How to Get the Panda Express Hot Orange Chicken Before It Sells Out
Panda Express announces the nationwide return of Hot Orange Chicken just ahead of National Orange Chicken Day. Find out how long you can grab this fiery dish.
Spicy food lovers, rejoice! Panda Express is officially bringing back its most viral menu sensation ever. Starting July 11, 2026, Hot Orange Chicken will return to all 2,500+ Panda Express locations nationwide (including Universal CityWalk Orlando). The limited-time launch comes just in time for National Orange Chicken Day on July 15, tapping directly into the consumer craving for “swicy” (sweet and spicy) flavor profiles.
Hot Orange Chicken at Panda Express Returns for a Short Time
Hot Orange Chicken holds the title of Panda’s best-selling limited-time menu offer in history. According to the restaurant chain, it consistently ranks within the top three most-requested items from fans demanding a comeback. The dish balances the brand’s American Chinese heritage with modern cravings for intense heat, featuring:
- Six times more crushed chili than the iconic original recipe.
- A half-cup of scorched dried chilies—the exact same fiery ingredient used in Panda’s famous Kung Pao Chicken.
- Panda’s signature orange sauce to maintain that beloved sweet base.
The Original Orange Chicken has been a staple since it reinvented fast-casual American Chinese cuisine decades ago. Accounting for about one-third of all entrées sold at the chain, the restaurant served up about 148 million pounds of the original dish in 2025 alone.
“Orange Chicken is the dish that put us on the map, and National Orange Chicken Day is proof it took on a life of its own,” said Evelyn Wah, vice president of brand innovation at Panda Express. “Celebrating it with Hot Orange Chicken felt right because our guests have never let us forget how much this dish means to them, and this is us showing up for that.”
Panda Express Frequently Asked Questions (with answers supplied by Panda Express)
Who invented Orange Chicken? Panda Express created The Original Orange Chicken in 1987 in Hawaii. Drawing from the flavors of China’s Hunan Province and local Hawaiian citrus, Panda reimagined a traditional citrus chicken preparation into something entirely new — a dish that would go on to define American Chinese cuisine.
What is Hot Orange Chicken? Hot Orange Chicken is Panda Express’ fiery take on its iconic original. It features the same signature orange sauce but with added heat from six times more crushed chilies than the original recipe and half a cup of dried chilies — the same scorched ingredient used in Panda’s beloved Kung Pao Chicken.
Is Hot Orange Chicken spicy? Yes. Hot Orange Chicken delivers a noticeable heat level while keeping the sweet-and-spicy balance the dish is famous for. It’s significantly spicier than The Original Orange Chicken and built for fans who want a serious kick.
How much does Hot Orange Chicken cost? There is no additional upcharge for Hot Orange Chicken. It’s priced the same as other Panda Express entrees.
Where can I get Hot Orange Chicken? Hot Orange Chicken is available at all 2,500+ Panda Express locations nationwide while supplies last, starting July 11. You can find your nearest location, order online, or order through the Panda Express app at pandaexpress.com.
What is the nutritional information for Hot Orange Chicken? One serving of Hot Orange Chicken (5.92 oz) contains 550 calories and 17g of protein. For full nutritional and allergen information, visit Panda Express Nutrition Information.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!
Expertise. Ease. Value.
Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
