Hey there, foodies and curious eaters! If you’ve been scrollin’ through menus or chattin’ about fast food lately, you might’ve heard the buzz ‘bout somethin’ mighty tasty—Beyond Original Orange Chicken. Now, if you’re wonderin’, “What the heck is this dish?” then lemme break it down for ya real quick We’re talkin’ ‘bout a plant-based twist on the iconic Orange Chicken from Panda Express, and trust me, it’s got folks hyped up for a reason In this here blog, I’m gonna dive deep into what makes this dish special, why it’s got a cult followin’, and how it’s shakin’ up the fast food game. So, grab a snack (or a bowl of this stuff if you’re lucky), and let’s get into it!
What Exactly Is Beyond Original Orange Chicken?
Straight off the bat, let’s answer the big question. Beyond Original Orange Chicken is a vegan-friendly version of the classic Orange Chicken you know and love from Panda Express. It’s made in collab with Beyond Meat a company that’s all ‘bout creatin’ plant-based grub that tastes like the real deal. This ain’t no boring salad or tofu mush—nah this dish is crafted to have that same crispy, crunchy texture and tangy, sweet flavor of the original. It’s like they bottled up nostalgia and made it meat-free!
Why’s it called “Beyond”? Well, that’s the brand behind the magic. They’ve whipped up a recipe that mimics chicken so good, you might not even notice the switch. And for those of us who’ve been cravin’ fast food without the guilt—or maybe just wanna cut back on meat—this is a game-changer. It’s been poppin’ up on Panda Express menus, and as of early July 2024, it’s back for a limited time due to crazy fan demand. We’re talkin’ thousands of peeps petitionin’ and blowin’ up social media to get this dish back on the table. That’s some serious love!
Why’s Everyone Losin’ Their Minds Over This?
Now, you might be thinkin’, “It’s just food, right?” Wrong! This ain’t just a menu item; it’s a freakin’ movement. Here’s why Beyond Original Orange Chicken has folks goin’ wild:
- Fan Power, Baby! This dish didn’t just come back ‘cause some bigwig said so. Nah, it was the people speakin’ up—over 7,000 signatures on a petition, plus a flood of requests on social channels. It’s like the fans staged a food revolution, and Panda Express listened.
- Plant-Based Vibes: More of us are lookin’ to eat less meat, whether it’s for the planet, health, or just tryin’ somethin’ new. This dish lets ya indulge in fast food without ditchin’ your values.
- That Crunch Tho: Word on the street is they nailed the texture. It’s got that crispy bite and sticky-sweet sauce that makes Orange Chicken a comfort food fave. Even meat lovers are givin’ it props!
- Limited-Time Hype: It ain’t stickin’ around forever. When somethin’s only here for a hot minute, you bet peeps are rushin’ to grab a bowl before it’s gone again.
I mean, c’mon, when was the last time you saw a fast food joint bring back a dish ‘cause fans demanded it? That’s the kinda passion we’re dealin’ with here.
A Lil’ History on This Tasty Comeback
Lemme give ya the quick backstory on how this dish became a big deal. A few years back, Panda Express teamed up with Beyond Meat to test this plant-based version in select spots. Think of it like a sneak peek—some lucky folks got to try it out, and they couldn’t shut up ‘bout how good it was. Fast forward a bit, and they rolled it out nationwide for a short stint Again, huge hit. But then, poof, it disappeared off menus, leavin’ fans hungry and ticked off
That’s when the magic happened. People weren’t havin’ it—they started makin’ noise online, signin’ petitions, and basically beggin’ for its return. And guess what? Their voices were heard! As of July 3, 2024, Beyond Original Orange Chicken is back at hundreds of Panda Express spots across the U.S. But don’t get too comfy—it’s still a limited-time thang. If the hype keeps rollin’, though, there’s a chance it could stick around longer or pop up in more places. Fingers crossed, y’all!
