your calorie intake in half
  2. Balance your meal: Pair potstickers with steamed vegetables or other lower-calorie options
  3. Make it your treat: Consider potstickers an occasional treat rather than an everyday food
  4. Ask about preparation: Some locations might offer steamed rather than fried potstickers
  5. Track your intake: Add your potstickers to your food diary or tracking app to maintain awareness
  6. Eat mindfully: Enjoy each bite slowly to maximize satisfaction from your serving

Homemade Alternatives

If you’re craving potstickers but want more control over the ingredients and cooking method, you might consider making them at home! While not identical to Panda Express, homemade potstickers can be:

  • Lower in sodium
  • Lower in fat (if you steam or air-fry them)
  • Higher in vegetables (add more veggies to the filling)
  • Portion-controlled to your preferences

My Personal Take

I’ve gotta be honest – I LOVE Panda Express chicken potstickers! They’re one of my go-to options when I’m craving Chinese food but don’t want to completely blow my calorie budget. At around 220 calories for 3 pieces, they’re not exactly a diet food, but they’re a reasonable option for an occasional treat.

What I usually do is order the potstickers along with some steamed veggies or a small serving of Super Greens to balance things out. This way, I get to enjoy the flavors I’m craving without going overboard on calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in one Panda Express chicken potsticker?

Based on the 220-calorie count for 3 pieces, a single chicken potsticker would contain approximately 73-74 calories.

Are Panda Express chicken potstickers fried or steamed?

Panda Express chicken potstickers are typically pan-fried, which contributes to their fat content and crispy texture on one side.

What’s inside Panda Express chicken potstickers?

While Panda Express doesn’t publish their exact recipe, traditional chicken potstickers contain ground chicken, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, and various seasonings wrapped in a thin dough wrapper.

Can I eat Panda Express chicken potstickers on a diet?

Yes, you can include them in most diets if you account for their calorie and macronutrient content. They may be more challenging to fit into low-carb diets due to their carbohydrate content.

How many carbs are in Panda Express chicken potstickers?

According to our sources, they contain between 20-23g of carbohydrates per 3-piece serving.

Conclusion

Understanding the calories in Panda Express chicken potstickers can help you make informed choices about including them in your diet. With approximately 220 calories per 3-piece serving, they can be part of a balanced meal plan when enjoyed in moderation.

While different sources may report slightly different nutritional information, the consensus shows these popular appetizers contain moderate calories, some protein, and relatively low sugar content, but also provide a fair amount of sodium and fat.

Whether you’re counting calories, following Weight Watchers, or just trying to make healthier choices, knowing the nutritional facts about your favorite foods empowers you to enjoy them mindfully.

So next time you’re standing in line at Panda Express, you can confidently decide whether those delicious chicken potstickers deserve a place on your plate!

calories in panda express chicken potsticker

1 serving of Chicken Potstickers (3 Pcs) contains 160 calories (kcal), 0 g fat, 20.0 g carbs and 0 g protein.

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