Panda Express® is bringing back Hot Orange Chicken for the third consecutive year, dropping the limited-time menu item on July 11, 2026 — just ahead of National Orange Chicken Day on July 15. More Eat & Drink News
What Is Hot Orange Chicken at Panda Express
Hot Orange Chicken is Panda Express’s fiery take on its iconic Original Orange Chicken®. It features the same signature orange sauce with significantly more heat, including six times more crushed chili than the original recipe and a half-cup of the same scorched dried chilies used in Kung Pao Chicken. The result is a sweet-and-spicy combination the brand calls “swicy.”
Why Hot Orange Chicken Keeps Coming Back
The dish is Panda Express’s best-selling limited-time offer in company history and consistently ranks among the top three most-requested returns on social media. Its annual return reflects sustained consumer demand for bold, spicy flavors layered on top of the familiar orange sauce profile.
The History Behind the Original Orange Chicken
Panda Express created The Original Orange Chicken® in 1987 in Hawaii, drawing from the flavors of China’s Hunan Province and local Hawaiian citrus. The dish now accounts for one-third of all entrées sold at Panda, with the brand serving 148 million pounds of it in 2025 alone.
How Much Does Hot Orange Chicken Cost
Hot Orange Chicken carries no additional upcharge and is priced the same as other Panda Express entrées.
Hot Orange Chicken Nutrition Information
One serving of Hot Orange Chicken (5.92 oz) contains 550 calories and 17g of protein. Full nutritional and allergen details are available at Panda Express Nutrition Information.
Where to Get Hot Orange Chicken
Hot Orange Chicken is available starting July 11, 2026, at all 2,500+ Panda Express locations while supplies last. Guests can find a nearby location, order online, or order through the Panda Express app at PandaExpress.com.
Source: RestaurantNews.com
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