Crispy Almond Chicken Breast
Crispy Almond Chicken Breast at Panda Express is a flavorful dish that features crispy chicken breast pieces topped with a savory almond sauce, garnished with sliced almonds. It’s one of the higher-calorie entrees on the menu, but it also provides a rich combination of textures and flavors, including the crunch of the chicken and the nuttiness of the almonds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this dish, including its calories, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and recommendations.
Calories
A typical serving of Crispy Almond Chicken Breast (about 5.8 oz or 164 grams) contains approximately 330 calories. While this is lower in calories compared to some of the other fried chicken dishes (such as Orange Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken), the calories can add up quickly depending on the portion size and any sides or sauces you add.
Ingredients
The dish is made with crispy chicken breast pieces and a savory almond sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces, battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection)
- Almonds (sliced almonds are used for topping, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor)
- Almond Sauce (a savory sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and possibly other seasonings)
- Canola or Vegetable Oil (used for frying the chicken, contributing to the dish’s fat content)
- Seasonings (including soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to enhance the flavor of the sauce)
- Cornstarch (likely used in the batter to help crisp up the chicken during frying)
The dish is typically garnished with sliced almonds, which add a nice crunch and complement the savory sauce.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s an estimated breakdown of Crispy Almond Chicken Breast at Panda Express, based on a typical serving size (5.8 oz or 164g):
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 21g
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 11g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 2% of the DV
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
Key Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein (21g), thanks to the chicken breast.
- Moderate in fat (18g), mainly from the frying oil and the almond sauce.
- Moderate sodium content (720mg), which is typical for many of Panda Express’s entree dishes.
- The dish contains sugars (11g), mostly from the almond sauce’s sweet components.
Allergens
The Crispy Almond Chicken Breast contains several common allergens. These are:
- Chicken (main ingredient)
- Soy (from the soy sauce used in the almond sauce)
- Wheat (the batter used to coat the chicken breast may contain wheat flour)
- Almonds (the dish is topped with sliced almonds, so it’s important to be aware of potential nut allergies)
- Eggs (likely used in the batter to help the coating adhere)
The dish is not suitable for people with nut allergies, particularly almond allergies. If you have any concerns about allergens, it’s best to confirm with Panda Express staff, especially given the potential for cross-contact in the kitchen.
Recommendation
For a Flavorful and Filling Option: Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is a great choice if you’re craving something savory with a crunch. It pairs well with sides like White Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, or Super Greens, depending on whether you’re looking for a more balanced or indulgent meal.
For Lower Calories or Fat: If you are watching your calories or fat intake, Crispy Almond Chicken Breast might not be the best choice since it’s deep-fried and has moderate fat content. A better option for a lighter meal would be Grilled Chicken or a vegetable-heavy side like Super Greens.
For Protein Seekers: With 21g of protein per serving, this dish can be a satisfying option for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially when paired with a side of brown rice or quinoa brown fried rice for extra fiber and nutrition.
For Those Watching Sodium: The dish contains 720mg of sodium per serving, which can be high depending on your dietary needs. If you’re concerned about sodium, you might want to balance it with lower-sodium options like Super Greens or Steamed Rice.
For Nut Allergy Sufferers: If you have an allergy to nuts, especially almonds, you should avoid this dish. If you’re not allergic to nuts but prefer to avoid them, you might want to request it without the almonds (though this would change the dish’s flavor and texture).
Pairing with Low-Sodium Sauces: If you’re concerned about the sodium content, you could ask for a lower-sodium soy sauce or other condiments that are available to reduce the salt content in the meal.
Overall, Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is a great option for those who want a delicious and crunchy dish, but it’s important to consider the calorie and sodium content if you’re watching your intake. If you’re looking for a lighter, lower-sodium option, consider pairing it with lighter sides or opting for a grilled protein.
Please Note: Prices may vary by location, size, and local pricing policies. Generally, you can expect it for a standard size. For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to check the Panda Express Mobile App or visit a local store.
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