Pf Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl Price: $15.00 | Calories: 870 Cal
If you have a sweet tooth but still crave savory satisfaction, P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl is a menu item that likely catches your eye. But with rising prices and growing health consciousness, is this popular bowl a smart choice? Let’s try to decide if it’s worth your money and calories.
The Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl is a fan-favorite at Pf Chang’s, known for its golden, crispy chicken tossed in a light, sweet honey sauce. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the savory chicken, making this dish a perfect blend of crunch and flavor. Served with rice or noodles, it’s a comforting and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. You can also try Entree if bowl is unable to fulfill your requirement.
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First Impressions: Flavor Profile and Dining Experience
The Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl lives up to its name. The first thing you’ll notice is the texture—generous pieces of chicken breast coated in a light, golden-brown crust that maintains a satisfying crunch even after being tossed in the glossy honey sauce. The sauce itself is the star; it’s unmistakably sweet, but it’s not a one-note sugar bomb. Underneath the honey, you can detect subtle, savory notes from soy sauce and a hint of garlic that prevents the dish from becoming cloying.
Served over a bed of steaming white rice, the bowl is a study in contrasts: the crispy chicken against the soft rice, the sticky sauce against the fluffy grains. It’s a comfort food classic that appeals to both kids and adults, though those who prefer spicy or intensely savory dishes might find it a bit simple.
Price & Calories
Let’s break down the numbers. While the data is important, understanding its real-world impact is what makes this guide valuable.
- Price: $15.00
- Calories: 870 Cal
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 870 Cal | – |
| Total Fat | 38 g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g | 33% |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 1,620 mg | 70% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 95 g | 35% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 44 g | – |
| Protein | 41 g | – |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 85 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 660 mg | 14% |
(Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary by location and preparation.)
What the Numbers Really Mean:
- The Protein Power: With a substantial 41 grams of protein, this bowl is excellent for post-workout recovery or for keeping you full and satisfied for hours.
- The Sugar Shock: The most significant figure here is the 44 grams of sugar. To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to about 11 teaspoons of sugar—more than most candy bars. This comes primarily from the honey and sugar in the glaze.
- Sodium Overload: At 1,620 mg of sodium, this single dish provides 70% of your recommended daily intake. If you are watching your blood pressure, this is a major red flag.
- Missing Fiber: With only 3 grams of dietary fiber, the meal lacks the component that helps regulate blood sugar and digestion. This, combined with the high sugar content, can lead to a quick energy spike followed by a crash.
Ingredients in Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl
- Crispy chicken breast pieces
- Sweet honey sauce (honey, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, rice vinegar)
- Scallions or green onions
- Steamed rice or noodles
Allergen Information
- Contains: Wheat, Soy, Egg
- May Contain: Sesame, Gluten cross-contact possible
- Gluten Warning: Due to the wheat in the batter and the soy sauce, this dish is not gluten-free. Cross-contact in the kitchen is also possible.
Taste & Texture: What to Expect
- Flavor: Sweet honey glaze balanced with mild savory notes
- Texture: Crispy chicken coated in sticky sauce, paired with rice or noodles
- Best Pairings: Fried Rice, Lo Mein, or Steamed Broccoli
Smarter Ordering Tips
- The good news is that you can easily try this dish to better fit your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor.
- The #1 Tip: Request Light Sauce. This is the single most effective way to dramatically reduce the sugar and sodium content. For even more control, ask for the sauce on the side.
- Swap Your Grain: Choose brown rice over white rice. This simple swap can add an extra 1-2 grams of fiber, helping to slow the absorption of sugars and keep you fuller longer.
- Add Volume with Veggies: Counteract the sweetness and add nutrients by adding a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus. This makes the meal more balanced and visually appealing.
- Split it Up: The portion is large. Consider sharing it with a friend or immediately boxing half of it for another meal to automatically cut the calories, sugar, and sodium in half.
Who Should Order This Bowl?
The P.F. Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl is a delicious but indulgent choice.
You should order it if:
- You’re celebrating a cheat day or simply craving a sweet-and-crispy comfort meal.
- You need a high-protein, high-calorie meal after intense physical activity.
- You understand the nutritional trade-off and plan to customize it (light sauce) or balance it with the rest of your day’s meals.
You should reconsider or heavily customize it if:
- You are managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or are on a low-sugar diet.
- You have gluten or soy allergies.
- You prefer complex, spicy, or savory flavors over sweet ones.
FAQs: Pf Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl
Is the Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl too sweet for adults?
It is decidedly sweet, which is its primary characteristic. While the savory notes from the soy sauce provide some balance, it is one of the sweeter options on the P.F. Chang’s menu. If you typically prefer savory dishes like Mongolian Beef or Pepper Steak, this might not be for you.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. The crispy chicken coating contains wheat, and the sauce is made with soy sauce (which also contains wheat). P.F. Chang’s has a dedicated gluten-free menu, but this particular dish cannot be modified to be gluten-free.
How does this compare to the Sesame Chicken Bowl?
Both are sweet, but the profile is different. The Sesame Chicken has a nutty, rich flavor from the sesame seeds and paste, with a deeper color and more complex savory notes. The Honey Chicken is a purer, brighter sweetness focused on the honey flavor. Nutritionally, they are very similar, though the Honey Chicken has slightly more sugar.
What is the best side to cut through the sweetness?
A side of steamed vegetables or a light, vinegar-based salad (like the Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, without the sauce) are excellent choices. The crisp, neutral flavors help cleanse the palate between bites.
Conclusion
The Pf Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken Bowl is a classic comfort dish that combines crispy chicken with a sticky, sweet honey glaze. With 870 calories and 41 grams of protein, it’s a hearty option that is both filling and flavorful. While it is higher in sugar and sodium, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables or lighter sides. For fans of sweet Asian-inspired dishes, this bowl remains one of the most beloved items on the Pf Chang’s menu.
Explore More P.F. Chang’s Bowls:
- Try the sweet and nutty Sesame Chicken Bowl for a different twist on a classic favorite.
- Enjoy the savory and umami-rich Teriyaki Chicken Bowl as another delicious option.
- View the full details of the Orange Chicken Bowl including calories, nutrition, and price.
