Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken: Limited Test Launch
Panda Express introduces Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, a new walk-and-eat snack inspired by Taiwan's night markets. Features limited-edition Frankie Gaw collectible bucket in select test markets.
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- Panda Express is launching a limited-time test of its first-ever walk-and-eat snacking item, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, across select markets (including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, and Reno) starting September 8, 2026.
- Inspired by traditional Taiwanese street food, the dish features extra-crispy dark meat chicken tossed in a dry spice blend of tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion, finished with fried kale and served with a side of house-made Chili Crisp Aioli.
- Panda Express partnered with Taiwanese American designer and cookbook author Frankie Gaw (Little Fat Boy) to create a limited-edition collectible pail, available exclusively in test markets starting September 9 with the purchase of a large à la carte pail while supplies last.
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Panda Express®, the pioneer of American Chinese cuisine, is bringing the energy of Taiwan’s legendary night markets to select cities with its newest innovation: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Inspired by the bold flavors and snacking culture of Taiwan’s iconic night markets, the limited-time menu item reflects one of many culinary influences that help shape innovation at Panda Express. Available starting today as an exclusive regional test, dropping in participating locations across Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Reno, and select surrounding markets, this limited-time menu addition marks Panda’s first walk-and-eat snacking format.
Panda’s take on the iconic street food staple, yán sū jī (鹽酥雞), features juicy dark meat chicken coated in a light, extra-crispy breading. Tossed in a proprietary dry spice blend featuring tangy tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion, it’s finished with crispy fried kale, Panda’s American Chinese twist on the traditional basil garnish, adding vibrant color and textural contrast. Every order comes with a side of house-made Chili Crisp Aioli for a creamy, subtly spicy dip.
“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.”
To bring the launch to life, Panda Express partnered with Taiwanese American designer, author and food creator Frankie Gaw of Little Fat Boy whose work celebrates the intersection of Asian and American influences through food, culture and storytelling. Gaw created a limited-edition collector bucket that blends the nostalgia of Taiwan’s night markets, classic American movie theaters and Panda’s American Chinese heritage. Beginning September 9, guests in select test markets can receive the collectible bucket with the purchase of a large à la carte pail order, while supplies last. The collectible bucket brings the story behind Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken to life through Gaw’s distinct creative lens.
“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!”
Panda Express Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken: Drop Details & FAQ
Q: Where can I get Panda’s new Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
A: This limited-market drop is only available at participating Panda Express locations in select test regions while supplies last. Visit pandaexpress.com/promo/tpc2026 to find a participating store near you:
Q: How much does Panda’s new Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken cost?
A: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken from Panda Express can be ordered as a standard entrée selection on any Plate, Bowl, or Family Meal at no additional charge.
Q: Who is Frankie Gaw?
A: Frankie Gaw is a Taiwanese American designer, author and food creator behind Little Fat Boy, whose work celebrates the intersection of Asian and American influences through food, culture and storytelling. He partnered with Panda Express to design the limited-edition collector bucket inspired by Taiwan’s night market culture and Panda’s American Chinese heritage.
Q: How do I get the Frankie Gaw limited-edition bucket?
A: Starting September 9, the Frankie Gaw limited-edition collector’s edition bucket is available as a gift with purchase* when guests buy a Large à la carte order of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken at participating test locations, while supplies last. Quantities are limited.
*Must purchase a large pail of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, available only à la Carte. Not valid with a Family Meal. Valid at participating locations in-store, while supplies last. Limit one (1) offer and redemption per order. Not valid with any other offer or discounts. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time and additional restrictions may apply.
Q: What makes Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken different from traditional popcorn chicken?
A: Unlike typical fast-food chicken nuggets, Taiwanese yán sū jī relies on a lighter, extra-crispy coating and a multidimensional dry spice seasoning. Panda’s version pairs savory onion and garlic with tangy tamarind and tomato powder, complemented by fried kale and a creamy Chili Crisp Aioli.
Q: Will Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken be rolling out nationwide in the future?
A: Currently, this item is an exclusive regional test to gather guest feedback. Fans outside participating test markets are encouraged to follow @OfficialPandaExpress on Instagram and TikTok to stay tuned for potential future drop expansions!
About Panda Express
®Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the US, is a family-owned and operated restaurant brand founded in 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Driven by a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express is recognized as a trailblazer in American Chinese cuisine. The company has pioneered iconic dishes like The Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, creating a variety of industry-first recipes. Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by authentic Chinese flavors and culinary principles. With over 2,500 locations across the country and a presence in 11 international countries, Panda Express continues to share American Chinese cuisine with the world.
Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares®, Panda’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $455 million and has dedicated countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 16 million youth, as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. In 2021, Panda Express established the Panda CommUnity Fund® — a ten-year, $20 million investment dedicated to building a more respectful society through systemic and community‑focused change. For more information about Panda, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8abcd9cc-3238-4f6d-a683-8fea6220ee29
