The Reason You Need To Avoid Black Pepper Chicken At Panda Express
If you've ever craved quick Chinese food, it's highly likely that you've found yourself turning to Panda Express at times. According to the brand's official website, the brand's first outlet was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California. The founder, Andy Kao was inspired by the food from China's Hunan Province. Panda Express as a brand has grown massively over the years and is now one of the most popular names in the country.
Some of the healthiest and most wholesome items to order at Panda Express, according to Eat This, Not That! include the broccoli beef, grilled teriyaki chicken, and honey walnut shrimp. The icing on the cake? As per a health-conscious Reddit user, Panda Express can be extremely useful to eat at if you're watching your weight. "The standard meal here is one side of rice or chow mein followed by one or two other items like the broccoli beef or pepper chicken," they wrote. They recommended going for a side option like mixed veggies instead of rice or noodles, adding that the vegetables are healthier and more satiating as opposed to fried options at the restaurant. But if there are particular dishes you're drawn to, you may want to rethink your order, especially if it's the black pepper chicken.
Why you should avoid the black pepper chicken at Panda Express
If you've been fond of the black pepper chicken at Panda Express, you may want to reconsider your choices. As explained by Eat This, Not That!, the dish is not something that should be ordered if you're concerned about your health. While it may be relatively low on calories (280 to be exact), it doesn't make for the best option due to its 19 grams of fat, 1,130 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of carbs.
The biggest problem with the dish is the sheer amount of sodium it has. According to the FDA, the daily recommended amount of sodium 2,300 milligrams or less. The black pepper chicken is a bad choice because it has nearly half of your daily sodium requirements packed into one meal. Remember: A diet high in sodium is associated with increased blood pressure which can in turn lead to heart problems. Be smart and avoid ordering black pepper chicken the next time you're at Panda Express and opt for the string bean chicken breast instead.