How’s It Made? The Secret Behind the Crunch
Alright, I ain’t got the exact recipe (wish I did!), but I can tell ya the gist of how they pull off this wizardry. Beyond Meat’s whole deal is creatin’ plant-based proteins that act like meat in your mouth. For this dish, they’ve cooked up somethin’ that fries up crispy just like chicken, then gets tossed in that signature orange sauce that’s got a lil’ sweet, a lil’ tangy, and a whole lotta yum.
Here’s what I reckon goes into makin’ it so darn good:
- Plant Power: They use stuff like pea protein or other veggie-based ingredients to build that “chicken” texture. It ain’t real meat, but it sure fools your taste buds.
- Fryin’ It Right: That golden crunch? That’s all ‘bout gettin’ the batter and fry game on point. It’s gotta hold up under that sticky sauce without goin’ soggy.
- Sauce Magic: The orange glaze is where the nostalgia hits. It’s that same flavor profile Panda Express fans crave—kinda citrusy, kinda sweet, and super addictive.
I’m guessin’ they spent a lotta time in the kitchen testin’ this to make sure it wasn’t just “okay” but straight-up amazin’. And from what folks are sayin’, mission accomplished!
Where Can Ya Get This Goodness?
If you’re itchin’ to try Beyond Original Orange Chicken, you gotta act fast ‘cause it ain’t everywhere, and it won’t last forever. Right now, it’s available at a bunch of Panda Express locations across the United States. Not every spot has it, though, so you’ll wanna check which ones are servin’ it up. Lucky for us, Panda’s got a way to find participatin’ stores—hop on their website, punch in your zip code or city, and boom, you’ll know where to go.
A heads-up, though: this tasty treat is a U.S.-exclusive deal for the moment. If you’re readin’ this from across the pond or anywhere outside the States, you’re outta luck for now. Sorry, pals! I’m hopin’ they take this global soon ‘cause everyone deserves a bite of this action.
Why Beyond Original Orange Chicken Matters
Let’s zoom out for a sec and talk ‘bout why this dish ain’t just a menu item but a freakin’ cultural moment. Fast food joints like Panda Express ain’t exactly known for caterin’ to vegans or folks cuttin’ back on meat. For years, if you didn’t eat meat, your options were pretty much fries or a sad side salad. But times are changin’, and this dish is proof.
Here’s the bigger picture, broken down nice and easy:
- Fast Food Goes Green: More chains are jumpin’ on the plant-based bandwagon. It’s not just a trend; it’s ‘bout meetin’ folks where they’re at. Beyond Original Orange Chicken shows you can have your comfort food and eat green too.
- Listen to the People: The fact that fan demand brought this back is huge. It tells us that we’ve got power as eaters—if we shout loud enough, companies might just listen.
- Bridgin’ the Gap: This dish ain’t just for vegans. It’s for anyone who loves Orange Chicken, period. It’s bringin’ meat-eaters and plant-lovers together over a shared plate, and that’s pretty darn cool.
I gotta say, as someone who’s always down to try new eats, seein’ fast food get more inclusive gets me pumped. It’s like the food world is finally catchin’ up to how diverse our tastes and values are.
How’s It Fit Into the Plant-Based Craze?
Speakin’ of trends, let’s chat ‘bout where Beyond Original Orange Chicken sits in the whole plant-based movement. If you ain’t noticed, meat-free options are everywhere these days—from burgers to sausages to, yup, fake chicken. People are choosin’ plant-based for all kinda reasons, and I’m all for it.
Here’s a quick table to show how this dish stacks up in the plant-based fast food scene:
| Dish/Brand | Chain | What’s Special? | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond Original Orange Chicken | Panda Express | Mimics classic Orange Chicken, fan-driven comeback | Limited time, U.S. only |
| Plant-Based Burgers | Various Chains | Tastes like beef, widely available | Often permanent menu |
| Vegan Nuggets | Some Fast Food Spots | Kid-friendly, easy snack | Spotty, depends on spot |
What makes Beyond Original Orange Chicken stand out is how it’s tied to a specific, beloved recipe. It ain’t just a generic “vegan option”—it’s a straight-up doppelgänger for somethin’ people already crave. Plus, that limited-time thing adds a lil’ urgency. You don’t wanna miss out, right?
