Asian Chicken Crunch Salad
Ingredients
- Sesame Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 –2 tablespoons brown sugar to taste
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Crunchy Salad
- 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ cup shelled edamame
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- Peanut Dressing
- 3 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons warm water more as needed to thin
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, chili sauce, and sesame seeds. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate while preparing the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add additional warm water if needed for a pourable consistency. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad Base:
- Add both cabbages, carrots, bell pepper, edamame, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts to a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, reserving excess marinade. Cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Pour in remaining marinade and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Let the chicken cool slightly. Toss the salad with desired amount of dressing, then add the warm chicken and gently mix. Garnish with extra cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
This Asian-inspired chicken crunch salad is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender sesame chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing, it delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and high protein in every bite.