Highest Protein at Panda Express
Panda Express's menu ranked by Protein Density — the share of calories that come from protein. The best pick here is the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at 48% (33g protein in 275 calories). 2 items hit Platinum tier; 4 are protein traps.
8 items tracked · sorted by Protein Density · US menu
Panda Express' best item — Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at 48% Protein Density (Platinum tier) — ranks 3rd of 9 chains by that measure.
| # | Item | Protein | Calories | Density % of calories from protein | g / 100 cal | Tier | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grilled Teriyaki Chicken 1 entree (6.0 oz) | 33g | 275 | 48% | 12g | Platinum | Complete |
| 2 | Broccoli Beef 1 entree (5.44 oz) | 15g | 150 | 40% | 10g | Platinum | Complete |
| 3 | String Bean Chicken Breast 1 entree (5.6 oz) | 12g | 210 | 22.9% | 5.7g | Silver | Complete |
| 4 | Kung Pao Chicken 1 entree (6.73 oz) | 17g | 320 | 21.3% | 5.3g | Silver | Complete |
| 5 | Orange Chicken 1 entree (5.92 oz) | 16g | 510 | 12.5% | 3.1g | Avoid | Complete |
| 6 | Beijing Beef 1 entree (5.6 oz) | 14g | 470 | 11.9% | 3g | Avoid | Complete |
| 7 | Chow Mein 1 side (11.0 oz) | 15g | 600 | 10% | 2.5g | Avoid | Complementary |
| 8 | Fried Rice 1 side (11.0 oz) | 13g | 620 | 8.4% | 2.1g | Avoid | Complementary |
Protein up, sodium up
Each dot is one Panda Express menu item. Up-and-right is where "high protein" starts costing you something else.
RING + DARK LABEL = TOP 3 SODIUM · THIN RING + LIGHT LABEL = TOP 3 PROTEIN
RING + DARK LABEL = TOP 3 SODIUM · THIN RING + LIGHT LABEL = TOP 3 PROTEIN
| Item | Protein | Sodium | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kung Pao Chicken | 17 g | 1050 mg | 21.3% |
| Chow Mein | 15 g | 1000 mg | 10% |
| Fried Rice | 13 g | 1000 mg | 8.4% |
| Orange Chicken | 16 g | 850 mg | 12.5% |
| Beijing Beef | 14 g | 600 mg | 11.9% |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | 12 g | 560 mg | 22.9% |
| Broccoli Beef | 15 g | 520 mg | 40% |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 33 g | 470 mg | 48% |
Is Grilled Teriyaki Chicken enough?
Even the best Panda Express pick only helps if it fits your daily target. Calculate how much protein you need, then decide whether to order here or grab a denser option.
Panda Express and protein: common questions
What is the highest protein food at Panda Express?
The Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken has the most protein of any food on the menu we track: 33g of protein in 275 calories — a 48% Protein Density.
How much protein is in the Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
The Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken has 33g of protein and 275 calories — a 48% Protein Density.
How much protein is in Panda Express food?
Across the 8 Panda Express items we track, protein ranges from 12g to 33g per item, depending on what you order.
Is Panda Express a good source of protein?
2 of 8 Panda Express items we track reach Gold tier or better. 4 are Avoid tier — under 15% of calories from protein despite how it's marketed. Order by Protein Density, not the menu description.
Other chains
Same Protein Density scoring, different drive-thru.
Highest protein at McDonald's →
Highest protein at Starbucks →
Highest protein at Tim Hortons →
Highest protein at Chipotle →
Highest protein at Taco Bell →
Highest protein at Panera Bread →
Highest protein at Chick-fil-A →
Highest protein at Subway →