Review: Panda Express - Firecracker Chicken Breast

Panda Express' Firecracker Chicken Breast features marinated chicken breast, sautéed onions, and red and yellow bell peppers cooked in a wok with a spicy black bean sauce.

It was $6.70 to get it as part of a 2-entree combo (along with Broccoli Beef, brown rice, and mixed veggies).

There's a definite fermented flavor from the black bean sauce along with a medium hit of heat; the spiciness is enough to let you know it's there but never to the level of discomfort. The sauce is also good for a sharp salty, bite.

The chicken comes cut into little medallions and veered towards the overcooked side; they were more firm than tender. The chicken and sauce combine well with the sweetness of the onions and peppers (which were both softer than the chicken).

There are roasted black chili peppers in addition to the chicken, onions, and peppers. I'm not sure if they were roasted until black beforehand. I bit into one and it was just a little more spicy than the sauce but had a definite burnt flavor. I wouldn't recommend eating them.

Overall, Panda Express' Firecracker Chicken Breast is pretty good and offers a different taste profile than the sweet and tangy or ginger soy sauces that tend to dominate the chain's menu.

Nutritional Info - Panda Express Firecracker Chicken
Calories - 240 (Calories from Fat - 90)
Fat - 10g (Saturated Fat - 2g)
Sodium - 990mg
Carbs - 12g (Sugar - 5g)
Protein - 25g