Easy Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this salad. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works well here too! Shredded or diced leftover chicken also fits perfectly.

Vegetables: Cabbage gives a nice crunch, but you can swap green cabbage for kale or romaine lettuce. If red cabbage is hard to find, simply use more green cabbage. You can also add other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas for extra variety!

Nuts: Almonds and cashews add crunch and flavor. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They’ll still give you that delightful texture!

Dressing: Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version. If you can’t consume soy, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes. For sweetness, maple syrup works as a vegan option instead of honey.

What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?

Marinating is a key step for ensuring your chicken is bursting with flavor. Here’s how to do it right:

• Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag. Make sure it’s well combined so the flavors mix.
• Submerge the chicken fully in the marinade, making sure every part gets coated!
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for up to 2 hours for an even richer flavor.
• Remember to reserve some marinade for glazing while cooking—it adds extra flavor to the finished chicken!

How Can I Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken?

Cooking chicken to perfection can be tricky, but these tips will help:

• Preheat your grill pan or skillet before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear!
• Cook chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tender!

Now you’re all set to make a delicious Easy Sesame Chicken Salad! Enjoy the fresh flavors and satisfying crunch.

Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

For the Salad:

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp water (to thin if needed)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This refreshing salad takes about 30 minutes to prep, plus an additional 30-120 minutes if you marinate the chicken. It’s a quick and easy dish to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (make sure to reserve the marinade for later). Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken to glaze it. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

3. Prepare the Salad:

In a large bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, almonds, and cashews. Toss everything together to mix.

4. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, minced garlic, and water. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed.

5. Assemble:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat all the vegetables and nuts. Make sure everything is well mixed for the best flavor.

6. Serve:

Arrange the salad on a platter or serve it in individual bowls. Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions.

Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful Easy Sesame Chicken Salad!

FAQ for Easy Sesame Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred or slice the chicken and add it to the salad without the need for marinating or cooking again.

What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?

If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will still give you that great umami flavor!

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the chicken and salad separately until you’re ready to eat.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Cucumbers, snap peas, or even avocado would be fantastic additions to this salad for extra crunch and flavor!