Panda Express is testing Taiwanese popcorn chicken

I tried the new crispy Taiwanese-inspired chicken with chili crisp aioli, and it was easily one of my favorite Panda Express launches!

Panda Express has a brand-new chicken dish, and I was super excited to try it. Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken officially began testing September 8 in select markets, including Orlando, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, Phoenix, and Reno. It is also Panda Express’ first menu item designed specifically as a walk-and-eat snack.

I’ve gotta say, this was such a hit for me. The chicken was crispy, extremely flavorful, and paired with a thick chili crisp dipping sauce that added just enough heat. My daughter and I both loved it, and by the end, we were wishing we had ordered the bigger size.

Panda Express has been experimenting beyond its classics

Panda Express was founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has since grown into the largest Asian dining concept in the United States, with more than 2,500 locations. The company built much of its reputation around American Chinese dishes such as its Original Orange Chicken and Honey Walnut Shrimp, but its latest test goes in a slightly different direction.

The new Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken takes its cues from yán sū jī, a Taiwanese street-food staple commonly associated with night markets. Panda’s version uses dark meat chicken with a light, extra-crispy breading, then tosses it in a dry seasoning blend featuring tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion. It is finished with fried kale and served with a house-made Chili Crisp Aioli.

That combination really made this feel different from a standard fast-food chicken nugget or popcorn chicken.

The seasoning is what gives it flavor

The first thing I noticed was how much flavor was packed into the chicken itself. You could really taste the spices in the seasoned breading and chicken, but there wasn’t one single flavor dominating the entire bite. It wasn’t noticeably salty or sweet. Instead, it just tasted intensely seasoned in a way that kept making me want another piece.

I especially liked that Panda Express relied on a dry seasoning rather than coating the chicken in a sticky sauce. The outside stayed crispy, and the seasoning had a little more complexity than I expected from a quick-service chicken dish. The dark meat also worked especially well because it stayed juicy underneath the crispy coating.

The chili crisp aioli adds just enough heat

Every order comes with a side of Chili Crisp Aioli, and I definitely recommend using it. The sauce has a thick, creamy base with chili crisp flavor running through it. I would call the heat noticeable but very manageable. It added just the right amount of flavor for me without covering up all of the seasoning already on the chicken.

The contrast was also really good. You have hot, crunchy chicken going into a cool, creamy dipping sauce. Panda Express describes the aioli as subtly spicy, and I think that is totally accurate.

The fried kale was one of my favorite parts

One of the details that really made this dish stand out was the fried kale scattered throughout the chicken.

Panda Express uses it as its own American Chinese twist on the basil traditionally associated with Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and I loved what it added to the dish. The kale was crispy and light, giving each bite another layer of texture.

It also made the whole dish feel a little more unique than standard popcorn chicken. Between the seasoned breading, crispy kale, and chili crisp aioli, everything worked really well together.

There is also a limited-edition collectible bucket

Panda Express also partnered with Taiwanese American designer, author, and food creator Frankie Gaw of Little Fat Boy for the launch.

Gaw designed a limited-edition collectible bucket that combines influences from Taiwanese night markets, American movie theaters, and Panda Express. Starting September 9, customers in participating test markets can receive the bucket with the purchase of a large à la carte order of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken while supplies last.

It is a fun addition to a menu item that is already being positioned more like a portable snack than one of Panda Express’ traditional entrées.

My take

Right now, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is only a regional test, and Panda Express says the company is gathering guest feedback before determining any potential wider rollout. It can currently be ordered as an entrée selection on a Plate, Bowl, or Family Meal at no additional charge in participating markets.

After trying it, I would absolutely order it again. The crispy dark meat chicken, flavorful dry seasoning, fried kale, and creamy chili crisp sauce give it a personality that feels very different from the rest of the Panda Express menu. It may not be the safest choice for someone who only wants the familiar sweet-and-savory flavors the chain is known for, but that is exactly why I liked it so much.