What’s better than Panda Express’ Orange Chicken? Their new Hot Orange Chicken!
Summer is here and what better way to kick things off than by spicing up classic menu items? Panda Express seems to certainly think so! Everyone loves their Orange Chicken. It’s a mainstay on their menu for years. The sweet and tangy flavors mixed with the mild crunch of the fried chicken makes it a fan-favorite. With a reputation like that, you gotta wonder; how do you make a familiar classic even better? You make it spicy of course.
Panda Express is spicing up their Orange Chicken by turning up the heat. They’re adding a new variation of this menu item called the Hot Orange Chicken. It tastes exactly how it sounds: hot, tangy, and oh so savory.
Panda Express is spicing up their classic Orange Chicken by turning up the heat. Just in time for summer. The new Hot Orange Chicken uses the same chili peppers they use on their Kung Pao Chicken so you know that it’s going to be just as good.
The fiery new Hot Orange Chicken will be available at all Panda Express locations across the country starting on May 29, 2024.
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The Remarkable Origins of Panda Express
No other name rings louder in the fast food industry when it comes to Chinese-American Cuisine than Panda Express. It’s a restaurant chain that has been around for over 50 years! It all started back in 1973 when the Cherng family decided to open a small restaurant in Pasadena, California called Panda Inn. Andrew Cherng had the idea and took care of the business side while his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, handled the cooking. This was the beginning of what would become a worldwide phenomenon.
In 1983, they partnered with Andrew’s wife, Peggy Cherng, to open up the first actual Panda Express in Glendale, California. This new restaurant brought together the bold flavors of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine to a wider audience in a fast-casual setting.
Panda Express carved its niche and made its way into the hearts of everyone who enjoyed their unique blend of flavors. Thanks to a strong focus on quality ingredients and family recipes, Panda Express continued to grow into what we know it as today. It currently stands as America’s largest family-owned and operated Chinese restaurant chain with over 2,300 locations around the world.
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Panda Express’ Latest Headlines
Over the past two years, Panda Express has continuously made headlines not just for its food innovations but also for various specials and pricing revisions aimed at enhancing customer experience. In 2021, the chain grabbed attention with the debut of its plant-based Orange Chicken, partnering with Beyond Meat, which was seen as a significant move toward inclusivity for plant-based diners. This release was widely covered by major outlets like Food & Wine and Bloomberg.
More recently, in early 2023, Panda Express was in the news again for offering limited-time discounts and specials during the Lunar New Year celebrations, promoting themes of luck and prosperity with their meals, which was extensively covered in food blogs and by news outlets like NBC News. These evolutions underline Panda Express’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
A Fiery Twist on a Classic
Panda Express has spiced up their classic Orange Chicken by adding a new dish called Hot Orange Chicken. This isn’t just a regular menu item; it’s a twist on their most famous dish. The Hot Orange Chicken uses the same chili peppers found in their popular Kung Pao Chicken, adding an extra kick of heat to the fan favorite classic.
This new dish will be available at all Panda Express locations across the country starting May 29th. So, if you like your food with a little extra spice, it’s time to mark your calendar. The combination of crispy chicken and bold flavors is sure to be a hit among both new and loyal customers.
Panda Express always keeps their menu exciting with new additions, and Hot Orange Chicken is a great example. They are constantly innovating while staying true to their roots, ensuring that their fans always have something to look forward to.
It represents the company’s commitment to innovation while honoring its culinary roots. Will you be brave enough to try it?
From The Club
Panda Express sure knows exactly what we want. The Orange Chicken is already great enough on its own but introducing a spicy version of it in the new Hot Orange Chicken just makes it even better. What took them so long, right? Anyways, I’m looking forward to try this as soon as it’s released.
Special thanks to @markie_devo