Panda Express Tests Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in 7 Cities Starting September 8

Panda Express rolled out Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken on September 8 across seven U.S. cities, marking its first walk-and-eat snacking format. The limited-time item features dark meat chicken tossed in tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion, finished with fried kale and served with house-made chili crisp aioli. The test runs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, and Reno.

What makes this popcorn chicken different

Panda Express adapted Taiwan’s traditional yán sū jī street snack, a crispy fried chicken night-market favorite. The chain uses dark meat instead of the leaner chicken in typical nuggets, delivering richer texture. Tamarind adds tang while tomato, garlic, and onion provide savory depth. Fried kale replaces the traditional basil garnish, giving an American Chinese twist on the Taiwanese original.

Limited test across seven markets

The chicken is available at participating locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, and Reno. Customers can order it as a standard entrée on any plate, bowl, or family meal at no extra charge. Not all restaurants in these cities carry it, so diners should check their local Panda Express before making a trip.

Collectible bucket launches September 9

Panda Express partnered with Taiwanese-American designer Frankie Gaw, known online as Little Fat Boy, to design a limited-edition red bucket. The bucket becomes available September 9 with purchase of a large à la carte pail of the popcorn chicken while supplies last. One bucket per order, in-store only, and cannot be combined with family meals or other discounts.

Why this matters for the stock

Panda Express tests new formats to drive traffic and compete with rivals like KFC. Menu innovation in limited markets lets the chain gauge demand before rolling out nationally. With PNRA trading at $314.93 and a Meyka grade of B (HOLD), the stock reflects a mature restaurant operator. Success with portable snacking could boost same-store sales and justify the current 50.7 P/E ratio if the test expands.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express is testing a Taiwanese-inspired popcorn chicken snack in seven cities to gauge consumer appetite for portable, shareable formats. If the test performs well, national expansion could drive incremental revenue and traffic for the chain.

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