Tap-Into Panda Express Catering Menu for Your Next Event
Panda Express catering menu is a simple, crowd-pleasing option when you want reliable food for groups. It is built around Party Trays and Party Bundles that serve roughly a dozen to 30 guests.
This guide helps you navigate the panda express catering choices, so you know what to order and how much to budget. You’ll see clear categories: entrees by party size, sides, appetizers and desserts, plus bundled options that speed setup and service.
Pricing and pickup or delivery vary by location, but this page gives practical price ranges and serving guidance to keep planning accurate. Convenience is key: many locations support pickup and delivery, ideal for offices, family gatherings, and parties.
Expect crowd favorites like Orange Chicken alongside milder and lighter entrees, plus a dietary breakdown for vegan, keto, and gluten-free choices. Keep reading to build the tray-and-bundle order that fits your headcount, serving style, and budget.
Why Panda Express Catering Works for Events in the United States
Panda Express catering is a practical pick for U.S. events because it pairs familiar flavors with predictable portions. Hosts get standardized trays that simplify planning. That means less guesswork and fewer last‑minute runs to the store.
Built for groups with party trays and bundles that serve 12–14+ people
Party tray portions are sized for shared, family‑style serving. A single party tray entree commonly serves 12–14 guests, and sides give about 10–12 servings.
- Office lunch: one entree tray plus one side tray per 12 people.
- Birthday or family gathering: mix two entrees to cover tastes.
- Team meeting: bundles cut setup and cleanup time.
Bold crowd-pleasers like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken
Recognizable entrees such as orange chicken, Beijing Beef, and Kung Pao offer sweet, spicy, and savory notes. A mix prevents a one‑note spread and keeps most guests happy.
Classic sides like chow mein round out the meal and add familiar comfort to the table.
Convenient pickup and delivery options for parties, office lunches, and gatherings
Scheduled pickup is budget‑friendly. Delivery helps when setup time is tight, though availability and fees vary by zip code.
Order 24–48 hours in advance for larger groups. Bundles often include fortune cookies, saving you extra purchases and giving a simple event-ready touch.
| Item | Servings per tray | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Party tray entree | 12–14 | Family or office |
| Party tray side | 10–12 | Round out meals |
| Bundle | Varies (multiple trays) | Quick setup for a group |
Quick tip: Confirm delivery windows early and check local express offers or panda express offers to lock in the best option.
panda express catering menu: Categories, Serving Sizes, and What to Expect
A clear category list makes ordering fast: entrees, sides, appetizers, and bundles tell you what to click when you place an order.
Party Size Entrees
Party size entrees typically serve 12–14 guests per tray. These trays act as the center of the table.
Pick 2–4 different flavors rather than repeating one. That balance keeps picky eaters and hungry guests happy.
Party Size Sides
Sides round out the spread and add volume. Expect 10–12 servings per tray.
Classic carbs like Chow Mein and Fried Rice sit alongside lighter options such as Super Greens.
Appetizers and Desserts
Appetizers and desserts are optional add-ons for mingling events. Prices generally range from $34–$42 per item.
They work best for open houses or when guests nibble before trays are served.
Party Bundles and Dietary Notes
Bundles bundle entrees, sides, and fortune cookies for simple planning. They save decision time and often include preset counts.
Later sections will include a dietary breakdown with calories, vegan/keto/gluten-free flags, and allergens to help you plan for mixed diets.
For final, location-specific checkout details, visit the Panda Express website or use the app to order panda express and confirm taxes, fees, and availability.
| Category | Servings | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Entrees | 12–14 per tray | Center of the table |
| Sides | 10–12 per tray | Volume + balance |
| Bundles | Varies (preset) | Easy planning, fortune cookies included |
Party Size Entrees: Top Picks and Price Range
A smart entree mix balances familiar hits with one bold option to keep plates full. Choose by protein type and flavor so setup is quick and tastes are varied.
Chicken favorites
The Original orange chicken is crispy and sweet—an easy crowd-pleaser.
Honey Sesame Chicken Breast is lightly sauced and mellow.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken offers a savory, freshly grilled option for mixed diets.
Beef options
Beijing Beef brings bold, tangy notes.
Broccoli Beef pairs savory beef with greens for a milder profile.
Shanghai or Black Pepper Angus Steak are premium, meaty choices for steak lovers.
Seafood upgrades
Honey Walnut Shrimp is sweet and crunchy and contains nuts.
Firecracker Shrimp adds heat and a punchy finish for adventurous eaters.
Price range: Classic entree trays run about $42 per tray. Premium seafood and steak trays are closer to $57. Prices vary by location.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten‑Free | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | $42 | 290 | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Soy, Wheat |
| Kung Pao Chicken | $42 | 150 | Not vegan / Possible keto / Contains gluten | Peanuts (varies), Soy |
| Broccoli Beef | $42 | 150 | Not vegan / Possible keto / Contains gluten | Soy, Wheat |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | $57 | 330 | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Tree Nuts (walnut), Dairy, Egg |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak | $57 | 220 | Not vegan / Possible keto / Contains gluten | Soy, Wheat |
Mix strategy: pick one mild/savory tray (Broccoli Beef or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken), one sweet favorite (Orange Chicken), and one spicy tray (Kung Pao) to cover most tastes.
Once entrees are set, move on to sides like Chow Mein, Fried Rice, steamed rice, or Super Greens to finish the meal planning.
