Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express – A Tasty Healthy Choice
When I first tried Panda Express’ grilled teriyaki chicken, it felt like a bit of a revelation. Growing up in a small town near Chicago, where home-cooked meals were the heart of our family gatherings, the idea of enjoying a flavorful dish from a fast-food chain seemed a bit unusual. However, one afternoon while craving something satisfying but light, I decided to try their grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express. The combination of perfectly grilled chicken and a rich, slightly sweet sauce instantly took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smells of comfort food filled the air. This dish brings together the best of American comfort food with a touch of Asian influence—just like my own cooking style.
As I continued enjoying Panda Express’ grilled teriyaki chicken, I began to wonder—how healthy is it really? This question led me down a path of exploring the dish’s nutritional value, including how it compares to other menu items. If you’re craving a meal that’s tasty but doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the delicious and nutritious world of Panda Express’ grilled teriyaki chicken!
The grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express is a meal that offers the perfect balance between taste and health-conscious eating. Unlike many other fast food options, this dish is grilled rather than fried, which helps lower the fat content significantly. The chicken itself is marinated in a tangy, sweet teriyaki sauce, giving it a delicious depth of flavor without overwhelming your palate. As we dive deeper into the health benefits, it’s clear that this dish is one of the better options if you’re trying to stick to a balanced diet while still enjoying fast food.
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express – A Delicious Healthy Option
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express is a tasty and healthier option with a delicious combination of perfectly grilled chicken and a rich, slightly sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish brings comfort food together with a touch of Asian influence.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed vegetables (optional)
- Brown rice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the grilled chicken with a side of steamed vegetables and brown rice for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy!
Notes
For a healthier option, use less teriyaki sauce or serve with a side of vegetables instead of rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, grilled chicken, healthy choice, Panda Express copycat
Understanding the Health Factors of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken at Panda Express
If you’re wondering whether this meal really lives up to its reputation as a healthy option, it’s important to dig into its ingredients and health considerations. Like any food, it’s important to be mindful of serving sizes and the accompanying dishes to ensure your meal stays within your dietary goals.
How Many Carbs Are in Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
A standard serving of grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express contains around 20-30 grams of carbohydrates. This isn’t excessive, but if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, it’s something to keep in mind. The carbohydrate content is mainly from the teriyaki sauce, which adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavor. Pairing this chicken with steamed vegetables can further reduce the overall carb load while increasing the nutritional value of your meal. If you’re looking for other low-carb meal options at Panda Express, check out this guide to grilled chicken margherita at Olive Garden.
Is Grilled Teriyaki Chicken from Panda Express Healthy?
In comparison to many other fast food items, grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express is considered a relatively healthy option. It provides a solid amount of protein without the excessive fats and sugars found in some other dishes. When paired with a side of vegetables or a small serving of rice, it can be a nutritious, satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling overly full or sluggish. To find out more about other health-conscious options, consider checking out our guide to grilling beef ribs for a protein-packed alternative.
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Even Healthier
Now that we’ve explored the potential downsides, let’s discuss how you can make your Panda Express grilled teriyaki chicken meal even healthier. By making a few smart choices, you can enjoy this dish while sticking to your health goals without feeling deprived.
Opting for Healthier Sides
One of the easiest ways to make your grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express meal healthier is by opting for healthier sides. Steamed vegetables are an excellent choice, adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals without extra calories. Another great option is a small serving of brown rice, which is a healthier alternative to white rice, offering more fiber and nutrients. Avoiding sides like fried rice or egg rolls, which are high in fats and calories, can help maintain a healthier overall meal.
If you’re interested in other grilling options, consider trying this roast beef on the grill recipe, which can be paired with steamed veggies for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Making the Most of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken’s Protein
Protein is a key part of any healthy diet, and the grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express provides a good amount of lean protein. If you want to enhance the protein content of your meal, you could add a small serving of tofu or even pair the chicken with an additional side of grilled chicken breast. Protein helps with muscle repair and growth, making it an essential nutrient, especially if you’re maintaining an active lifestyle. For more information on the best ways to incorporate protein into your diet, this guide to grilled beef ribs might be helpful.
Additional Tips for Enjoying Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express While Maintaining a Healthy Diet
As you continue to enjoy your grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express, it’s important to keep in mind a few additional tips to ensure that you’re making the healthiest choices possible.
Mind Your Portion Sizes
While the grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express itself is a healthy choice, portion size matters. Fast food portions can often be larger than necessary, leading to excess calorie intake. To keep your meal balanced, stick to the recommended portion sizes or ask for a smaller serving of rice. You can always pair your chicken with a side of steamed vegetables to fill up without overloading on calories.
Substitute Sauces to Control Sugar Intake
Another way to make your grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express even healthier is by reducing the amount of sauce. Teriyaki sauce is sweetened with sugar, so if you’re concerned about sugar intake, ask for the sauce on the side. This allows you to control how much you use, giving you the flavor without overloading your meal with extra sugar.
For a healthy grilling alternative, try out this guide to grilling roast beef, where you can experiment with healthier, homemade sauces to control the ingredients.
FAQ Section
Is grilled teriyaki chicken from Panda Express healthy?
Yes, grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express is considered a healthier option compared to many other fast food choices. The chicken is grilled rather than fried, which helps reduce the fat content. It is also a good source of lean protein and contains fewer calories than other fried menu items. However, it’s important to consider the sugar content in the teriyaki sauce and pair the chicken with healthier sides like steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
What is the unhealthiest food at Panda Express?
The unhealthiest food at Panda Express is likely to be the orange chicken or beijing beef, which are both deep-fried and coated in sugary sauces. These dishes are higher in calories, fat, and sugar, making them less ideal if you’re looking for a healthier meal option.
What is the healthiest food at Panda Express?
The healthiest option at Panda Express is the grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express. When paired with steamed vegetables or brown rice, this dish provides a well-balanced meal with a good amount of protein, lower calories, and fewer unhealthy fats compared to many other menu items.
How many carbs are in Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken?
A standard serving of grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express contains approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the teriyaki sauce, which adds sweetness to the chicken. If you are watching your carb intake, consider asking for the sauce on the side to control the amount you consume.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilled teriyaki chicken Panda Express is a delicious and healthier option compared to many other fast food choices. Grilled instead of fried, it offers a great balance of flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying fast food. By making mindful choices, such as pairing the chicken with steamed vegetables or a small serving of brown rice, you can keep your meal balanced and satisfying.
If you’re looking for more grilled options, try exploring our grilled chicken margherita recipe at Olive Garden for another healthy and flavorful meal. Additionally, if you’re interested in adding more protein to your diet, consider reading our guide to grilled beef ribs, which offers another great grilling option that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
