Crispy chicken, a glossy orange sauce, and just enough heat to keep the next bite interesting. Panda Express is planned for Portland, Texas, bringing the promise of its signature Orange Chicken closer to local fans. For anyone who already knows their order by heart, the hardest decision may soon be whether to stick with it.
The upcoming restaurant is planned for Portland Town Center along U.S. Highway 181. Local reporting identifies it as the city’s first location, giving Portland a new arrival to anticipate in American Chinese dining.
Panda Express Starts With That Orange Chicken
There is a reason Orange Chicken gets the first mention. Its combination of crisp coating and sweet, spicy sauce delivers several things in one forkful. The sauce clings to the chicken, making a side of rice especially welcome.
It also has a history of its own. Chef Andy Kao developed Panda’s Original Orange Chicken in 1987. Nearly four decades later, the dish remains at the center of the brand’s identity. For longtime fans, that familiar flavor is often the whole reason for stopping.
Leave Room for a Second Favorite
Meanwhile, Honey Walnut Shrimp brings a different kind of crunch. Tempura-battered shrimp meet a sweet honey sauce and glazed walnuts, creating a rich combination that can make choosing just one entrée difficult.
Broccoli Beef offers another direction, pairing beef and broccoli with ginger soy sauce. Alongside those familiar dishes, Panda’s U.S. menu includes sides such as chow mein and fried rice. Think about a bite of saucy chicken followed by a forkful of noodles, and the appeal of mixing favorites becomes clear.
These are established brand offerings, rather than a confirmed opening-day menu for Portland. Still, they provide a useful taste of what makes Panda’s food recognizable. Explore the brand’s food guide or browse the U.S. restaurant website for current offerings.
A Family Story Behind the Familiar Sign
Before Panda Express became a familiar stop for a quick meal, it began with one restaurant at California’s Glendale Galleria in 1983. Andrew Cherng opened that first location, while Peggy Cherng developed operating systems to support the business.
Today, the company describes itself as family owned. That background adds another layer to the familiar red-and-white sign: a family business that grew from a single mall location into a name recognized far beyond California. Read the company’s family history.
Where Panda Express Is Planned in Portland
The planned address is 3054 U.S. Highway 181, Portland, TX 78374. Reporting on the project lists a roughly 2,700-square-foot restaurant, with a filed construction schedule running from July 2026 through February 2027. That schedule is an estimate, not a confirmed opening date. See the local project report.
For now, Portland diners have time to settle an equally pressing question: Orange Chicken alone, or room for another favorite?