# Elevated Orange Chicken Entrees Pei Wei's New Wei Better Orange Chicken is Freshly Prepared By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2018-03-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pei-wei References: [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2018/03/pei-wei-challenges-panda-express-with-new-wei-better-orange-chicken.html) & [peiwei](https://www.peiwei.com/orangechicken) In an effort to take on the fast food giant [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exclusive-hot-orange-chicken), Pei Wei has launched a new dish called 'Wei Better Orange Chicken.' Strikingly similar to Panda Express' beloved Orange Chicken, the new dish aims to convert loyal Panda Express fans into Pei Wei devotees. Wei Better Orange Chicken is a new take on Panda Express' Chinese-American classic. However, instead of starting with [frozen breaded chicken](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pf-changs-frozen-meals) that is then deep-fried on site (as Panda Express does), Pei Wei starts with fresh, never-frozen chicken, that is prepared daily at each location. Pei Wei's version is also made to order and comes with the addition of fresh orange slices alongside the signature orange sauce. To convince customers to make the change, Pei Wei is offering the new dish along with a side of rice for just $5. Image Credit: *Pei Wei.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fresh Fast Food:** Promoting the use of fresh ingredients in fast food creates an opportunity for healthier and more gourmet options in the industry. - **Customizable Menu:** Offering made-to-order dishes allows for a personalized dining experience and appeals to customers who value customization. - **Competitor Innovation:** Challenging established competitors with a similar but upgraded version of a beloved dish can attract customers who are looking for alternatives. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can benefit from incorporating fresh ingredients and customizable options to appeal to changing consumer preferences. - **Restaurant Chains:** Restaurant chains have the opportunity to innovate by creating their own unique versions of popular dishes to stand out in a saturated market. - **Casual Dining:** Casual dining establishments can disrupt the industry by offering high-quality and customizable dishes at affordable prices, appealing to a broader range of customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bold Fiery-Sweet Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exclusive-hot-orange-chicken.md) - [Spicy Citrus Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-orange-chicken.md) - [Spring-Ready Asian Cuisine Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pei-wei-lighter-menu.md) - [Bourbon-Infused Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-bourbon-chicken.md) - [Zesty Orange Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-orange-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Spicy Honey-Flavored Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-scriracha-wings.md) - [Orange Chicken Baos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-chicken-sandwich-bao.md) - [Plant-Based Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-the-original-orange.md) - [Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handbreaded-chicken-strips.md)