If you’re a fan of Panda Express, you may have noticed that Honey Sesame Chicken has disappeared from their menu. This popular dish, known for its crispy chicken paired with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, has been a favorite for many. But what happened to it? Let’s explore the reasons for its removal and whether it will make a comeback.
Reasons for the Removal of Honey Sesame Chicken
There are a few potential reasons for the removal of Honey Sesame Chicken from Panda Express menus:
- Supply Chain Issues: Like many restaurants, Panda Express may have faced difficulties in sourcing key ingredients like sesame oil and honey during the pandemic. This led to the discontinuation of several menu items.
- Seasonal Menu Rotation: Panda Express is known for rotating its menu to keep offerings fresh and exciting. Dishes like Honey Sesame Chicken are often introduced as limited-time offerings, and their availability depends on customer demand and ingredient availability.
- Customer Preferences: While Honey Sesame Chicken was popular, other dishes like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef have consistently been top sellers. These factors may have contributed to Panda Express removing the dish to make room for new options.
Customer Reactions
The removal of Honey Sesame Chicken led to an outcry from fans across social media, particularly on Reddit, where users on r/PandaExpress expressed their disappointment. Many fans speculated on whether it would return and shared alternative suggestions for satisfying their cravings.
Alternatives to Honey Sesame Chicken
If you’re craving something similar, Panda Express still offers a few great alternatives:
- Orange Chicken: A classic with crispy chicken and a tangy sauce.
- Beijing Beef: For those who want something sweet and savory with a little more crunch.
- SweetFire Chicken: This dish combines sweet and spicy flavors with pineapple, offering a different twist on the crispy chicken formula.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken at Home
Missing Honey Sesame Chicken? You can recreate it at home using simple ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Here’s a quick recipe:
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch & flour: For the crispy coating
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the sauce
- Sesame oil & seeds: For a nutty flavor
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium is ideal for balance
- Bell peppers & green beans: For added freshness
Instructions:
- Batter the chicken: Coat the diced chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then fry until crispy.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook bell peppers and green beans in sesame oil.
- Prepare the sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, and a bit of vinegar in a pan, then simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Toss the crispy chicken and vegetables in the sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
For more details on air frying chicken, check out our guide to cooking frozen chicken legs in an air fryer.
Will Honey Sesame Chicken Return?
There is no official word from Panda Express about the permanent return of Honey Sesame Chicken, but some locations may offer it as part of their seasonal or limited-time menu. Customer feedback can influence the availability of popular dishes, so if enough fans request it, the dish could make a comeback.
FAQs
- Why did Panda Express remove Honey Sesame Chicken?
The dish was likely removed due to supply chain issues and seasonal menu rotation strategies. - Is Honey Sesame Chicken coming back to Panda Express?
There’s no confirmation yet, but it may return as a limited-time offering. - What are some alternatives to Honey Sesame Chicken?
Dishes like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and SweetFire Chicken offer similar sweet and savory flavors. - How can I make Honey Sesame Chicken at home?
Use simple ingredients like honey, sesame oil, and soy sauce to create a copycat version. For other meal ideas, visit our article on easy meal prep recipes.
Conclusion
While Honey Sesame Chicken may be off the Panda Express menu for now, you can always recreate the flavors at home or try one of the similar options still available at the restaurant. With a little patience and creativity, you can enjoy this fan-favorite dish anytime. Stay tuned for updates from Panda Express, and in the meantime, explore other delicious recipes like our Bananas Foster Pancakes for more culinary inspiration!