And lemme tell ya, I think this is just the start. If folks keep showin’ love for stuff like this, we might see more classic dishes get the plant-based treatment. Imagine a meat-free General Tso’s or a veganized Big Mac. The possibilities got me droolin’ already!
My Personal Take—Why I’m Stoked ‘Bout This
Alright, let’s get real for a minute. I ain’t gonna pretend I’ve tried every vegan dish out there, but somethin’ ‘bout Beyond Original Orange Chicken has me itchin’ to hit up Panda Express ASAP. I grew up lovin’ that sticky, crunchy Orange Chicken—pair it with some fried rice, and I’m in heaven. So hearin’ there’s a way to enjoy that without the meat? Sign me up!
What gets me excited is how it feels like a win for everyone. If you’re vegan, you get to join in on the fast food fun. If you’re a meat-eater, you can try somethin’ new without losin’ that familiar flavor. And honestly, I’m just curious—does it really taste the same? Is the crunch legit? I’m plannin’ to grab a bowl soon and see for myself. If you’ve tried it, lemme know in the comments what ya thought. I’m all ears!
Tips for Tryin’ It Out
If you’re thinkin’ of givin’ Beyond Original Orange Chicken a shot, here’s some quick advice from yours truly:
- Check Locations First: Don’t just roll up to any Panda Express—make sure the one near ya is servin’ it. Their website’s got the deets.
- Go Sooner Than Later: Since it’s a limited-time deal, don’t snooze on this. You don’t wanna be the one cryin’ when it’s gone.
- Pair It Up: Grab some fried rice or chow mein to go with it. Make it a full-on Panda feast, ya know?
- Spread the Word: If ya love it, post ‘bout it online. The more buzz, the better chance it sticks around or comes back again.
I’m rootin’ for ya to get a taste before it’s too late. Nothin’ worse than missin’ out on a food hype train!
What’s Next for Plant-Based Fast Food?
Now that we’ve covered what Beyond Original Orange Chicken is and why it’s got everyone talkin’, let’s peek into the future a bit. I reckon this dish is a sign of bigger things comin’. Fast food ain’t gonna stay the same old burgers-and-fries gig forever. With more peeps carin’ ‘bout sustainability and health, chains gotta adapt or get left behind.
I’m bettin’ we’ll see more collabs like this—big names teamin’ up with plant-based brands to remake classics. Maybe next it’ll be a veganized teriyaki bowl or some meat-free tacos. And if fans keep pushin’ for stuff like Beyond Original Orange Chicken, who knows? It might not stay “limited time” for long. I’d love to see it become a regular menu star, givin’ everyone a shot at tryin’ it whenever they want.
Wrappin’ It Up With Some Food for Thought
So, there ya have it—everything ya need to know ‘bout Beyond Original Orange Chicken. It’s a plant-based spin on a fast food fave, brought back by sheer fan power, and servin’ up that crunchy, saucy goodness without a lick of meat. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a lil’ glimpse into how fast food’s evolvin’ to fit all kinda eaters.
I’m stoked to see where this goes, and I hope you are too. Whether you’re a die-hard vegan or just curious ‘bout switchin’ things up, this is worth a try. Head to a participatin’ Panda Express, snag yourself a bowl, and join the hype. And hey, if ya got thoughts or stories ‘bout this dish, drop ‘em below. Let’s keep this food convo rollin’!
Until next time, keep eatin’ bold and tryin’ new stuff. Catch ya later!
How does Panda Express’ Beyond Orange Chicken Taste?
I tried the Beyond version of the entree first. It came in the form of relatively uniform breaded nuggets, tossed in Panda Express sweet and vinegary orange chicken sauce. And I have to say, it was pretty impressive. Though it was discreetly apparent that it wasnt chicken, it still had that spongy texture that emulsified chicken nuggets have.
