Panda Express Entree Sizes: What to Expect

When calling your favorite Chinese restaurant for pickup, a perennial question pops up: “Should I order a small, regular, or large?” At the popular fast casual chain Panda Express, they structure entree sizes differently, using single-serve portions and family meals instead of small, medium, and large categories. Understanding Panda Express’ unique entree sizes sets clear expectations on what an individual guest or a group should order. In this post we talk about Panda Express Entree Sizes: What to Expect.

Single-Serve Entrees

The bulk of Panda Express’ menu features single-serve entrees tailored to individual diners. These dishes come automatically served in the same portions, regardless if ordering in-store or for takeout/delivery. Signature entrees like their Original Orange Chicken, String Bean Chicken Breast, and Kung Pao Chicken contain three cups of food, or approximately 26-30 ounces by weight.

Side dishes like Chow Mein also hold around three cups per order. Other sides like steamed or fried Rice provide two cups, or 16 ounces. For a solo diner interested in a complete meal, ordering one main entree and one or two sides makes for a satisfying single-serve Panda Express experience.

Family Meals

Groups, especially families or those with larger appetites, benefit more from Panda Express’ Family Meals options. Entrees specifically designated as Family Meals include servings of:

– Half Chicken: two bone-in chicken halves cut into smaller pieces with sauce, served with 16-20 oz of either fried rice or mixed veggies. Enough for 2-3 people.

– Kung Pao Half Chicken or String Bean Chicken Breast: 3 lbs of chicken with sauce and two 16 oz sides to feed 3+ people.

– Family Feast: Choice of chicken or beef with fried rice, chow mein, spring roll, and vegetable. Feeds 4+ diners.

Panda Express often discounts these family-style options, making them an economical way to serve groups. Diners can also build customized Family Meals by ordering multiple individual entrees and sides in scaled portions.

Plate Sizes

Understanding Panda Express’ unique single-serve strategy makes it easier to visualize realistic plate sizes. With their three-cup entree standard, filling a 12-inch dinner plate requires at least:

– 1 entree (26-30 oz)
– 1 or 2 sides like Chow Mein or Rice (48 oz total)

This combination creates a generously filled 12-inch plate. Guests who want a lighter sampling can ask for half portions of sides like Rice or Chow Mein. Build a balanced plate with an entree, a moderate portion of carbs, and non-starchy veggies like steamed broccoli beef.

For hearty appetites, or to serve multiple people, filling larger 14-16 inch platters simply requires doubling up on main dishes and sides. With 54-60+ ounces of food, two full entrees plus sides amply cover party-sized platters.

The Takeaway

Thanks to its distinct single-serve and family meal categories, Panda Express makes it easy to determine how much food you actually need. Understanding the standard three-cup entree size helps individuals order a proper single meal. Groups can simplify ordering with Panda’s Family Meals tailor-made to serve 4+ people. While Panda serves an array of classics like Orange Chicken and Chow Mein, they dish out servings in their own signature fashion. Keeping their entree sizes in mind results in perfect individual and group orders every time. I hope this Panda Express Entree Sizes: What to Expect post helps you.