Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a brand-new snack-style test item: bite-size, crispy-fried chicken pieces served with fried kale and a creamy, spicy dip.
It is called Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, and for now it is available only in seven test markets. That limited start is the whole point, so check availability before you plan a special trip.
What Is Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
The seasoning comes first in this dish: a dry blend of tamarind, tomato, garlic and onion coats small pieces of dark-meat chicken that have been fried until crisp. Fried kale is mixed through, and a Chili Crisp Aioli is served on the side for dipping.
Because the pieces are small and the coating stays dry, the dish is easy to pick up and eat a bite at a time, and the dip stays separate so you can decide how much of it each bite gets. It also slots neatly into a larger order, working as a snack on its own or as one entrée among several.
How It Tastes
These tasting notes are drawn from the ingredient list, rather than from one fixed flavour, because seasoning can feel a little different from restaurant to restaurant. The first impression should be tangy, thanks to the tamarind, with warm, savoury depth from the garlic, onion and tomato in the spice blend.
The fried kale adds a dry, leafy crunch that contrasts with the crisp coating, while the Chili Crisp Aioli smooths the whole bite out and adds a gentle chilli warmth. Together, the parts make a snack that is lively rather than heavy, with the dip doing much of the work if you want extra heat.
How to Order It and What It Costs
Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a standard entrée choice, so you can pick it in a Bowl, Plate, Bigger Plate or Family Meal at no extra charge. On this site’s guide prices, a Bowl starts at $9.30, a Plate at $11.10 and a Bigger Plate at $12.90. Prices vary by location, so your local restaurant may charge a little more or less.
If you would rather order the chicken on its own, à la carte sizes were listed on the Los Angeles DoorDash menu checked for this post at $6.50 for small, $11.40 for medium and $16.35 for large. Delivery prices can differ from in-store prices, and availability can vary by restaurant. For a wider look at the chain’s mains, see the Panda Express meat guide.
Calories and Nutrition
A 4 oz serving is listed at 390 calories, with 18 grams of protein and 22 grams of carbohydrates. That figure covers the chicken itself, so a full Bowl or Plate total will depend on the side and any other entrée you choose.
You can compare other dishes on the Panda Express Nutrition & Calories Chart.
Where You Can Try It
The test covers participating restaurants in the following markets, plus surrounding areas:
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Nashville
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Reno
Use the official test store finder to check whether a restaurant near you is taking part. No nationwide rollout has been announced, and no end date has been published, so the test could change as Panda Express reviews the results.
This is not the chain’s first limited test: the earlier Typhoon Chili Shrimp test followed a similar pattern, appearing in selected locations rather than everywhere at once.
The Frankie Gaw Bucket
Designer and cookbook author Frankie Gaw, of Little Fat Boy, created a limited-edition collectible bucket for the launch. From 9 September, the bucket is free with a large à la carte pail purchase at participating test locations, while supplies last.
Because stock is limited, it is worth asking at the counter before you order if you are hoping to take one home.
