The words “Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken” already grabbed my attention, but add chili crisp aioli and a limited-edition collectible bucket, and Panda Express’ newest launch gets even more interesting.
On September 8, Panda Express launched Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, a limited-time menu item inspired by a Taiwanese night market staple. Unfortunately, not everyone can get their hands on it just yet. The new dish is currently being tested in just seven markets across the U.S.
So, what exactly is in Panda Express’ newest dish, where can you find it and what’s the deal with that collectible bucket? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Panda Express’ Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Panda Express’ Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is inspired by yán sū jī, a crispy chicken snack commonly found at Taiwan’s night markets.
The chain’s version features bite-sized pieces of dark meat chicken coated in a light, extra-crispy breading. They’re tossed in a dry seasoning blend of tamarind, tomato, garlic, and onion, and then finished off with pieces of fried kale. Each order also comes with a house-made chili crisp aioli for dipping.
The kale might seem like a slightly random popcorn chicken topping, but there’s a reason it’s there. Taiwanese popcorn chicken is traditionally served with fried basil, and Panda Express describes its fried kale as an American Chinese twist on the classic garnish.
“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,” Evelyn Wah, Panda Express’ vice president of brand innovation, said in a press release.
What makes this different from other Panda Express entrées?
This Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is Panda Express’ first menu item created specifically as a “walk-and-eat” snack. That portable format takes inspiration from the night markets where popcorn chicken is commonly eaten on the go.
You can, of course, still eat it sitting down though. Customers at participating locations can order the chicken as a standard entrée in a Panda Express plate or bowl — or include it in a family meal at no additional charge.
Where can you try it?
Here’s the catch: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken isn’t available nationwide.
For now, Panda Express is only testing it at participating restaurants in and around seven markets:
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Nashville
- Orlando
- Phoenix
- Reno
If you’re in one of those areas, it’s worth double checking whether your nearest Panda Express is participating before making the trip!
When is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken available?
The limited-time test began Sept. 8, but Panda Express hasn’t announced a nationwide rollout or a firm date for when these regional tests will end. That means if you live near a participating restaurant and want to try it, this probably isn’t the time to procrastinate!
What is the limited-edition collectible pail, and how do you get it?
While the chicken is certainly noteworthy, it’s not the only part of the launch worth talking about.
Panda Express has teamed up with Taiwanese American designer, cookbook author and food creator Frankie Gaw — better known online at Little Fat Boy — to create a limited-edition chicken pail celebrating the launch.
The design combines influences from Taiwanese night markets and classic movie-theater popcorn buckets with Panda Express imagery. Gaw even gave the Panda Express panda a cowboy makeover for the collaboration.
Gaw called the collaboration a “full-circle moment” after growing up eating Panda Express. On social media, he described the project as a “Midwest boy’s dream come true.”
The buckets became available Sept. 9 at participating test locations and are only available while supplies last.
To get one, customers have to purchase a large à la carte pail of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in-store. Online and app purchases aren’t eligible, and the offer is limited to one per order.
For now, Panda Express hasn’t said whether Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken will make its way to menus nationwide. But considering the chain first tested the dish in 2025 and has now brought it back across seven markets, I’m taking that as a promising sign. Until then, those of us outside the test cities will just have to hope the popcorn chicken — and that chili crisp aioli — get enough love to earn a wider release.