Due to overwhelming demand, Beyond Original Orange Chicken returned to select Panda Express restaurants nationwide on Wednesday, July 3. This delicious collaboration between Panda Express and vegan company Beyond Meat perfectly mirrors the taste and texture of The Original Orange Chicken.

The re-release of this vegan favorite, the most requested dish on Panda Express’s social media accounts, comes just in time for National Orange Chicken Day on July 15. The fan favorite is only available for a limited time, so do not wait to try it. Check out Panda Express’s website to find a Panda Express location with Beyond Meat Chicken near you.

Beyond Original Orange Chicken’s First Release

Panda Express conducted a successful regional market test of Beyond Original Orange Chicken in 2021 in New York and Southern California. The company followed this triumphant trial run with a limited national rollout the next year. Their nationwide 2022 rollout launched on July 26 in 2,300 locations. These locations sold well over 1,300 pounds of Beyond Orange Chicken on the first day alone. Panda Express restaurants nationwide sold out of the exciting new dish very quickly.

Unfortunately, the release was only approved for a limited time. A Panda Express spokesperson told VegNews in 2023, “As part of Panda’s menu innovation strategy, we offer different seasonal limited-time offerings a few times a year to excite our guests about new menu varieties and exclusive flavors. The information we have gathered from limited-time releases have helped refine our operations, and we’re continuing to gain insight into guest demand for future menu innovations and offerings like plant-based dishes.” As a result, vegans everywhere were left hungry and craving the no longer available dish. Superfan Alyssa Ridenour initiated a petition on change.org demanding the return of the much-loved entree. She stated, “I am vegetarian, and I am addicted to this chicken. I have been craving it like crazy, and it is madness that they don’t have it on the menu anymore.” Fans across the country signed the petition for the return of Beyond Orange Chicken, eventually passing 7,000 signatures. The success of 2021’s regional launch, 2022’s limited-time rollout, and the recent fan petition, Panda Express “learned just how great the demand is for an innovative plant-based dish like Beyond Original Orange Chicken.”

History of Panda Express

Panda Express first launched under the name Panda Inn in 1973. Andrew Cherng and chef Ming-Tsai Cherng opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, CA. They offered a Mandarin and Sichuan-inspired menu. The first Panda Express opened ten years later, in 1983. It was in the food court of the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, CA. Their second location came to the Westside Pavillion Mall food court in 1985. Panda Express created their world-famous Original Orange Chicken in 1987. Panda Express now has 2,500 locations around the world. There are also five remaining Panda Inn locations in Southern California, but those are more of a formal, sit-down restaurant.

Eating Vegan at Panda Express

Beyond Original Orange Chicken is the most loved vegan item on Panda Express Menus. Hopefully, it will one day become a permanent addition at all Panda Express locations. In the meantime, Panda Express offers a very limited selection of plant-based options including super greens with steamed brown rice, steamed white Rice, or chow mein noodle. Keep in mind that all plant-based items are prepared with shared equipment and can change at any time so check updated menus from Panda Express.

Will Panda Express Continue to Create New Vegan Dishes?

Panda Express has created a delicious vegan entree with Beyond Original Orange Chicken. Vegans throughout the nation are excited whenever this dish is available. Given its popularity, we all hope Panda Express will consider making Beyond Original Orange Chicken a permanent menu item.

Beyond Meat is ready to extend its collaboration with Panda Express to other vegan culinary endeavors. “If consumer enthusiasm continues, there’s potential for expansion into additional Panda Express restaurants.” www.beyondmeat.com. We would love to see Panda Express pursue further projects with Beyond Meat.

The FARM Buzz loves bringing the latest news and fun places to find the newest vegan food options at popular restaurants and theme parks. Check out our vegan food guides including our Vegan Food Guide for Taco Bell, Eating Vegan at Burger King, Vegan Options at The Cheesecake Factory, Vegan Friendly Options at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge and more.