Kung Pao Chicken Price: $19.99
Calories: ~1040 Cal (without rice)
PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken is one of the restaurant’s signature spicy entrées, inspired by the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. It features tender chicken, peanuts, green onion, celery, and red chili peppers wok-tossed in a fiery Sichuan chili sauce.
This guide covers everything you need to know about PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken, including the price, calories, nutrition facts, ingredients, allergens, customization options, and pairings.
View Full: PF Chang’s Menu With Prices
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutrition breakdown for PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken (entrée portion without rice):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1040 Cal |
| Total Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 1,920 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 19 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
Calories increase when paired with rice or noodles.
Ingredients in PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Bite-sized wok-fired chicken pieces |
| Sichuan Chili Sauce | Spicy, savory, tangy base |
| Peanuts | Adds crunch and nutty flavor |
| Green Onions | Fresh sharpness |
| Celery | Crunch and balance |
| Red Chili Peppers | Heat and color |
| Garlic & Aromatics | Boost flavor depth |
Is PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken Vegetarian or Vegan?
For vegetarian-friendly alternatives, PF Chang’s offers Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts and Buddha’s Feast.
Gluten-Free Options
Kung Pao Chicken is not gluten-free in its traditional form, but some PF Chang’s locations can prepare it with tamari.
| Option | Gluten-Free Availability |
|---|---|
| Regular Kung Pao Chicken | No |
| Modified (tamari) | Sometimes |
Allergen Information
Here’s the allergen profile for Kung Pao Chicken:
| Allergen | Contains? |
|---|---|
| Milk | ❌ |
| Eggs | ❌ |
| Fish | ❌ |
| Shellfish | ❌ |
| Tree Nuts | ❌ |
| Peanuts | ✅ |
| Soy | ✅ |
| Wheat | ✅ |
Customization Options
PF Chang’s allows you to adjust Kung Pao Chicken to your liking:
- Size Choice: Available in entrée or lunch portions.
- Rice Choice: White rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
- Noodle Swap: Lo mein or pad Thai noodles instead of rice.
- Adjust Heat: More or fewer chili peppers.
- Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Sauce on the Side: Helps reduce sodium.
Calories with Rice Options
Choosing different bases changes the calorie count:
| Rice Option | Additional Calories | Total with Kung Pao Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed White Rice | +320 | ~1,040 Cal |
| Brown Rice | +350 | ~1,070 Cal |
| Fried Rice | +520 | ~1,240 Cal |
Top 10 Pairings from PF Chang’s Menu
Kung Pao Chicken is bold and spicy, so pair it with lighter sides or cooling desserts. Here are the top recommendations:
| Menu Item | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Chang’s Lettuce Wraps | Crisp and refreshing starter |
| Pork Dumplings | Rich, savory appetizer |
| Hot & Sour Soup | Tangy, spicy balance |
| Egg Drop Soup | Mild, comforting soup |
| Crispy Green Beans | Crunchy vegetable side |
| Mongolian Beef | Perfect combo for beef lovers |
| Fried Rice | Classic, filling side |
| Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts | A vegetarian complement |
| Banana Spring Rolls | Sweet dessert to cool spice |
| Asian Mojito | Refreshing cocktail pairing |
Why Choose Kung Pao Chicken?
- A spicy, nutty, and savory entrée with authentic Sichuan flavors.
- High-protein dish with wok-fired chicken.
- Balanced with vegetables and peanuts.
- Fully customizable to heat level and portion size.
- Great option for those seeking a bold, adventurous entrée.
Expert Tips to Make It Healthier
- Choose brown rice for fiber.
- Ask for light sauce to reduce sodium.
- Add extra vegetables for more nutrients.
- Balance with a lighter appetizer or dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many calories are in PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken?
About 720 calories without rice; with rice, it ranges from 1,040–1,240 calories.
2. Is Kung Pao Chicken very spicy?
Yes, it’s moderately to highly spicy, thanks to the Sichuan chili sauce and red chili peppers.
3. What allergens are in Kung Pao Chicken?
It contains soy, wheat, and peanuts.
4. Does Kung Pao Chicken have dairy?
No, it’s dairy-free.
5. Can I get a gluten-free version?
Yes, some locations offer a tamari-based gluten-sensitive version.
6. What vegetables are included?
It has celery, green onions, and chili peppers.
7. How much protein does it provide?
About 44 grams of protein per entrée.
8. Is it keto-friendly?
Not really, as it contains 57g of carbs. Lower carbs by skipping rice.
9. How much sodium does it have?
Roughly 1,920 mg, which is high.
10. Is Kung Pao Chicken kid-friendly?
It’s too spicy for most kids, but milder versions can be requested.
11. What’s the price?
Around $16.79, depending on location.
12. What’s the difference between Kung Pao Chicken and Beef?
The chicken version is slightly lighter and more popular, but both share the same spicy, nutty sauce.
13. Can I add extra peanuts?
Yes, you can request more peanuts for crunch.
14. What dessert pairs best?
Banana Spring Rolls or The Great Wall of Chocolate.
15. Is it available for lunch specials?
Yes, lunch bowls with smaller portions are available at select times.
16. What drink works best with it?
Iced tea, mojitos, or Asian-inspired cocktails balance the spice.
Final Thoughts
PF Chang’s Kung Pao Chicken is a bold entrée packed with spicy Sichuan chili sauce, peanuts, and wok-fired chicken. At 720 calories without rice, it’s both satisfying and customizable. While not gluten-free by default, some locations can modify it.
If you enjoy spicy, nutty, and savory flavors, Kung Pao Chicken is one of the best choices at PF Chang’s.
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