Party Size Sides: Chow Mein, Fried Rice, and Lighter Options
Sides set the table for a balanced spread and help hosts stretch every tray into more servings. They act as the foundation of panda express catering by balancing saucier entrees and helping you hit headcount.
Classic choices and lighter lanes
Classic side options include chow mein and fried rice. Both are hearty and familiar, great when you want comfort food for a family or office meal.
Neutral picks like white or brown steamed rice pair with anything. Super Greens offers a veggie-forward choice at just 90 calories per serving.
Budget and planning
Party size sides typically provide 10–12 servings per tray and ring in around $17 per tray. That price point makes sides the easiest lever to control total cost.
- Pair one classic (Chow Mein or Fried Rice) with one neutral/lighter side (steamed rice or Super Greens).
- Sides portion easily on buffet lines and travel well for pickup or delivery.
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chow Mein | $17 | 510 | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Wheat, Soy |
| Fried Rice | $17 | 520 | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Egg, Soy, Wheat |
| White Steamed Rice | $17 | 150 | Vegan / Possible keto (small serving) / Gluten-free | None |
| Super Greens | $17 | 90 | Vegan / Keto-friendly / Gluten-free | None |
Once entrees and sides are locked, consider appetizers and desserts to elevate the spread for mingling. Next up: add-ons that turn trays into a complete event-ready offering.
Appetizers, Desserts, and Add-Ons for a Complete Spread
Handheld starters and easy desserts keep guests satisfied while main trays are being served. These add-ons are the polish that turns trays into a full party spread for open-house gatherings and office events.
Recognizable starters to kick things off
Veggie Spring Rolls and Chicken Egg Rolls are simple, hand-held items that travel well. They pace arrivals and fill small gaps before the main course.
Price tags are around $42 per item and calories run about 130–200 per piece.
Snackable and sweet finishes
Cream Cheese Rangoons are creamy-crispy crowd-pleasers at roughly $34 per tray (about 190 calories each). Apple Pie Rolls offer a tidy dessert option for $34 and are easy to portion without extra plates.
- When to add: Choose appetizers if guests arrive in waves. Add desserts when the meal replaces a full lunch or dinner.
- Fortune cookies are a low-effort finish and are often included in bundles for parties and events.
Dietary breakdown
| Item | Price | Calories | Vegan/Keto/Gluten‑Free | Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veggie Spring Rolls | $42 | 130 (per roll) | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Wheat, Soy |
| Chicken Egg Rolls | $42 | 200 (per roll) | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Egg, Wheat, Soy |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | $34 | 190 (per piece) | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Dairy, Wheat |
| Apple Pie Rolls | $34 | ~180 (per roll) | Not vegan / Not keto / Contains gluten | Wheat, Possible Tree Nuts (cross-contact) |
After you pick these extras, the next step is choosing a bundle size that matches headcount. When you place your order, check delivery windows and available services to finalize timing and setup.
Party Bundles, Trays, and Quantity Planning for Your Event
Bundles simplify planning by grouping entrees, sides, and fortune cookies so you can match headcount without counting individual trays. They are the fastest way to cater a party because they lock in the right structure and reduce decision fatigue.
Bundle sizes and what’s included
Pick a bundle that aligns with your guest count and appetite. Each bundle pairs party size entrees with sides and fortune cookies for a ready-to-serve spread.
- 12–16 person bundle: 2 party tray entrees, 2 party tray sides, fortune cookies — about $112+
- 18–22 person bundle: 3 party tray entrees, 3 party tray sides, fortune cookies — about $159+
- 26–30 person bundle: 4 party tray entrees, 4 party tray sides, fortune cookies — about $201+
Choosing a mix and quantity planning
Start with your guest count, pick the nearest bundle, then add 1–2 extra trays for high-appetite groups or long events. This method keeps servings predictable and reduces last-minute runs.
Flavor mix playbook: pick one sweet staple (orange chicken), one spicy option (Kung Pao), and one savory or veggie-forward tray (Broccoli Beef or String Bean Chicken Breast). This balance lowers leftovers and appeals to varied tastes.
When to add appetizers and desserts
For buffet lines, add appetizers if guests arrive early or mingle. For plated service, include desserts to finish the meal. For drop-and-go office setups, keep it simple with a bundle and add one dessert tray if people will be serving themselves over time.
Logistics and delivery tips
Order 24–48 hours ahead and confirm pickup or delivery details. Schedule delivery earlier than your start time to allow setup. Delivery windows and availability vary by zip code, so check the panda express website or app during checkout for the most accurate window.
| Bundle Size | Included | Approx. Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12–16 people | 2 entrees, 2 sides, fortune cookies | $112+ |
| 18–22 people | 3 entrees, 3 sides, fortune cookies | $159+ |
| 26–30 people | 4 entrees, 4 sides, fortune cookies | $201+ |
Conclusion
A quick checklist—pick a bundle or trays, choose 2–4 entrees, add 1–2 sides per set, then decide on appetizers or desserts—keeps ordering fast and predictable.
Choose balanced flavors: one sweet, one spicy, one savory or veggie so most guests find a favorite at the party or gathering.
The main value is clear: panda express offers convenient, crowd‑friendly catering with predictable tray pricing and bundle options that simplify planning.
Plan ahead, confirm pickup or delivery windows, and leave a short buffer for setup so the meal hits the table hot and organized.
Ready to build your order? Use the panda express services page to assemble trays or a bundle, then pick pickup or delivery based on what keeps your event simplest.