The telltale sign that it wasnt meat was mostly in its density. The Beyond orange chicken was pretty dense, with bounce to its chew. I hesitate to call it rubbery, since people usually consider that as an undesirable trait to food, but its chewiness wasnt off-putting at all.
The other tell was a slight pea-protein-like flavor that mainly came out as the food naturally cooled off. As far as I could tell, there are no ingredients listed on the Panda Express website, but if its the same fake chicken base as Beyond Chicken Tenders sold to foodservice, its main protein component comes from faba beans, per Beyonds website.
Heres the fun side by side. While the Beyond orange chicken came in roughly round nuggets, the real chicken was shaped much more irregularly, sort of like little clouds.
That irregular shape allows much more of the gel-like orange chicken sauce to cling to its surface, and it gets into all the little nooks and crannies of each piece. But whats particularly interesting is the texture. The real chicken was much softer than its new vegan counterpart. Had I just never noticed how soft Panda Express orange chicken was? My teeth sunk into it effortlessly. (Id initially believed the orange chicken was made of white meat, but I was wrong—its dark meat chicken, as Delish reported in 2017.)
With all that noisy sweet and vinegary orange chicken sauce, its hard to tell the flavor of whats inside either the chicken and its vegan counterpart anyway. You can still detect the fibers in the meaty one and catch a little bit of poultry flavor, but thats only if youre concentrating. It could have been practically any protein and I probably wouldnt have been able to taste what was in it, especially if I was eating it under different circumstances. Like at some gas station rest stop or something.
I keep telling myself I need to cut down on my meat consumption, for I rely on it as a staple in my diet more than I want to. So in the case of a quick lunch, Id be totally happy to swap out for the Beyond Meat orange chicken at Panda Express to soothe my conscience (even though yes, I know, its very processed material, which may not be good for you or the planet).
While the original stuff is just a little better, it relies mostly on the flavor of the sauce and the fact that its core protein is battered and fried. Honestly, it could be fish balls, beef, tofu, whatever, and itd still taste good.
Fake chicken sets its sights on Chinese American fast food.
Say what you will, but vegan meat substitutions have come a long way. Were not just replacing proteins with tofu anymore; weve got an extraordinary amount of uncanny animal-product imitators available to us. There are vegan eggs, an array of faux beef options, and a plethora of plant-based chicken out on supermarket shelves. Fast food is increasingly embracing the vegan chicken trend, and Panda Express wasnt about to get left in the dust: the brand has released a limited-time-only entree called Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, replacing the poultry in its popular entree with plant-based protein (and giving it a punny name with lots of trademark symbols).
The orange chicken was tested at Panda Express last year, but only at select locations; its now available nationally. I ambled on over to the nearest location, and while the Beyond version was provided as a sample, I purchased an order of the classic stuff to see how the two compared.
Review PANDA EXPRESS new Plant Based BEYOND MEAT ORANGE CHICKEN (Beyond The Original Orange Chicken)
FAQ
What’s beyond the original orange chicken?
Orange chicken is Panda Express’s most iconic dish. First launched in 1987, it now makes up one-third of the chain’s business. In 2021, Panda Express partnered with Beyond Meat to co-develop a non-meat version, called, officially, Beyond the Original Orange Chicken—and it was a quick success.
What is in Beyond Chicken?
… Chicken Tenders are crafted with a blend of water, faba bean protein, and a seasoned breading mix that includes wheat flour, rice flour, and various spices
What is vegan orange chicken made of?
Tofu is torn into pieces (which gives it a chicken-like texture), then lightly dredged in cornstarch and then pan-fried to make it crispy and golden. No deep frying is needed. Then a simple sweet and sour tangy orange sauce is added to the pan and simmered until it is irresistibly delicious!
What’s the difference between orange chicken and hot orange chicken?
Panda Express Brings Back Hot Orange Chicken
While the original is beloved for its sweet tang and touch of heat, the returning iteration features a bold combination of sweet and fiery flavors for an extra spicy kick.