One Of Panda Express’ Biggest Hits Is Finally Returning
Panda Express is bringing back the most successful limited-time menu item in the chain’s history.
Hot Orange Chicken returns to more than 2,500 Panda Express locations nationwide beginning July 11, just ahead of National Orange Chicken Day on July 15. Better yet, it costs the same as any other entrée.
Originally introduced as a spicier take on the chain’s signature Orange Chicken, Hot Orange Chicken takes the familiar sweet citrus sauce and turns up the heat with six times more crushed chili than the original recipe, along with the same dried chilies used in Panda’s Kung Pao Chicken.
The timing aligns since Orange Chicken remains Panda Express’ defining dish, accounting for roughly one-third of all entrées sold. In 2025 alone, the chain served 148 million pounds of it.
According to Panda Express, Hot Orange Chicken has consistently ranked among the brand’s three most-requested returning menu items across social media, making National Orange Chicken Day the perfect excuse to bring it back.
Hot Orange Chicken will be available for a limited time beginning July 11 at participating Panda Express locations nationwide while supplies last.
