Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Coming to Test Markets, Including Orlando
Panda Express tests Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in select markets starting today. Learn where to grab this street food dish and exclusive Frankie Gaw bucket.
Panda Express is officially tapping into street food culture with its latest limited-time release: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Starting September 8, 2026, the fast-casual icon is rolling out a regional test of its first-ever walk-and-eat snacking format across select major markets, including Orlando. This limited-time test comes a week after the return of Cantonese BBQ Brisket at Panda Express.
Inspired by Taiwan’s legendary night market staple, yán sū jī (鹽酥雞), the new menu item features extra-crispy, juicy dark meat chicken coated in a dry spice blend of tangy tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion. Giving the dish an American Chinese twist, it comes topped with crispy fried kale (a fresh spin on traditional basil) and is paired with a creamy house-made Chili Crisp Aioli for dipping.
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken at Panda Express: A High-Profile Cultural Collaboration
To celebrate the launch, Panda Express teamed up with Taiwanese American designer, author, and food creator Frankie Gaw (creator of Little Fat Boy). Gaw created a retro-inspired, limited-edition collectible pail that combines the nostalgia of Taiwanese street markets, classic American cinema, and signature Panda Express playfulness. Beginning September 9, 2026, guests ordering a large à la carte pail of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken at participating test locations can score the collectible bucket as a gift with purchase while supplies last.
“Popcorn chicken is a familiar favorite for many Americans, so pairing it with Taiwanese-inspired flavors and street food culture felt like the most natural way to tell our American Chinese story,” said Evelyn Wah, Vice President of Brand Innovation at Panda Express. “Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken gives guests a new way to enjoy Panda Express, bringing our bold flavors into a portable, shareable format that’s perfect for enjoying on the go.”
“This partnership is a true full-circle moment for me as an Asian American kid who grew up eating Panda Express,” said Frankie Gaw. “The pail design pulls from my Taiwanese roots, childhood movie theater nostalgia, and Panda’s signature playfulness. It’s a special, out-of-the-(takeout)-box drop—grab it while supplies last!”
Drop Details & FAQ
Where can you find Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
The exclusive regional test is available at participating Panda Express stores in select markets, including:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Atlanta, GA
- Nashville, TN
- Orlando, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Reno, NV
- Select surrounding metro markets
Visit pandaexpress.com/promo/tpc2026 to find a participating store near you
How much does it cost?
Guests can select Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken as a standard entrée option on any Bowl, Plate, or Family Meal at no extra charge. It can also be ordered à la carte.
How do you get the Frankie Gaw collectible bucket?
Starting September 9, 2026, guests who purchase a Large à la carte order of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in-store at participating test locations will receive the collector bucket for free, while supplies last (limit one per order, not valid on Family Meals).
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