Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken: A Complete Calorie Breakdown You Need to Know

Are you craving some delicious Asian-inspired fast food but worried about your calorie intake? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves Panda Express but tries to make healthier choices, I wanted to find out exactly how many calories are in their teriyaki chicken. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this popular menu item!

The Quick Answer: Calories in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the straight answer: A serving of Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken contains 340 calories. This is based on their standard 6 oz serving size.

But there’s a lot more to know about this dish than just the calorie count!

Detailed Nutrition Breakdown of Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s take a closer look at what makes up those 340 calories in a standard serving:

*Based on a 2000 calorie diet

As you can see, Teriyaki Chicken is actually pretty impressive when it comes to protein! With 41 grams per serving, it provides a significant amount of your daily protein needs.

Where Do The Calories Come From?

Understanding the calorie distribution helps us make better food choices. In Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

• 50% of calories come from protein
• 33% of calories come from fat
• 17% of calories come from carbohydrates

This makes Teriyaki Chicken a relatively protein-rich option compared to many other fast food choices!

Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?

According to customer ratings from one of the sources, approximately 80% of voters consider Teriyaki Chicken to be a healthy option from Panda Express. But what does the nutrition data tell us?

The Good Points:

• High in protein (41g per serving)
• Moderate in calories (340 calories isn’t excessive for a main dish)
• Contains dietary fiber (3g)
• Zero trans fat

The Watch-Outs:

• Sodium content (630mg, which is 26% of recommended daily intake)
• Cholesterol (195mg, or 65% of daily value)
• Sugar content (10g, which is significant for a savory dish)

Allergen Information You Should Know

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, it’s important to know what’s in your Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken:

Contains:

• Gluten
• Soy
• Wheat

Does Not Contain:

• Egg
• Fish
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Tree nuts
• Sesame

Remember tho, most fast food restaurants can’t guarantee complete allergen-free preparation because they use shared equipment.

How Teriyaki Chicken Fits Into Your Diet Plan

For Weight Watchers Members

If you’re following Weight Watchers, here are the points for Teriyaki Chicken:

• 6 Weight Watchers Freestyle Points
• 8 WW SmartPoints
• 8 WW PointsPlus

Exercise Equivalents

To burn off the 340 calories in a serving of Teriyaki Chicken, you would need to:

• Run for approximately 30 minutes
• Walk for approximately 49 minutes

These estimates can vary depending on your weight, intensity of exercise, and other factors.

How Does Teriyaki Chicken Compare to Other Panda Express Options?

Panda Express offers various chicken options, and it’s helpful to know how Teriyaki Chicken compares to them. Some alternatives include:

1. Black Pepper Chicken
2. Kung Pao Chicken
3. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (which is a variation of the regular Teriyaki Chicken)

While I don’t have the complete nutritional breakdown for these alternatives right in front of me, Teriyaki Chicken is generally considered one of the healthier protein options at Panda Express because of its high protein content and relatively moderate calorie count.

Making Your Panda Express Meal Healthier

If you’re trying to enjoy Panda Express while watching your calorie intake, here are some tips:

• Pair Teriyaki Chicken with steamed rice instead of fried rice to reduce calories
• Add a side of veggies to increase fiber and nutrients without adding many calories
• Skip the sugary drinks and opt for water or unsweetened tea
• Be mindful of sauces which can add hidden calories and sodium
• Consider sharing a portion since restaurant servings are often larger than necessary

Why People Love Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

It’s not just about the nutrition facts – people genuinely enjoy this dish! According to customer satisfaction data, an impressive 94% of voters think Teriyaki Chicken tastes good. That’s a pretty strong endorsement!

The combination of tender chicken pieces glazed with slightly sweet teriyaki sauce hits the spot when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to completely derail your nutrition goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken keto-friendly?

With 14g of carbs per serving, it’s not ideal for strict keto diets, but it’s lower in carbs than many other fast food options.

Can I eat Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken if I’m trying to lose weight?

Yes! At 340 calories with 41g of protein, it can be incorporated into a weight loss plan, especially when paired with vegetables instead of high-calorie sides.

Does Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken contain MSG?

The sources don’t specifically mention MSG content. If you’re sensitive to MSG, you might want to check directly with the restaurant.

How much sugar is in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken?

It contains 10g of sugar per serving, which comes primarily from the teriyaki sauce.

Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

No, it contains gluten, wheat, and soy, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Making an Informed Choice

When deciding what to order at Panda Express, the Teriyaki Chicken offers a decent balance of taste and nutrition. With 340 calories, it’s neither the lightest nor the heaviest option on the menu. The high protein content (41g) makes it particularly satisfying and potentially beneficial for muscle maintenance and hunger control.

However, if you’re watching your sodium or cholesterol intake, you might want to enjoy this dish occasionally rather than regularly due to its relatively high sodium (630mg) and cholesterol (195mg) content.

Conclusion: Is Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Worth the Calories?

So, coming back to our original question about how many calories are in Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken – we now know it’s 340 calories per 6 oz serving. But more importantly, we understand what makes up those calories and how this dish fits into various dietary patterns.

For me, Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken is a reasonable choice when I’m looking for a fast food option that won’t completely throw off my nutrition goals. The 41 grams of protein is impressive, and the taste satisfaction is high according to most customers.

As with any restaurant food, moderation is key. Enjoying Teriyaki Chicken occasionally as part of an otherwise balanced diet seems perfectly reasonable for most people without specific dietary restrictions.

What’s your go-to order at Panda Express? Do you pair the Teriyaki Chicken with anything specific? I’d love to hear about your favorite combinations in the comments!

Remember, making informed food choices is about balance, not perfection. Sometimes, knowing exactly what you’re eating – like the 340 calories in that delicious serving of Teriyaki Chicken – is half the battle!