Panda Express Catering Menu Prices

Panda Express catering menu prices vary by entree choice, making it smart to compare options before placing a large order. Whether you’re feeding a team at the office or hosting a family gathering, knowing the exact costs helps you budget better. This guide breaks down every price point, portion size, and add-on so you can order with confidence.

Panda Express offers two main catering trays: the Small Tray and the Large Tray. Each tray serves a different number of people, and prices depend on which entree you pick. Let’s start with the basics.

The core of the catering menu revolves around entree trays. You choose your protein or vegetable dish, and then you can add sides like fried rice or chow mein. The prices are straightforward, but they change based on tray size and dish selection.

Small Tray Prices

A Small Tray feeds about 6 to 8 people. It’s perfect for a small team lunch or a dinner with close friends. Here are the current prices for Small Tray entrees:

Orange Chicken: $49.00
Kung Pao Chicken: $49.00
Beijing Beef: $52.00
Broccoli Beef: $52.00
Honey Walnut Shrimp: $58.00
Mushroom Chicken: $49.00
String Bean Chicken Breast: $49.00
SweetFire Chicken Breast: $49.00
Black Pepper Chicken: $49.00
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: $52.00
Chow Mein (as entree): $38.00
Fried Rice (as entree): $38.00
White Rice (as entree): $32.00

Notice that shrimp and beef dishes cost a bit more. That’s because the ingredients are pricier. If you’re on a tight budget, stick with chicken options.

Large Tray Prices

A Large Tray serves 12 to 16 people. It’s the go-to for bigger events like birthday parties or large office meetings. Here are the Large Tray prices:

Orange Chicken: $89.00
Kung Pao Chicken: $89.00
Beijing Beef: $95.00
Broccoli Beef: $95.00
Honey Walnut Shrimp: $105.00
Mushroom Chicken: $89.00
String Bean Chicken Breast: $89.00
SweetFire Chicken Breast: $89.00
Black Pepper Chicken: $89.00
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: $95.00
Chow Mein (as entree): $70.00
Fried Rice (as entree): $70.00
White Rice (as entree): $58.00

Again, the premium dishes like Honey Walnut Shrimp are the most expensive. But for a crowd, the per-person cost is still reasonable.

Side Dish Tray Prices

You don’t have to order just entrees. Panda Express also sells side dish trays. These are perfect for rounding out your meal. Prices are lower than entree trays:

Small Tray Chow Mein: $32.00
Large Tray Chow Mein: $58.00
Small Tray Fried Rice: $32.00
Large Tray Fried Rice: $58.00
Small Tray White Rice: $26.00
Large Tray White Rice: $46.00
Small Tray Super Greens: $30.00
Large Tray Super Greens: $54.00

Super Greens are a healthier option, but they cost a little more than white rice. If you’re feeding a group with dietary restrictions, this is a solid pick.

How To Order Catering From Panda Express

Ordering is simple, but you need to plan ahead. Here are the steps to get your food without any hassle.

Choose your tray size. Decide if you need Small or Large trays based on your guest count.
Pick your entrees. You can mix and match different dishes. Most people order 2 or 3 different entrees for variety.
Select your sides. Fried rice and chow mein are the classics. White rice is cheaper if you want to save.
Add extras. You can include appetizers like egg rolls or chicken skewers. More on those later.
Place your order. You can order online, by phone, or in person. Online ordering is the easiest because you can see all the prices.
Pick up at the store. Catering orders are usually ready in 24 hours. Some locations can do same-day if you call early.

One tip: order at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures the restaurant has enough stock and staff to prepare your food.

Panda Express Catering Platters And Combos

Panda Express doesn’t offer pre-set combos like some other chains. You build your own platter by selecting individual trays. But there are some popular combinations that people often use.

For a group of 10 people, a common order is:

1 Large Tray Orange Chicken ($89.00)
1 Large Tray Broccoli Beef ($95.00)
1 Large Tray Fried Rice ($58.00)
1 Large Tray Chow Mein ($58.00)

That totals $300.00, which breaks down to $30.00 per person. Not bad for a full meal with two proteins and two carbs.

For a smaller group of 6 people, you might order:

1 Small Tray Kung Pao Chicken ($49.00)
1 Small Tray Honey Walnut Shrimp ($58.00)
1 Small Tray White Rice ($26.00)

That’s $133.00 total, or about $22.00 per person. You can save more by skipping the shrimp and choosing a cheaper chicken dish.

Appetizers And Extras For Catering

Panda Express also offers appetizers that you can add to your catering order. These are sold in bulk trays too.

