# Peppercorn-Spiced Chicken Strips Panda Express is Adding Sichuan Hot Chicken to Its Menu By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2019-07-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sichuan-hot-chicken References: [brandeating](https://www.brandeating.com/2019/07/panda-express-unveils-new-sichuan-hot.html) & [pasadenastarnews](https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2019/07/11/panda-express-is-doing-nashville-hot-chicken-sichuan-style/) In response to the growing popularity of Nashville hot chicken, [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handbreaded-chicken-strips) has opted to create its own Chinese-American take on the dish and dubbed it Sichuan Hot Chicken. As of July 17th, Panda Express customers will be able to order Sichuan Hot Chicken for a limited time. The new dish is made with Sichuan peppercorns, which are known for causing a unique tingling or numbing sensation when consumed. To create its Sichuan Hot Chicken, Panda Express has taken strips of extra crispy chicken breast and tossed them in a Sichuan peppercorn oil glaze. The chicken tenders are then sprinkled with a propriety spice blend, with the option to add extra heat if requested. [Panada Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mongolian-brisket) also notes that the dish is meant to be enjoyed with your hands for the full experience. Image Credit: *Panda Express.* ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 27% | 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 - **Nashville Hot Chicken:** Opportunity to create unique variations of Nashville hot chicken with different spice blends and flavor profiles. - **Sichuan Peppercorns:** Potential to incorporate Sichuan peppercorns in various dishes and products to offer a unique tingling or numbing sensation. - **Chinese-american Fusion Cuisine:** Innovation possibilities by blending traditional Chinese flavors with American comfort foods to create new menu items. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Quick-service Restaurants:** Chance for fast-food chains to introduce their own versions of Nashville hot chicken or incorporate Sichuan flavors into their menu. - **Spice and Seasoning Industry:** Opportunity for spice and seasoning manufacturers to develop new products featuring Sichuan peppercorn-based blends for the tingling sensation. - **Food Delivery Services:** Potential for delivery services to partner with restaurants offering Chinese-American fusion cuisine to cater to customer demand. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handbreaded-chicken-strips.md) - [Bold Fiery-Sweet Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exclusive-hot-orange-chicken.md) - [Spicy Southern-Inspired Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-x-hot-ones.md) - [Spicy Collaboration QSR Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blazing-bourbon-chicken.md) - [Spicy Gen-Z-Forward Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-x-buldak.md) - [Nutty Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almond-diced-chicken.md) - [Zesty Orange Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-orange-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Sichuan-Inspired Seafood Entrées](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-2.md) - [Plant-Based Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-the-original-orange.md)