Chinese chicken salad is a dish that blends Chinese and American culinary influences, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful salad. In the 1920s and 1930s, Chinese restaurants in California, particularly in and around Los Angeles and San Francisco, were popularizing dishes like chop suey. It is believed that Chinese chicken salad was created in one of these chop suey houses during the mid-20th century.
Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups shredded Napa cabbage (or a combination of Napa and green cabbage)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken:
 Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Remove the chicken from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or shred it.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and peanut butter (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint.
Add the Chicken:
Add the sliced or shredded chicken to the salad.
Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with about half of the dressing and add more to taste. Toss the salad thoroughly to coat everything in the dressing.
Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
If desired, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad immediately as a light and refreshing meal
