Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that unites crispy, tender chicken with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. This inviting salad is perfect for busy days or as a satisfying meal anytime. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Why Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
This Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. The combination of lean protein from chicken and a colorful array of vegetables creates a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
How to Make Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless – Provides the protein and crispy texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup – Adds light, crispy crunch to the chicken.
- Cabbage: 2 cups, shredded – Adds a refreshing crunch and slight bitterness.
- Carrots: 1 cup, julienned – Adds sweetness and color.
- Cucumber: 1 medium, thinly sliced – Fresh and crisp for balance.
- Green Onions: 2 stalks, sliced – Provides a mild onion flavor and crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons – Nutty and slightly sweet for garnish.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons – Adds rich umami flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons – Provides tang and balances the soy sauce.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon – A touch of sweetness to complement the savory dressing.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon – Adds a rich, toasty flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Adds aromatic richness.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated – Adds warmth and depth to the dressing.
Directions
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil for frying the chicken. Dredge the chicken breasts in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently to coat evenly. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and slice into strips. In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Arrange the sliced, crispy chicken on top of the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Serve the Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad as a standalone meal, or pair it with steamed rice and a light miso soup for a complete dining experience. It also makes a great side dish at barbecues or gatherings. Consider serving it with a side of Asian-inspired dipping sauces for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Store any leftover Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving. While the salad is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and add it fresh to your salad later.
Expert Tips for Cooking Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and sesame oil for 30 minutes before dredging in panko.
- Use a mix of green and purple cabbage for a pop of color and added nutrients.
- Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and freshness.
Delicious Variations of Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil to the dressing. A herbed variation could include fresh cilantro or mint mixed with the greens. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu, ensuring you achieve that crunchy texture by frying it in panko as well.
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try it out, and you’ll discover just how delicious a colorful salad can be!
Crunchy Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Provides the protein and crispy texture.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs Adds light, crispy crunch to the chicken.
- 2 cups Shredded cabbage Adds refreshing crunch and slight bitterness.
- 1 cup Julienned carrots Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 medium Cucumber, thinly sliced Fresh and crisp for balance.
- 2 stalks Green onions, sliced Provides a mild onion flavor and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds Nutty and slightly sweet for garnish.
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Adds rich umami flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar Provides tang and balances the soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Honey A touch of sweetness to complement the savory dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil Adds a rich, toasty flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aromatic richness.
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated Adds warmth and depth to the dressing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil for frying the chicken.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing them gently to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
Salad Assembly
- In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
- Arrange the sliced, crispy chicken on top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
