Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and irresistible crunchy toppings all brought together with a flavor-packed dressing that will make your taste buds dance. This colorful dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes in every bite, creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Best of all, this no-cook recipe makes brilliant use of leftover or rotisserie chicken, turning simple ingredients into an impressive meal that's sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

I first made this salad for a neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty bowl and several requests for the recipe. Now it's my go-to when I need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• Napa cabbage: Its delicate texture and mild flavor make it perfect for this salad; look for heads with crisp, pale green leaves and no browning
• Iceberg lettuce: Provides the signature crunch; choose heads that feel heavy for their size with no brown spots
• Rotisserie chicken: The convenient shortcut that makes this recipe weeknight-friendly; select one that's moist and well-seasoned
• Carrots: Add color and sweetness; julienne them yourself for the freshest flavor and crisp texture
• Mandarin oranges: Their sweet-tart juice complements the savory dressing; fresh segments work beautifully, or drain canned ones well
• Green onions: Offer a mild onion flavor without overwhelming; choose bunches with bright green tops and firm white portions
• Sliced almonds: Provide a subtle nutty crunch; toasting them first deepens their flavor significantly
• Chow mein noodles: These create the signature crispiness that makes this salad special; La Choy brand works perfectly
• Wonton strips: Add another layer of crunch with a different texture; look for them in the produce section or Asian food aisle
• Toasted sesame seeds: Their nutty aroma enhances the Asian flavor profile; always use toasted for maximum flavor

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the homemade dressing - In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated), 1 clove minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. The dressing should be well emulsified with all ingredients thoroughly combined. For best results, make this at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, though it can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before using if made ahead.

Step 2:

Prepare your vegetables properly - Slice the Napa cabbage into thin shreds about ¼-inch wide, discarding the tough core. For the iceberg lettuce, remove the core and outer leaves, then slice into thin strips similar to the cabbage. Pat both dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture – this ensures your dressing will stick to the vegetables rather than becoming diluted. Julienne the carrots into matchstick-sized pieces either by hand or using a mandolin for consistency. Thinly slice the green onions on a diagonal for both visual appeal and even distribution throughout the salad.

Step 3:

Prepare the chicken - Shred or dice about 2 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and pull the meat from the bones, then shred it using two forks or your hands. For the most flavor, opt for a combination of white and dark meat. If the chicken has been refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding to the salad for the best taste.

Step 4:

Toast the nuts and seeds - If your almonds and sesame seeds aren't already toasted, take a few minutes to do this as it significantly enhances their flavor. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and turn golden brown. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a plate to cool completely before adding to the salad.

Step 5:

Assemble with intention - For the most beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients rather than tossing everything together. Start by arranging a bed of the cabbage and lettuce on a large serving platter or shallow bowl. Drizzle lightly with a few tablespoons of the dressing. Next, arrange the chicken, carrots, mandarin orange segments, and green onions over the greens. Drizzle with a bit more dressing, then top with the crunchy elements – the almonds, chow mein noodles, wonton strips, and toasted sesame seeds – just before serving to maintain their crispness. Serve with remaining dressing on the side so guests can add more according to their preference.

I especially love the mandarin oranges in this salad. Their bright, sweet juice bursts in your mouth and balances the savory dressing perfectly. My family always fights over who gets the last oranges in the bowl! They remind me of Chinese New Year celebrations from my childhood when we would always have a bowl of them on the table for good luck.

The Secret to Perfect Crunch

What sets an exceptional Chinese Chicken Salad apart from an ordinary one is maintaining the perfect crunch factor. The key lies in proper preparation and assembly timing. Always ensure your greens are completely dry before dressing them, as water will dilute the dressing and cause premature wilting. Store your crunchy toppings in airtight containers until the very last minute, and consider serving them in separate bowls for self-service if the salad won't be eaten immediately. This allows everyone to enjoy that satisfying crunch, even if they're going back for seconds.

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Dressing Variations

While the homemade dressing is perfect as written, there are several delicious variations you might enjoy. For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the honey by a tablespoon or add a tablespoon of orange juice. For a creamier twist, whisk in a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter, which adds richness and complements the other Asian flavors beautifully. Any of these variations will still capture the essence of the classic dressing while putting your personal stamp on the recipe.

Make It a Meal

This versatile salad can easily transition from side dish to satisfying main course. For a heartier meal, increase the protein by adding more chicken or incorporating other options like grilled shrimp or thinly sliced beef. Edamame or tofu make excellent vegetarian alternatives. To round out the meal, serve with hot steamed rice on the side or crispy spring rolls. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try iced green tea with a squeeze of orange for a complementary flavor that won't overwhelm the salad's nuanced taste.

There's something truly magical about serving this vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad at a gathering and watching people's faces light up when they take their first bite. The colors alone are enough to impress – the emerald greens, bright orange mandarin segments, golden crispy toppings – but it's the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. I've seen even the most dedicated meat-and-potatoes diners heap their plates with seconds of this salad. It's that rare dish that manages to be both refreshingly light and satisfyingly hearty at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients separately up to 2 days ahead, but only assemble right before serving. Store the dressing in a jar in the refrigerator and add the crunchy toppings (wonton strips, chow mein noodles) at the last minute to keep them crisp.

→ What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon peanut butter, 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder (or a pinch of ground cloves), 1 teaspoon honey, and a dash of hot sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and substitute the wonton strips and chow mein noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or gluten-free tortilla strips. Also check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

→ What's the best chicken to use for this salad?

You can use any cooked chicken - rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even leftover roasted chicken works great. For maximum flavor, you can marinate and cook chicken specifically for this recipe with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version of this salad?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with cubed tofu (preferably baked or fried for texture), tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas. Make sure your wonton strips don't contain egg if you want it to be fully vegetarian.