HomeBlogProtein Guide
Protein Guide

Highest Protein Items at Panda Express — Ranked (2026)

Updated March 2026 · 5 min read · Data from official Panda Express nutrition information

Quick Answer

Teriyaki Chicken leads the Panda Express menu with 41g of protein per serving. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken delivers 33g of protein for just 275 calories — the best protein-to-calorie ratio on the menu. Black Pepper Sirloin Steak offers 19g protein at 180 calories.

Every Panda Express Entree Ranked by Protein

EntreeProteinCaloriesCal/g protein
Teriyaki Chicken41g3408.3
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken33g2758.3
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak19g1809.5
Wok-Fired Shrimp17g19011.2
Kung Pao Chicken17g32018.8
Hot Orange Chicken17g55032.4
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast16g34021.3
Orange Chicken16g51031.9
Steamed Ginger Fish15g20013.3
Broccoli Beef15g15010.0
Sweetfire Chicken Breast15g36024.0
Beijing Beef14g47033.6
Mushroom Chicken13g22016.9
Black Pepper Chicken13g28021.5
Honey Walnut Shrimp13g43033.1
String Bean Chicken Breast12g21017.5
Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast10g30030.0
Potato Chicken8g19023.8
Super Greens (entree)6g9015.0
Eggplant Tofu7g34048.6

The Best Protein-to-Calorie Choices

Absolute protein grams tell one story. But if you're also watching calories, the ratio matters more. Here are the standouts:

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

33g protein / 275 cal — 8.3 cal per gram of protein. The best ratio on the menu by a wide margin. Not fried, lower sodium (470mg), and genuinely satisfying.

Best Ratio

Broccoli Beef

15g protein / 150 cal — 10 cal per gram. A sleeper pick. Low sodium too at 520mg. Great for adding protein without adding many calories.

Best Value

Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

19g protein / 180 cal — 9.5 cal per gram. One of the most underrated items on the menu. Lean protein from sirloin steak at a low calorie cost.

Underrated Pick

High-Protein Plate Combinations

Super Greens + Grilled Teriyaki + Black Pepper Sirloin Steak

61g protein

585 cal

Super Greens + Broccoli Beef + Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

57g protein

555 cal

White Steamed Rice + Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Bowl)

43g protein

795 cal

Super Greens + Teriyaki Chicken (Bowl)

50g protein

470 cal

What About Protein in Sides?

Sides aren't much of a protein source. Chow Mein has 15g of protein, but costs 600 calories. Super Greens side is the clear winner — 9g of protein for only 130 calories. If protein per calorie matters to you, make Super Greens your side every time.

For a deeper look at how different items interact, the nutrition calculator shows protein totals live as you build your order.

Track Protein Across Your Full Order

Add any items and see your total protein in real time — plus calories, fat, carbs, and sodium.

Open Nutrition Calculator →

Common Questions

What has the most protein at Panda Express?

Teriyaki Chicken has the most protein at 41g per serving, followed by Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at 33g. Among beef options, Black Pepper Sirloin Steak delivers 19g of protein at just 180 calories.

What Panda Express item has the best protein-to-calorie ratio?

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken has the best ratio at 33g protein for 275 calories (about 8.3 calories per gram of protein). Broccoli Beef (15g / 150 cal) and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (19g / 180 cal) are close runners-up.

How much protein is in Orange Chicken at Panda Express?

Orange Chicken has 16g of protein per serving (5.92 oz). The calorie cost is 510 — so while the protein is decent in absolute terms, the calorie-to-protein ratio isn't great compared to lighter options.

Can you build a high-protein Panda Express meal?

Easily. A Plate with Super Greens + Grilled Teriyaki Chicken + Black Pepper Sirloin Steak delivers about 61g of protein for around 585 calories. A Bowl with just Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and White Steamed Rice gives you 43g of protein.

Is there a high-protein, low-calorie option at Panda Express?

Broccoli Beef stands out — 150 calories and 15g protein. Black Pepper Sirloin Steak is even better at 180 calories and 19g protein. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken delivers 33g protein for 275 calories.

More Panda Express Guides