P.F. Chang’s Kids Honey Chicken Price: $8.45 | Calories: 500 Cal
The Kids Honey Chicken from P.F. Chang’s is a sweet and crispy favorite for children. This dish combines tender chicken pieces coated in a light honey sauce, making it both satisfying and appealing to younger taste buds. It’s a go-to choice for families looking for something a little sweeter than the Kids Teriyaki Chicken or the tangy Kids Orange Chicken.
The Kids Honey Chicken is P.F. Chang’s answer to the universal kid-pleaser: sweet, crispy, and familiar. However, with a staggering 28 grams of sugar, it’s the sweetest kids’ entrée on the menu. It’s a guaranteed win for a special occasion but falls into the “occasional treat” category rather than a balanced meal.
- Best For: A guaranteed “yes” from a picky eater or a celebratory family dinner.
- Skip It If: You’re monitoring sugar intake or want a more nuanced flavor profile.
- Parent Rating: 4/5 – Great for taste, normal for nutrition.
What’s in the Kids Honey Chicken?
- Crispy chicken bites
- Honey glaze with a touch of sweetness
- Served with steamed rice (standard kids portion)
- Garnish depending on location
Taste & Experience: The Simple Truth
This dish is unapologetically sweet. The “honey glaze” delivers a direct, one-note sweetness that is incredibly effective at appealing to a child’s palate. The chicken is crispy, and the sauce provides that sticky, finger-licking quality kids love.
The “Picky Eater” Test: It passes with flying colors. If your child’s ideal food group is “beige and sweet,” this will be a home run.
The Comparison: Think of this as the dessert of the kids’ menu. Compared to the more balanced sweet-savory of Teriyaki Chicken or the tangy kick of Orange Chicken, the Honey Chicken is purely about sugary satisfaction.
Nutrition Facts – Kids Honey Chicken
The 500 calories are manageable, but the sugar content is the headline. Let’s break down what you’re really serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | %DV* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 500 Cal | — |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 21% |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Sodium | 900mg | 39% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugars | 28g | — |
*%DV = Percent Daily Value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
You’re getting a decent protein portion wrapped in a sugar shell. The 28g of sugar is more than many kids’ desserts.
Ingredients
- Crispy chicken breast pieces
- Honey sauce (honey, sugar, soy, garlic)
- Steamed white rice (standard kids serving)
- Optional garnish (varies by restaurant)
Allergens & Dietary Needs
- Contains: Soy and Wheat. The batter and sauce make it off-limits for these allergies or a gluten-free diet.
- Gluten-Free? No.
Better Gluten-Free Choice: The Mongolian Beef from the dedicated gluten-free menu is a great alternative.
3 Smart Hacks for a Healthier Honey Chicken
If your child has their heart set on it, you can make it better with these tips:
- The Sauce-on-the-Side Strategy: This is the #1 most effective move. Ask for the honey sauce in a small container on the side. You can then drizzle a fraction of it over the chicken, instantly cutting the sugar by more than half.
- The Fiber Boost: Order a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. The fiber in the vegetables helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
- The Protein Pivot: If they’re open to it, suggest the Kids Teriyaki Chicken as a “less sweet” alternative. It still has a sweet note but is far better balanced.
Pairings & Related Kids Menu Items
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Orange Chicken | $8.45 | 490 Cal |
| Kids Teriyaki Chicken | $8.45 | 440 Cal |
| Kids Honey Chicken | $8.45 | 500 Cal |
| Kids Teriyaki Beef | $8.45 | 480 Cal |
| Kids Chicken Fried Rice | $8.45 | 650 Cal |
| Kids Lo Mein | $8.45 | 700 Cal |
| Baby Buddha’s Feast Stir-Fried | $7.45 | 400 Cal |
| Kids Avocado Roll | $7.45 | 250 Cal |
Related Menu Options
- Soups: Egg Drop Soup, Wonton Soup, Hot & Sour Soup
- Salads: House Salad, Asian Caesar Salad, Thai Peanut Salad
- Sides: Chili Garlic Green Beans, Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, Korean Style Cauliflower
FAQs about P.F. Chang’s Kids Honey Chicken
Is this healthier than the Kids Orange Chicken?
They are both high-sugar options, but the Honey Chicken typically edges out the Orange Chicken in sugar content. Neither is a “healthy” choice, but the Orange Chicken offers a more complex flavor beyond just sweetness.
Can I ask for less sauce?
Absolutely. This is a simple and effective request that any kitchen should be able to accommodate. Just ask your server for “light sauce.”
What’s the best drink to pair with this?
Water. Avoid compounding the sugar load with a soda or juice. Water is the best way to help balance the meal.
Is the Kids Honey Chicken available for takeout and delivery?
Yes, available through dine-in, carryout, and delivery.
Final Thoughts
The Kids Honey Chicken is one of the most loved dishes for children at P.F. Chang’s, offering a comforting sweetness paired with crispy chicken. It’s an excellent option for kids who prefer sweet flavors over tangy or savory ones. Pair it with light starters like the Small Cold Cucumber Salad or sides such as Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts for a complete meal the whole family can enjoy.
Order the Kids Honey Chicken if: You need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a picky eater, it’s a special occasion, and you’re comfortable with the high sugar content as a one-off treat.
Choose a different dish if: You are actively managing your child’s sugar intake, prefer them to experience more complex flavors, or need a gluten-free meal.
While it successfully delivers on its promise of being a sweet and crispy favorite, its nutritional profile makes it the least balanced option on the kids’ menu. Use it as a tool for a happy meal out, not a regular order.
