Oh, the sheer joy of stumbling upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy day! This Easy Asian Chicken Salad is like that forgotten melody—unexpectedly delightful and humming with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone who occasionally experiments with lettuce, this dish promises a dance of textures and tastes that’ll leave you wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.
Steps
- Combine green onions, shredded lettuce or slaw, chopped almonds, shredded carrots, cilantro, edamame, and optional sesame seeds in a large bowl to create the salad base.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sugar, and Chinese 5 spice seasoning. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until thoroughly cooked. Allow the chicken to cool, then shred it into pieces and add to the salad.
- Just before serving, toss the salad with your preferred dressing and add the crunchy chow mein noodles to maintain their crispness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2–3 cups shredded lettuce or slaw (such as raw grated Brussels sprouts)
- 1/2 cup whole almonds, chopped
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Chinese 5 spice seasoning
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (dry and crunchy variety)
FAQ
- How can I create my own Asian-style dressing for the salad?
- You can find a recipe for a homemade Asian-inspired dressing in the recipe notes. It involves blending together ingredients like sugar, salt, oil, white vinegar, chunky peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and water.
- Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
- Yes, this salad can be meal prepped. The crunchy vegetables hold up well. However, it is recommended to add the dressing and chow mein noodles right before serving to ensure the noodles remain crispy.
- What can I use if I can’t find Chinese 5 Spice Seasoning?
- If you’re unable to find Chinese 5 Spice Seasoning, you can substitute it with a mix of garam masala and Cajun seasoning for a similar flavor profile.
- Can I change the protein in this salad?
- Absolutely! You can customize the salad by swapping the chicken for another protein of your choice or leaving it out altogether for a vegetarian option. The salad will remain delicious and satisfying.
Tips
- Marinate the Chicken Thoroughly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour to ensure it absorbs all the flavors from the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and seasoning mix. This step is crucial for achieving a juicy and flavorful chicken topping.
- Maintain Crunchiness: Add the chow mein noodles just before serving to keep them as crunchy as possible. Mixing them in too early can cause them to lose their texture due to moisture from the salad.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different salad bases such as cabbage, slaw, or shredded Brussels sprouts to keep things interesting and adjust flavors to your liking. Extra veggies or nuts can be added for additional crunch.
- Homemade Dressing Option: If you want a more personalized touch, consider making your own Asian-inspired dressing at home, using ingredients like peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and vinegar for a unique flavor profile.
Equipment
- Food Processor – For making the homemade dressing.
- Baking Dish – To bake the marinated chicken.
- Shredding Tool (e.g., Mandoline Slicer or Grater) – To shred lettuce, slaw, or Brussels sprouts if not pre-shredded.
