Panda Express Catering Offers More than Orange Chicken – Here’s What You Should Try

With quick-service, fast casual, and meal delivery services, food is getting faster and more convenient by the New York minute. More and more players seem to be getting into the game. But Panda Express and Panda Express Catering know how to handle fast orders and do it right.

The first Panda Express opened in 1983 in Glendale, California. And ever since, the business has grown across the country. It’s one of the most popular chains in America. Eater even dove into a day in the life at a SoCal location.

So how do you know which meals choose? It seems like everyone has an opinion on which dishes are the best. Here are a few tips on what we think you should order from Panda Express Catering.

Start With Appetizers

Panda Express Catering understands that sometimes food needs to be easy to hold in one hand. And their appetizers fit that bill. Pan-seared Chicken Potstickers are made with chicken, of course, and with just enough cabbage and onion to round out the flavor. If you are looking for crunch, try the Cream Cheese Rangoon. It looks beautiful on the plate with its wonton wrapper pinched to give the dish a pinwheel effect. Crispy Shrimp are butterflied and the tail remains attached, making them the perfect “utensil” to swoop through sauce. Veggie spring rolls are meatless and wrapped in a classic wonton wrapper for extra crunch.

Satisfy Bigger Appetites With Entrees

Appetizers are especially great for a light meal, or for those in-between times. But for a complete meal, look to their entree selection. The most popular by far is the Orange Chicken. They’ve been serving it up since the beginning, and today, it’s part of the Panda Express legacy. The chicken is dipped in an egg batter, fried, and bathed in a sweet, sticky orange sauce that carries a bit of chile heat. For something light, look to the wok-fired entrees like the String Bean Chicken Breast, Shanghai Angus Steak, and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. For vegetarians or pescatarians, the Honey Walnut Shrimp is tempura-battered and wok-tossed, and the Eggplant Tofu with Red Bell Peppers is lightly browned.

Planning Your Panda Express Catering Menu

Panda Express Catering orders are pre-portioned for groups and can be ordered for groups as small as 12. When planning your event, consider the setting. A lunchtime meeting may mean a simple meal of two entrees and two side dishes. But a more formal dinner could include appetizers, entrees, and side dishes. If you’re planning an appetizer party, plan on four to six pieces per person. Entree platters offer ample portions, so order per person in your group. Also consider adding a range of vegetarian and meaty options so everyone in your group is covered.

If you want to go buffet style, Panda Express has you covered with trays of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Crispy Shrimp, and Eggplant Tofu, and side options like Mixed Veggies and Fried Rice. Fortune cookies come with every order, enough for every person in your group. Of course, they make a great icebreaker. Consider putting them in a bowl towards the start of the service area and let the conversation flow.

Now really, you thought you were coming for the Orange Chicken. But it was those fortune cookies that sealed the deal, right?