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Something to Cluck About

Menus are being rejuvenated with a bumper crop of new items and LTOs that feature lively flavors and ingredients in abundance.

Panda Express, Rosemead, CA
SweetFire Chicken Breast ($3.25) debuted at this 1,300-unit Asian chain. It features wok-cooked crispy white meat chicken, red bell peppers, onions and pineapple finished with a sweet and fiery sauce. The dish was inspired by Thailand’s aromatic sweet chili sauces.

Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Van Nuys, CA
An Italian concept may not seem like a logical choice for ordering meals for the Jewish holidays, but this emerging chain rose to the occasion. The take-home Chicken Famiglia Meal for six included two herb-roasted chickens served with carrots, potatoes and onions for $54.99; chicken soup and desserts like apple crumble and cheesecake were extra.

Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs, Eau Claire, WI
Two boldly flavored chicken sandwiches were launched to tie in with Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out at the end of September. The Quatro combines chicken, Cheddar, cucumbers and cherrywood smoked bacon with a cranberry wasabi sauce, while the Spartan is spiked with peppadew mustard.

Related Articles:

• Pointers from a Poultry Pro
• Emerging Cuisines: Asian Accents
• Emerging Cuisines: Singapore’s Style
• Emerging Cuisines: The Venezuelan Way
• Emerging Cuisines: North African Crossroads