Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: The Perfect Crunchy Bite

You know those days when you want something light but still totally satisfying? This Chinese chicken salad is my lifesaver — it’s got that perfect mix of crunch, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing. Think takeout vibes but fresher, cheaper, and ready in the time it takes to binge one episode of your favorite show.

Below is the Chinese chicken salad recipe, along with a few tips to help yours turn out fabulous every time.

 Chinese chicken salad: what to expect

• Taste: The dressing is what makes this salad shine — a sweet and sour mix of rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, salad oil, and soy sauce. The mandarin oranges add a touch of citrusy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken and crisp greens.
• Texture: Crisp lettuce and fried rice noodles give the salad a satisfying crunch, while the grilled chicken is tender. The mandarin oranges bring a fun juicy contrast.
• Foolproof factor: This recipe is easy to make, even if you’re a beginner. The key to success is making the dressing at least 30 minutes ahead of time so the flavors blend well. To keep the crunch, toss everything together just before serving.
• Timing: Once you make the dressing, you can have this salad ready in about 15 minutes.

Chinese chicken salad ingredients

Here is what you need for this recipe.

Dressing ingredients

• Brown sugar: You’ll need 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to give the dressing some sweetness. This helps balance the acidity from the vinegar and the saltiness from the soy sauce.
• Soy sauce: 2 teaspoons of soy sauce add depth. Even a small amount makes a big difference in flavor.
• Sesame oil: Optionally, 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil provides a nice nutty flavor.
• Vegetable oil: ¼ cup of vegetable oil is the dressing base.
• Rice vinegar: 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar add tanginess. If you don’t already have rice vinegar in your pantry, it’s a great ingredient to keep on hand for Asian-inspired dishes.

Salad ingredients

• Rice noodles: 1 (8-ounce) package of rice noodles provides the perfect crunch in this salad. The crispy texture is one of my favorite parts.
• Iceberg lettuce: 1 head, rinsed and chopped. Iceberg lettuce is a great choice for this salad because it’s fresh, crisp, and holds up well with the dressing.
• Chicken breast: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded. I grilled whole chicken breasts fresh for this recipe, but you could use rotisserie or leftover chicken as well.
• Mandarin oranges: 1 small can, drained. These add a nice sweetness that complements the dressing perfectly.
• Green onions: 3 chopped green onions give the salad a mild onion flavor without being too overpowering.
• Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor.

Equipment needed for Chinese chicken salad

• You’ll use one large bowl to toss the salad and one small bowl to mix the dressing.
• A whisk is helpful for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the lettuce and slicing the green onions.
• Measuring spoons and cups will help you get the right balance of flavors in the dressing.

More recipes to try

I don’t like buying an ingredient just for one recipe, so if you now have rice vinegar, sesame oil, or soy sauce in your pantry, here are a few more ways to use them:

• Sesame Salad Recipe: A light and flavorful pasta salad made with bow tie pasta, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This dish is quick to prepare and works great as a side or a meal on its own.
• Asian Noodles Recipe: This noodle dish is packed with umami flavor. Thin spaghetti is tossed in a simple sauce, for an easy meal that’s comforting and satisfying.
• Sesame Chicken Recipe: Love takeout-style sesame chicken? This homemade version features crispy fried chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of sweetness. 
• Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: A quick and easy stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are cooked in a flavorful sauce, making this a go-to meal when you need something fast and delicious.

Print

The post Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe: The Perfect Crunchy Bite appeared first on BlogChef.

Source: https://blogchef.net/chinese-chicken-salad-recipe/