If you’ve ever stood in front of a Panda Express counter, overwhelmed by the steamy trays of orange-glazed chicken, savory noodles, and sizzling beef, you’re not alone. With so many tempting options on the menu, deciding what to order can feel like a delicious dilemma. Do you play it safe with your usual Orange Chicken? Take a risk on the Black Pepper Sirloin Steak? Or mix and match for a little bit of everything? At some point, we’ve all wondered: Which dishes at Panda Express are actually worth it—and which ones fall flat?
To settle the score once and for all, we dove fork-first into a lineup of 15 popular Panda Express menu items. From longtime classics to sleeper hits (and even a few polarizing picks), we tasted, tested, and ranked them based on flavor, texture, consistency, and overall satisfaction. Our mission? To help you navigate the menu with confidence—and maybe even discover a new go-to favorite along the way. Whether you’re a loyal fan of the Honey Walnut Shrimp or still heartbroken over your last bland scoop of Fried Rice, this definitive list has something to say about it. Spoiler: some crowd-pleasers didn’t make the top five. Others surprised us in all the right ways.
So before your next Panda Express run, scroll through our list and see how your favorites stack up. You might just find a new must-order—or breathe a sigh of relief that your usual order is ranked right where it belongs. Either way, your next combo plate is about to get a whole lot more satisfying. Ready to dig in? Let’s count down from the most forgettable to the dish that deserves its crown.
15. Fried Rice
Starting at the bottom of our list, fried rice serves as the foundation that unfortunately crumbles under scrutiny. While it fills the belly, this side dish lacks the bold flavors that make Panda Express special.
Most customers grab it as an afterthought, pairing it with more exciting entrees. The rice often tastes bland and underseasoned, missing the wok hei (breath of the wok) that great fried rice should have.
Skip this basic option and choose chow mein or steamed rice instead. Your taste buds will thank you for making a more flavorful choice.
14. Mushroom Chicken
Mushroom chicken sounds promising on paper, but execution falls short of expectations. The dish drowns in an overly thick, gloopy sauce that masks any natural flavors from the ingredients.
Chicken pieces often turn mushy from sitting too long in the warming trays. The mushrooms lack that satisfying bite, becoming soggy and unappetizing after hours under heat lamps.
While some diners appreciate the savory profile, most find the texture off-putting. Better options exist on the menu that showcase Panda’s cooking skills more effectively than this underwhelming combination.
13. Eggplant Tofu
Vegetarian options at fast-food chains often disappoint, and eggplant tofu walks that fine line between bold and bizarre. The dish offers complex flavors that some love and others find too intense.
Purple eggplant chunks pair with soft tofu cubes in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. When fresh, the vegetables maintain their texture beautifully, creating an interesting contrast.
However, this combination polarizes customers more than any other menu item. Adventurous eaters might discover their new favorite, while traditionalists often regret their choice and stick to familiar proteins next time.
12. String Bean Chicken Breast
Health-conscious diners gravitate toward string bean chicken breast, hoping for a lighter alternative to heavier options. The dish delivers on nutrition but stumbles when it comes to memorable flavors.
Crisp green beans provide a satisfying crunch alongside tender white meat chicken. The light sauce allows the natural ingredients to shine through without overwhelming them.
Unfortunately, subtle often translates to boring in the fast-food world. While perfectly adequate, this dish lacks the punch that keeps customers coming back for more. It serves its purpose but rarely excites.
11. Honey Sesame Chicken Breast
Sweet meets nutty in this honey sesame creation that shows promise but delivers inconsistent results. When prepared correctly, the combination of flavors creates a delightful eating experience.
Golden chicken pieces get coated in sesame seeds and a glossy honey glaze. Mixed vegetables add color and crunch, though the ratio varies wildly from serving to serving.
Some portions overflow with vegetables while others contain mostly chicken, making each visit a gamble. The sweet profile appeals to many palates, but the unpredictable ingredient distribution keeps it from ranking higher on our list.
10. Broccoli Beef
A classic combination that appears on every Chinese-American menu, broccoli beef represents comfort food at its most basic level. The dish combines tender beef slices with bright green broccoli florets.
Parents often choose this option for kids, knowing the familiar flavors won’t cause any dinner table drama. The brown sauce provides just enough flavor without being too adventurous or spicy.
While perfectly acceptable, broccoli beef lacks the excitement that elevates good dishes to great ones. It fills a reliable role on the menu but rarely generates enthusiasm or passionate recommendations from satisfied customers.
9. Chow Mein
Soft noodles tossed with cabbage and other vegetables create this satisfying side dish that many customers consider essential to their Panda Express experience. The texture provides a nice change from rice options.
