I Tried Panda Express’s Newest Menu Item, Sichuan Hot Chicken — Here’s How It Is

    They use SECRET spices.

    Christopher Hudspeth
    by Christopher Hudspeth

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hey, folks. My name is Christopher and I’m a big Panda Express fan. Here’s a picture of me with a large tub of orange chicken to prove it.

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    Anyway, Panda recently introduced their newest menu item, Sichuan Hot Chicken, so I felt I’d do some public service and taste test it for everyone.

    Panda Express

    I paired it with SweetFire Chicken Breast so there was some sweetness to balance out the spice.

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    Here’s what the strips look like close up. It’s perfectly lightly sauced with a heavily seasoned crust that reminded me of a dry rub boneless wing.

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    I ate the first one so fast that I didn't even grasp the taste, so I slowed down on the second one so that I could actually form an opinion.

    THOUGHTS ON SICHUAN HOT CHICKEN:

    GIPHY / Via giphy.com

    WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE IN SHORT: It’s like a really solid chicken tender with the mildest spicy sauce and flavor that tastes like someone went wild in the spice section (in a good way).

    SPICINESS: 5/10. It's pleasantly mild! My tolerance for spicy food is very weak, so I assure you these aren’t bad. I think it helps that they didn’t drench or douse them with anything, instead coating ‘em with a good balance of spices and sauce.

    OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10. I’d definitely have them again in my usual order of a two-entree plate.

    IS IT THE BEST MENU ITEM I’VE HAD BESIDES ORANGE CHICKEN?: Nope, the seasonal honey sesame chicken still holds that crown.