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Crispy Asian Chicken Salad

Crispy Asian Chicken Salad

Crispy Asian Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines perfectly crispy chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a tangy, flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. This easy-to-prepare salad balances textures and bold flavors, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour for dredging
  • Vegetable oil or sesame oil, for frying

Vegetables & Greens

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Nuts

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped peanuts

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim chicken breasts or thighs into even pieces for uniform cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then dredge in a thin layer of cornstarch or flour to ensure extra crispiness when fried. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and slice into strips.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, thinly slice the romaine lettuce or mixed greens. Shred the red cabbage and carrots. Finely chop the green onions and cilantro. Toss all vegetables together in a large salad bowl for easy assembly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Add chili flakes or sriracha if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness and acidity for a balanced tangy flavor.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Place the chopped greens and vegetables in a large bowl. Add sliced crispy chicken on top and drizzle generously with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced almonds or chopped peanuts for crunch.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying chicken; do it in batches for maximum crispiness.
  • Taste and adjust the dressing before adding to the salad for perfect balance.
  • Allow chicken to rest slightly after frying to keep it juicy when sliced.
  • Chill the salad (undressed) for 15 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken salad, Asian chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, gluten free salad, crunchy chicken salad, Asian dressing