Panda Express says it's pairing a beloved American dish with Taiwanese-style taste to create Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, a nod to the East Asian island nation's street food nightlife.
The limited-time dish is available at participating locations across seven states, as Panda Express tests out the new item, Panda Express said in a Sept. 8 news release.
“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,” said Evelyn Wah, vice president of Brand Innovation at Panda Express, in the release. “Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken gives guests a new way to enjoy Panda Express, bringing our bold flavors into a portable,
shareable format that's perfect for enjoying on the go.”
Unfortunately for Panda Express fans, it's not available in Michigan at this time.
In a collaboration with Taiwanese American food writer Frankie Gaw, customers at select locations can get a limited-edition collector bucket designed by Gaw with their order of a large à la carte pail order starting Sept. 9, while supplies last, the release said.
“This partnership is a true full-circle moment for me as an Asian American kid who grew up eating Panda Express,” Frankie Gaw said in the release. “The pail design pulls from my Taiwanese roots, childhood movie theater nostalgia, and Panda’s signature playfulness. It’s a special, out-of-the-(takeout)-box drop — grab it while supplies last!”
Craving Chinese cuisine? Make your own here
Here's what to know about Taiwanese-style chicken at Panda Express.
What is Panda Express' new Taiwanese-style dish?
For a limited-time, Panda Express is doing a regional test of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, its blend of Taiwanese street food with popcorn chicken, a popular American dish, per the release.
The new dish features dark chicken meat coated in a light, extra-crispy breading, seasoned with a dry spice mix of tamarind, tomato, garlic and onion, and topped with fried kale, the release noted. The item is served with a side of house-made Chili Crisp Aioli for dipping.
Can you find the Taiwanese dish at Panda Express in Michigan?
No, Michigan is not among the seven states where Panda Express is selling the Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken for its regional test run, the chain's website says.
You can find the dish at select Panda Express locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada and Tennessee, the website said.
Where can I find Panda Express in Michigan?
Panda Express is home to 51 restaurants across Michigan. You can find the complete list on the chain's website.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Panda Express rolls out popcorn chicken. Why you can't get it in here
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