Admittedly, the dish tends toward the greasy side, which some find off-putting while others embrace as part of its charm. The vegetables add crunch and freshness to balance the rich noodles.
Chow mein works best as a complement to spicier entrees, helping to cool the palate between bites. While not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well and earns its place as a solid menu staple.
8. Black Pepper Sirloin Steak
Steak at a Chinese fast-food chain might raise eyebrows, but black pepper sirloin delivers when prepared fresh. The bold pepper flavor provides a welcome kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Quality varies significantly depending on timing and preparation. Fresh batches showcase tender beef strips with perfectly balanced seasoning, while older portions can turn tough and chewy.
Onions and peppers add sweetness and crunch to complement the meat’s richness. When everything aligns perfectly, this dish punches well above its weight class and surprises skeptical diners with its satisfying depth.
7. Kung Pao Chicken
Spice lovers rejoice when they discover Kung Pao chicken hiding on the menu. This dish brings legitimate heat along with complex flavors that dance across your palate with each bite.
Diced chicken mingles with crunchy peanuts and dried chilies, creating textural variety that keeps things interesting. The sauce balances sweet, salty, and spicy elements masterfully.
Unlike many Americanized Chinese dishes, Kung Pao maintains some authenticity in its preparation and flavor profile. The heat level might surprise newcomers, but those who appreciate spicy food will find themselves returning for more punishment and pleasure.
6. Beijing Beef
Crispy meets sweet in this crowd-pleasing favorite that consistently draws long lines during lunch rush. Beijing beef combines perfectly battered and fried beef strips with colorful bell peppers.
The sweet and tangy sauce creates an addictive flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children. Each bite delivers satisfying crunch followed by tender meat inside the golden coating.
Bell peppers provide fresh contrast to the rich beef, while the vibrant colors make the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. This combination of textures and flavors explains why Beijing beef remains a top choice.
5. Honey Walnut Shrimp
Seafood skeptics often change their tune after trying honey walnut shrimp, Panda’s premium offering that justifies its higher price point. The dish showcases plump shrimp in golden, crispy batter.
Candied walnuts add sweetness and crunch, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Each component complements the others without overwhelming delicate shrimp flavors.
This upscale option proves that Panda Express can execute sophisticated dishes beyond basic stir-fries. The combination of textures and flavors creates a restaurant-quality experience that rivals more expensive establishments, making it worth the splurge.
4. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with smoky-sweet teriyaki sauce represent everything great about simple, well-executed comfort food. The grilling process adds depth that steamed or fried alternatives cannot match.
Dark meat stays moist and flavorful even after sitting under heat lamps for extended periods. The teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating an appealing appearance and complex taste.
Health-conscious diners appreciate this protein-forward option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. The familiar teriyaki profile makes it accessible to picky eaters while satisfying enough for adventurous palates seeking quality over novelty.
3. Chicken Egg Roll
Golden brown and impossibly crispy, chicken egg rolls serve as the perfect appetizer or side dish that disappears faster than you can order more. The wrapper shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
Inside, seasoned chicken mixes with vegetables to create a filling that’s both hearty and flavorful. The contrast between crispy exterior and tender interior makes every bite texturally interesting.
Unlike many frozen egg rolls found elsewhere, Panda’s version tastes fresh and well-seasoned throughout. They pair excellently with any main dish or work perfectly as a quick snack when you need something satisfying but not too heavy.
2. Black Pepper Chicken
Bold pepper flavor meets perfectly balanced vegetables in this runner-up that nearly claimed the top spot. Black pepper chicken showcases Panda’s ability to create complex, satisfying dishes.
Tender chicken chunks mingle with colorful bell peppers and onions, creating visual appeal alongside fantastic taste. The pepper-forward sauce provides warmth without overwhelming heat.
The vegetable-to-meat ratio hits the sweet spot, ensuring every forkful contains both protein and fresh crunch. This dish represents everything customers love about Panda Express: bold flavors, quality ingredients, and consistent execution that keeps them coming back.
1. The Original Orange Chicken
The undisputed champion of Panda Express, orange chicken represents everything that made this chain a household name across America. Sweet, crispy, and utterly addictive, it’s perfection in every bite.
Golden battered chicken pieces get coated in that famous orange sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The crispy texture holds up beautifully against the glossy glaze.
This signature dish has converted countless skeptics and created lifelong fans who visit Panda Express specifically for this orange-scented treasure. It’s the gold standard by which all other menu items are measured, and rightfully claims the crown.
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