Panda Express Is Testing a New Variation on Its Orange Chicken

You won't need a fork or chopsticks for this one.

The Chinese-American fast-food chain Panda Express is trying out a new menu item that’s a take on its ultra-popular orange chicken dish. For this new item, you’re going to have to put down the fork. Instead of tossing bite-sized pieces of chicken in a sweet and spicy orange sauce, Panda Express is making a new Orange Chicken Sandwich.

The new version of this sandwich will be available at select locations throughout Southern California and Colorado and is available through July 11, 2023. This in-store testing follows two well-received tests at the Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, CA. The brand tested two variations of the sandwich at the Innovation Kitchen in 2021 and 2022.

This iteration of the sandwich is made with crispy chicken glazed in the same orange sauce you know and love from the chain's Orange Chicken, topped with pickles and Sriracha aioli, and tucked into a potato bun.

If you’re not one of the lucky folks living near a testing location, you can always try re-creating it at home with our take on orange chicken and a simple Sriracha aioli. Add a couple of pickles (I’d even add a few pickled red onions), and you’re set.

If you do live by one of the following locations, be sure to give this item a try by July 11.

Southern California

• 25276 Marguerite Parkway No. 104, Mission Viejo.

• 27670-b Santa Margarita Pkwy., Mission Viejo

• 8510 Firestone Blvd., Downey

• 14480 Merced Ave., Baldwin Park

• 15528 Whittier Blvd. b, Whittier

Colorado

• 7545 Falcon Market Pl. in Falcon

• 2960 S. Academy Blvd in Colorado Springs

• 1888 Democracy Pt. in Colorado Springs

• 7165 Sheridan Blvd. in Westminster

• 4600 S. Mason St. in Fort Collins