Sweet, Tangy, Crispy: Celebrating Orange Chicken Day!

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between sweet, citrusy tang and savory crunch quite like Orange Chicken. On this Orange Chicken Day, we celebrate the fusion of flavors that turned this dish into a global favorite and a fast-casual icon.

The Story Behind Orange Chicken

Contrary to what many assume, Orange Chicken didn’t originate in China. It was born in America, created by Chef Andy Kao in 1987 at a Panda Express¹ outlet in Hawaii. Inspired by the flavors of General Tso’s Chicken and sweet-and-sour dishes, Orange Chicken was crafted for the American palate — crispy fried chicken glazed in a sweet, spicy, orange-infused sauce.

It quickly became a cult favorite, eventually becoming the best-selling dish at Panda Express and influencing menus at Asian-inspired restaurants around the world.

Why It Still Sizzles?

Orange Chicken is more than just a takeout dish — it’s a comfort food staple that checks all the boxes:

Crunchy texture from deep-fried chicken
Sweetness from orange zest, sugar, or marmalade
A mild heat from chili or ginger
A glossy glaze that sticks to your fingers (in a good way)

It’s easy to love, hard to master, and nearly impossible to eat just one bite.

How Restaurants Can Celebrate?

Restaurants and cloud kitchens can mark Orange Chicken Day with:

Limited-edition Orange Chicken Bowls or wraps
Combo meals pairing Orange Chicken with jasmine rice or noodles
A vegetarian twist — using tofu, cauliflower, or plant-based chicken
Interactive social media campaigns: “Show us your Orange Chicken!”
Behind-the-scenes videos of the dish being prepared

In hospitality, every dish is an opportunity to connect, engage, and delight. Orange Chicken is one of those dishes that does it effortlessly.

Final Thoughts: Zest Up the Menu

At Hospitality Herald, we believe food should be fun, flavorful, and rooted in stories. Orange Chicken ticks all three.

So whether you’re dining in, cooking up a batch at your hotel’s kitchen, or just enjoying it from your favorite takeaway spot — Happy Orange Chicken Day!

May your day be as crispy and satisfying as the dish itself!

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What is Panda Express?
Panda Express is a popular American fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in American Chinese cuisine. Founded in 1983 by Andrew Cherng and Peggy Cherng, it grew rapidly across malls, campuses, airports, and standalone outlets in the U.S. and globally.
The chain is best known for inventing and popularizing Orange Chicken, which was first created in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao at a Panda Express outlet in Hawaii. Since then, it has become the brand’s signature dish and one of the most iconic fast-casual meals in the U.S.
Panda Express operates over 2,200 locations worldwide today. ↩︎