Appetizer Tray Prices

Small Tray Chicken Egg Rolls (12 pieces): $24.00
Large Tray Chicken Egg Rolls (24 pieces): $44.00
Small Tray Cream Cheese Rangoon (12 pieces): $26.00
Large Tray Cream Cheese Rangoon (24 pieces): $48.00
Small Tray Chicken Potstickers (12 pieces): $28.00
Large Tray Chicken Potstickers (24 pieces): $52.00

These appetizers are great for starting the meal. They also work well as snacks if your guests arrive early.

Dessert And Drink Options

Panda Express doesn’t have a dedicated catering dessert menu. But you can order individual Fortune Cookies in bulk. They usually cost around $0.10 to $0.25 each, depending on the location. Just ask the manager when you place your order.

For drinks, Panda Express sells fountain drinks and bottled beverages. You can buy them individually or in 2-liter bottles. Some locations offer gallon-sized tea or lemonade for catering. Prices vary by store, so call ahead.

Tips To Save Money On Panda Express Catering

Everyone wants to get the best deal. Here are some practical ways to lower your total bill.

Choose chicken over beef or shrimp. Chicken dishes are consistently cheaper. Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken are the most affordable options.
Use white rice as a side. White rice trays cost less than fried rice or chow mein. You can always add soy sauce or chili flakes for flavor.
Order one large tray instead of two small trays. A Large Tray costs less per serving than two Small Trays. For example, one Large Orange Chicken ($89.00) feeds 12-16 people, while two Small trays ($98.00) feed the same number.
Skip the appetizers if you’re on a tight budget. They add cost quickly. Stick to the main entrees and sides.
Check for online coupons. Panda Express sometimes offers catering discounts on their website or app. You might find a 10% off code.
Order during off-peak times. Some locations offer small discounts for weekday orders. Ask the manager if they have any promotions.

These tips can save you $20 to $50 on a large order. Every dollar counts when you’re feeding a crowd.

Panda Express Catering Vs Competitors

How does Panda Express compare to other fast-casual catering options? Let’s look at a few.

Panda Express Vs Chipotle Catering

Chipotle’s catering is build-your-own burrito bowls. Their prices start around $12.00 per person for a basic meal. Panda Express is similar, but you get pre-made trays. Chipotle offers more customization, but Panda Express is faster to serve.

Panda Express Vs Panera Bread Catering

Panera’s catering includes sandwiches, salads, and soups. Their prices are higher, often $15.00 to $20.00 per person. Panda Express is more affordable for large groups, especially if you stick with chicken dishes.

Panda Express Vs Local Chinese Restaurants

Local Chinese restaurants might offer cheaper catering. But the quality and consistency vary. Panda Express has standardized recipes, so you know what you’re getting. If you value reliability, Panda Express is a safe bet.

Overall, Panda Express is a solid mid-range option. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive either. The convenience and taste make it popular.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Catering

Here are some common questions people have about the catering menu.

Can I order Panda Express catering for delivery?

Most Panda Express locations do not offer delivery for catering orders. You usually have to pick up the food yourself. Some third-party services like DoorDash or Uber Eats might deliver, but they add fees. It’s best to check with your local store.

How far in advance should I order?

At least 24 hours is recommended. For large orders or during holidays, order 48 hours in advance. This gives the restaurant time to prepare everything.

Are there vegetarian options on the catering menu?

Yes, you can order Super Greens, white rice, and chow mein as sides. For entrees, the Eggplant Tofu is sometimes available, but it’s not always on the catering menu. Ask your local store if they can include it.

Can I mix different entrees in one tray?

No, each tray contains only one type of entree. If you want variety, you need to order multiple trays. For example, one tray of Orange Chicken and one tray of Broccoli Beef.

What is the cheapest item on the catering menu?

The cheapest entree tray is White Rice at $32.00 for a Small Tray. But that’s not a real entree. For actual protein dishes, Orange Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken at $49.00 are the most affordable.

Final Thoughts On Panda Express Catering Menu Prices

Knowing the exact panda express catering menu prices helps you plan a successful event without overspending. The key is to choose your entrees wisely and balance them with affordable sides. Chicken dishes are your best friend for keeping costs down.

Remember to order ahead, check for coupons, and consider the number of guests. A well-planned catering order can feed a crowd for under $20 per person. That’s a great deal for the convenience and taste.

If you’re hosting a party or a work meeting, Panda Express catering is a reliable choice. The food is familiar, the portions are generous, and the prices are transparent. Just follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll have a successful meal.

One last thing: always confirm the prices with your local Panda Express before ordering. Prices can vary by location due to regional costs. But the numbers in this article are accurate for most U.S. stores as of 2024.

Now you’re ready to place your order. Go ahead and feed your crowd with confidence.