Delicious Orange Chicken: Party Tray Weights Explored

A party tray of orange chicken can vary in size depending on the retailer. Panda Express offers a 100 oz orange chicken party tray that weighs about 4 lbs pre-cooked. Safeway and Haggen both offer a 50 oz signature select orange chicken party size.

Panda Express's orange chicken party tray weight

Panda Express is an American-Chinese fast-food chain with over 2,300 locations, making it the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States. The chain offers a variety of dishes, including the famous orange chicken.

Panda Express introduced limited-edition party trays of their signature entrees and sides in late December 2020. Each party tray can serve 10-15 guests and can include premium or regular entrees such as orange chicken, Kung Pao chicken, savory shrimp, and more.

While the exact weight of the orange chicken party tray from Panda Express is not explicitly mentioned, a Reddit user suggests that a party tray typically contains about 4 lbs of chicken, which is equivalent to around four to five large-sized containers (26 oz pail). Another user mentions that a plate with two servings is approximately 10 oz.

For reference, a bowl is considered one heaping scoop (~5.5 oz), equivalent to a SMALL al a carte, while a plate is considered two heaping scoops (~10-11 oz), equivalent to a MEDIUM al a carte.

If you are looking for a similar product, Safeway offers a Signature SELECT Orange Chicken in a party size of 50 oz. This product includes battered white meat chicken with a spicy orange sauce, served with fried rice, sweet orange and yellow carrots, and shelled edamame.

Calories and nutritional information

The calorie count and nutritional information of orange chicken vary depending on the brand and serving size. Here is a breakdown of the calorie and nutritional content of orange chicken from different sources:

Panda Express Orange Chicken:

While the exact calorie count is not mentioned, a reference to burning off 490 calories of Panda Express Orange Chicken is found. Panda Express is a popular restaurant chain serving American-Chinese cuisine, and their orange chicken is a well-known dish.

Foster Farms Orange Chicken (24 oz):

Foster Farms offers a 24-ounce package of orange chicken. The nutritional information provided is for the chicken only, excluding the orange glaze. Each 3-ounce serving (about 6 pieces) of chicken contains 210 calories and 14 grams of protein. The accompanying orange glaze provides an additional 60 calories per serving (2 tablespoons).

Signature SELECT Orange Chicken Party Size (50 oz):

Signature SELECT offers a 50-ounce party-size tray of orange chicken. Per 1 cup, it contains 330 calories, 1 gram of saturated fat (6% DV), 680 milligrams of sodium (30% DV), and 18 grams of total sugars. The dish includes battered white meat chicken with a spicy orange sauce, served with fried rice, sweet orange and yellow carrots, and savory shelled edamame.

Panda Express Party Tray of Orange Chicken:

A party tray of orange chicken from Panda Express is mentioned, but specific nutritional information is not provided. The tray typically contains about 4 pounds of chicken, equivalent to approximately 4-5 large-sized containers. While the exact calorie count is not mentioned, users comment that it offers a good portion size and value for money.

It is important to note that the calorie and nutritional information may vary slightly between different brands and serving sizes. Always refer to the product packaging and nutritional labels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Cost and value for money

The cost and value for money of a party tray of orange chicken depend on several factors, including the quantity of food, the quality, and the specific retailer.

In terms of quantity, party trays of orange chicken typically range from 24 ounces to 50 ounces, with some larger catering trays reaching 100 ounces. The larger trays tend to offer better value for money, as the cost per ounce decreases with a higher quantity. For example, a 50-ounce tray from Signature SELECT costs approximately the same as four to five 26-ounce containers from Panda Express, resulting in significant savings for the larger option.

The quality of the ingredients and the taste of the food also play a crucial role in determining the value for money. Some customers may find that a higher-priced option is worth the cost if it uses premium ingredients or offers a more authentic or flavorful experience. For instance, the Signature SELECT orange chicken is marketed as "high-quality" and "trusted", suggesting that consumers can expect a certain level of taste and satisfaction for the price.

Additionally, the specific retailer or restaurant offering the party tray can impact the cost and value proposition. Popular restaurant chains, such as Panda Express, may charge a premium for their brand or to cover the costs of operating numerous physical locations. On the other hand, retailers like Safeway and Haggen, which offer the Signature SELECT brand, may be able to provide more competitive pricing due to their focus on grocery items and private-label products.

It's worth noting that personal preferences and individual circumstances also influence the perception of value for money. For instance, someone who genuinely enjoys orange chicken and plans to consume it over several days may find that a party tray is worth the cost, even if it means having leftovers. Conversely, someone who is indifferent to the dish or prefers a greater variety of food options may not find the same tray to be a good value, regardless of the cost.

In conclusion, when considering the cost and value for money of a party tray of orange chicken, it's essential to evaluate the quantity of food offered, the quality and taste of the product, the reputation of the retailer or restaurant, and one's personal preferences and consumption patterns. By weighing these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about whether a particular party tray option aligns with their budget and expectations.

Cooking instructions

A party tray of orange chicken is typically 50 oz. Now, here are some detailed cooking instructions for making orange chicken:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, beat eggs until blended. Add a dry coating to the chicken by tossing it in a flour mixture seasoned with salt and black pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for several hours.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Pour about 1/4 inch of oil into a large skillet and heat to 350°F. Working in batches, shallow-fry the coated chicken until golden brown and crispy, which should take around 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add aromatics like garlic, ginger, and red pepper. Sauté until fragrant, then add the liquids: orange juice, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water, and slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and becomes syrupy and glossy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Transfer the fried chicken to a platter, then add the sauce, tossing to combine. For an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle some orange zest over the chicken before serving. Serve over rice, greens, or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade orange chicken! Remember to cook the chicken thoroughly and always follow food safety guidelines when preparing and storing meals.

Other brands offering orange chicken party trays

Panda Express, a fast-food chain serving American Chinese cuisine, offers orange chicken in party trays. Each tray is priced at P1,500 and can serve 10 to 15 people.

Other brands offering orange chicken include Foster Farms, whose product comes in 24 oz packaging, and Signature SELECT, whose orange chicken party tray weighs 50 oz.

While the Foster Farms packaging does not mention the number of servings, the Signature SELECT tray is said to be for a party, indicating multiple servings.

In addition to these options, some retailers may offer generic orange chicken party trays, so it is worth checking with local stores or online retailers to see what specific options are available in your area.

It is also important to note that the weight of a party tray of orange chicken can vary depending on the brand and the specific product offering. The weight can range from around 24 oz to 50 oz, with some larger options possibly available, depending on the brand and your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions