Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad

Welcome to the ultimate guide for recreating the iconic **Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad** right in your own kitchen! This beloved dish, famous for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, is now within your reach. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken, a vibrant medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy Oriental dressing, all coming together in one spectacular bowl. It’s a culinary masterpiece that satisfies on every level, offering a symphony of sweet, savory, and umami notes with every bite.

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or preparing an impressive dish for guests, this copycat recipe is designed to be your new go-to. It’s deceptively simple to prepare, yet delivers a gourmet experience that rivals the restaurant original. Get ready to elevate your salad game and delight your taste buds with this unforgettable creation.

In search of salad recipes that are guaranteed to impress your dinner guests or simply become a family favorite? Look no further! This perfect salad promises a burst of flavor and a delightful textural experience that everyone will fall in love with. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate fresh ingredients, satisfying protein, and a dressing that ties it all together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Oriental Chicken Salad

There are countless reasons why this particular chicken salad has garnered such a loyal following, both at Applebee’s and among home cooks. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that delivers on taste, texture, and convenience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Don’t let the restaurant-quality taste fool you; this recipe is incredibly straightforward to make. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying yet quick meal, but it also shines as an appetizer or side dish for larger gatherings.
• A Symphony of Flavors: Each component plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable taste. The various crisp vegetables provide a refreshing crunch, while the perfectly seasoned, fried chicken offers a rich, savory counterpoint. The star, however, is the dressing, which infuses the entire salad with a creamy, earthy sweetness, balanced by a hint of tang and aromatic sesame.
• Wholesome and Satisfying: This salad offers the best of both worlds – it’s hearty enough to be a complete meal yet packed with nourishing ingredients. Lean protein from the chicken pairs beautifully with a generous array of fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Customizable Potential: While we aim for an authentic copycat, this recipe also provides a fantastic base for customization. You can easily adjust toppings, swap out greens, or even experiment with different chicken preparations to suit your dietary needs or preferences without losing the core appeal.
• Impressive for Any Occasion: From a simple family dinner to a festive party spread, this salad consistently garners compliments. Its vibrant colors and inviting aroma make it a visual treat, while its complex yet approachable flavors ensure it’s a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad So Special?

The magic of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad lies in its thoughtful combination of ingredients and textures. It’s not just a salad; it’s a carefully crafted dish designed to engage all your senses. Let’s break down the key elements that contribute to its widespread appeal:

The Crispy Chicken

At the heart of this salad is the tender, juicy chicken, perfectly coated and fried to a golden crisp. This isn’t just plain grilled chicken; the crunchy exterior adds a vital textural contrast to the fresh greens. Our copycat recipe focuses on achieving that signature crispiness, ensuring every bite of chicken is a delightful experience that echoes the restaurant’s version.

The Fresh, Vibrant Salad Base

A great salad starts with great greens. This recipe features a dynamic mix of crisp romaine lettuce, delicate Napa cabbage, and a touch of colorful red cabbage, providing both freshness and visual appeal. Shredded carrots and chopped green onions add further layers of crunch and a gentle piquancy, making the vegetable base anything but boring.

The Signature Oriental Dressing

The dressing is undoubtedly the soul of the Oriental Chicken Salad. Its creamy texture and complex flavor profile perfectly bind all the ingredients together. This sweet, tangy, and savory dressing elevates the entire dish, transforming simple components into something extraordinary. We’ll delve into its secret ingredients to help you craft it to perfection.

The Crunchy Toppings

No Oriental chicken salad would be complete without its signature crunchy elements. Crispy chow mein noodles provide an irresistible, savory crunch, while toasted sliced almonds add a nutty depth and another layer of texture. These toppings aren’t just garnishes; they are integral to the salad’s beloved mouthfeel, creating a satisfying contrast with the softer greens and chicken.

Ingredient Spotlight: What Goes Into This Incredible Salad?

While the list of ingredients might appear extensive at first glance, you’ll likely find many of these pantry staples already on hand. The remaining few are easily accessible at any grocery store. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the signature flavor profile of this beloved salad.

For the Irresistible Dressing

• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious base for the dressing, giving it a rich mouthfeel.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the tanginess and savory notes. Smoked honey could add an interesting twist!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes a bright, acidic tang that cuts through the richness and adds a crucial layer of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a subtle earthiness and a gentle kick, deepening the dressing’s complexity.
• Sesame Oil: A small but mighty addition, providing that unmistakable nutty, aromatic “Oriental” flavor that defines the dressing.

For the Golden Crispy Chicken Tenders

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The lean protein base, cut into strips for easy frying and eating.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for flavoring the chicken from the inside out. Remember to divide them for both the chicken and the breading.
• Large Egg & Milk: Form the wet dredge, helping the dry coating adhere to the chicken strips.
• All-Purpose Flour: The initial dry coating, creating a base for crispiness.
• Crushed Corn Flakes: The secret to that extra-crispy, golden-brown crust, giving the chicken a fantastic crunch that sets it apart.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to perfection, ensuring a consistently golden and crunchy exterior.

For the Fresh and Flavorful Salad

• Chopped Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing foundation for the salad.
• Chopped Napa Cabbage: A tender, slightly sweet cabbage that adds volume and a delicate texture.
• Chopped Red Cabbage: Adds a beautiful pop of color and an additional layer of crunch and mild flavor.
• Shredded Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and crunchy, they contribute both flavor and visual appeal.
• Chopped Green Onion: Offers a mild, savory onion flavor and a fresh, bright green accent.
• Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: An essential topping, delivering an irresistible savory crunch that is characteristic of this salad.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted or raw, these nuts add a satisfying texture and a subtle, nutty richness.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

• Immersion Blender or regular blender: For effortlessly combining your dressing ingredients into a silky smooth consistency.
• Large Frying Pan or Skillet: Essential for frying the chicken to a perfect golden crisp.
• Cutting Board: For safely slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: A good quality knife makes all the prep work much easier and safer.
• Mixing Bowls (at least 3): You’ll need separate bowls for the wet dredge, dry coating, and assembling the salad.
• Whisk: For blending the dressing ingredients and the egg mixture.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the freshly fried chicken, ensuring maximum crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Copycat Oriental Chicken Salad

Get ready to create a masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, yielding incredible results every time.

Preparing the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl or the carafe of a blender, combine the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sesame oil.
2. Using a whisk, vigorously stir the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is silky smooth. If using a blender, blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (you might want a touch more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang).
4. Cover the dressing and store it in the refrigerator while you prepare the other components. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking the Crispy Chicken

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the boneless, skinless chicken breast into even, slim strips. Aim for pieces that are roughly ½ inch thick and 2-3 inches long.
2. Place the sliced chicken in a bowl and season it evenly with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, tossing to coat.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg and ½ cup of milk until well combined. This will be your wet dredge.
4. In a third medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, crushed corn flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of the corn flakes.
5. One by one, dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the chicken strip to the flour and cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure each piece is completely and evenly coated.
6. Place the breaded chicken strips on a clean plate or baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap, while you prepare the frying oil.
7. Pour the vegetable oil into your large frying pan to a depth of about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). A good test: if you insert the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil, bubbles should form steadily around it.
8. Carefully place a few breaded chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken strips from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before adding to the salad, preventing the greens from wilting.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, Napa cabbage, and red cabbage.
2. Evenly sprinkle the chopped green onion and shredded carrots over the cabbage and lettuce mixture. Gently toss all the greens and vegetables together until well distributed.
3. Next, add the cooled, cooked crispy chicken strips, crispy chow mein noodles, and sliced almonds to the bowl.
4. (Optional step): For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
5. Just before serving, drizzle the chilled Oriental dressing generously over the assembled salad. Toss everything gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for a Restaurant-Quality Salad

While this recipe is designed to be straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your homemade Oriental Chicken Salad from good to absolutely outstanding, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience every time.

• Optimal Oil Temperature is Key: For truly crispy chicken, ensure your frying oil is adequately hot (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy and soggy instead of golden and crisp. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Use a thermometer or the wooden spoon trick to verify.
• Master the Breading Station: To prevent messy clumping on your fingers and ensure an even coating, adopt the “wet hand, dry hand” technique. Use one hand exclusively for dipping the chicken into wet ingredients (egg mixture) and the other hand for dredging through the dry ingredients (flour/cornflake mixture).
• Prevent Wilted Greens: Always allow your freshly fried chicken to cool slightly before adding it to the salad greens. Hot chicken will cause the delicate lettuce and cabbage to wilt, compromising the crisp texture of your salad. A few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate is usually sufficient.
• Chill the Dressing: Preparing the dressing ahead of time and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dressing.
• Toast Your Almonds: While optional, briefly toasting the sliced almonds in a dry skillet brings out their natural nutty flavor and enhances their crunch, adding another layer of complexity to the salad.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to less crispy chicken and uneven cooking. Give each piece enough space to fry properly.

Make Ahead and Storage Solutions

This salad is perfect for meal prepping components in advance, making assembly quick and easy when it’s time to eat. Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain fresh and delicious.

Preparing Ahead of Time

You can get a significant head start on this recipe by preparing individual components up to 24 hours in advance:

• Chicken: Cook and cool the chicken tenders completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer for crispiness before adding to the salad, or enjoy cold if preferred.
• Veggies: Chop all the salad vegetables (romaine, Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onion). Store them in a large airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. Adding a paper towel to the container can help absorb excess moisture and keep greens crisp.
• Dressing: Prepare the Oriental dressing as instructed and store it separately in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator.
• Toppings: Measure out and, if desired, toast your almonds and chow mein noodles. Keep them in separate airtight containers at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

When ready to serve, simply combine all the prepared components and drizzle with the dressing. This strategy ensures a fresh, vibrant salad with minimal last-minute effort.

Storage for Leftovers

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, especially with the crispy chicken, leftovers can be stored for a short period. The key to maintaining quality is keeping the dressing separate.

• Refrigerator: If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s highly recommended to dress individual portions of the salad rather than the entire bowl. Store any undressed salad components (greens, chicken, toppings) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing in its own sealed container. When ready to eat, combine and dress. If the salad is already dressed, it can still be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but the greens will likely become soggy and the chicken less crisp.
• Freezing: Freezing this dish is generally not recommended. The delicate texture of the greens and the breaded chicken will not hold up well to thawing, resulting in a mushy consistency.

Delicious Variations and Customization Ideas

While this recipe aims to faithfully replicate the Applebee’s classic, there’s always room to personalize it to your taste or dietary needs. These suggestions allow for creative twists while maintaining the essence of the dish.

• Nut Swaps: Toasted sliced almonds are traditional, but feel free to omit them if you have a nut allergy. Alternatively, you could swap them for other crunchy nuts like cashews or peanuts, or even toasted sesame seeds for an extra aromatic kick.
• Vinegar Alternatives: For a slightly different flavor profile in the dressing, consider replacing the apple cider vinegar with rice wine vinegar. Rice wine vinegar offers a milder, sweeter acidity that complements Asian-inspired flavors beautifully.
• Extra Toppings Galore: Elevate your salad with additional toppings! Consider adding mandarin oranges for a burst of sweet citrus, crispy wonton strips for extra crunch, or a sprinkle of black or white sesame seeds for added visual appeal and nutty flavor. Thinly sliced bell peppers or edamame could also be excellent additions for more color and nutrition.
• Dressing Enhancements: The dressing is fantastic as is, but you can certainly experiment. A dash of hoisin sauce can add depth and sweetness, while a splash of soy sauce (use low-sodium) can enhance the umami. A pre-made sesame ginger dressing could also be a quick substitute if you’re short on time.
• Chicken Options: If frying isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a quicker preparation, consider these alternatives:
  • Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded or diced leftover chicken (like fried chicken or baked chicken) can be easily incorporated.
  • Grilled or Baked Chicken: For a lighter version, season and grill or bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, then slice them into strips.
  • Air Fryer Chicken: Breaded chicken strips can also be cooked in an air fryer for a crispy result with less oil.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle a touch of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing or directly onto the salad.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: For a plant-based version, replace the chicken with crispy fried tofu or tempeh strips. For the dressing, use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and ensure honey is replaced with agave nectar or maple syrup.

What to Serve Alongside Your Oriental Chicken Salad

This Oriental Chicken Salad is robust enough to be a standalone meal, especially for lunch or a light dinner. However, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, transforming it into a more substantial spread, perfect for entertaining or a hearty family dinner.

• Light Sandwiches: For a delightful combination, serve this salad alongside delicate sandwiches. Think classic cucumber sandwiches or small tea sandwiches for a refined touch. For something heartier, a grilled chicken or spinach and goat cheese panini would be a delicious complement.
• Comforting Soups: Is there a more classic pairing than salad and soup? The fresh, crisp notes of the salad beautifully contrast with a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Consider a savory cabbage roll soup, a simple chicken noodle, or a vibrant butternut squash soup for a truly satisfying meal.
• Appetizer Favorites: If you’re hosting a party, this salad can serve as a wonderful, lighter option among a selection of appetizers. It pairs well with other Asian-inspired bites or classic crowd-pleasers. Try serving it with sweet Thai chili wings, savory smoked meatballs, or delicate dumplings for a diverse spread.
• Simple Grains: A side of plain steamed rice or a light quinoa salad can provide a neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the chicken salad, making the meal even more filling.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or some artisan bread can be perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applebee’s Copycat Oriental Chicken Salad

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and enjoying this delicious copycat recipe.

What is Oriental dressing typically made of?

The flavorful Oriental dressing in this recipe is a creamy concoction with a mayonnaise base. It’s enriched with Dijon mustard for an earthy tang, apple cider vinegar for bright acidity, honey for a touch of sweetness, and a crucial hint of sesame oil for that distinct, aromatic Asian flavor. Some variations might include soy sauce, ginger, or garlic, but our copycat aims for the classic Applebee’s profile.

What kind of chicken is best for this salad?

For an authentic Applebee’s experience, boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips and pan-fried with a crispy coating (like our cornflake breading) is ideal. However, you have flexibility! You can use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie, grilled chicken, or even chicken tenders prepared in an air fryer or oven for a healthier twist, as long as they are tender and flavorful.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply replace the crispy chicken with a plant-based protein. Excellent substitutes include crispy pan-fried tofu or tempeh strips, or even grilled halloumi cheese for a savory bite. You can also add more chickpeas or black beans for protein. For a vegan version, ensure you use vegan mayonnaise and substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup in the dressing.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

To ensure the best quality, it’s always recommended to store the dressing separately from the salad components. Undressed salad greens, cooked chicken, and toppings can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dressing, when stored separately, can last for about a week. Once the salad is fully assembled and dressed, it is best consumed within 12-24 hours, as the greens will start to wilt and the crispy components will soften.

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Other Delicious Salads to Explore

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful salads, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

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Oriental Chicken Salad

Course: Main Course, Salad

Servings: 5

This copycat Applebee’s Oriental chicken salad combines crispy chicken with a crunchy salad mixture and creamy dressing.

Print Recipe
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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 5 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 drops sesame oil (small drops)

Chicken Tenders

• 1 chicken breast (boneless/skinless)
• 1 tsp kosher salt – divided
• 1 tsp black pepper – divided
• 1 egg (large)
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup corn flakes (crushed)
• 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Salad

• 3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 1 cup napa cabbage (chopped)
• 1 cup red cabbage (chopped)
• ½ cup carrots (shredded)
• 1 green onion (chopped)
• ⅓ cup chow mein noodles (crispy)
• 2 tbsp almonds (sliced)

Instructions

Dressing

1. Combine the mayo, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and oil to a bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until smooth.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breast into strips.
2. Season the chicken with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper.
3. In a medium bowl combine the milk and egg, whisk together.
4. In a second medium-sized bowl combine the flour, crushed corn flakes and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir.
5. Dip the slices of chicken in the egg/milk mixture, then into the flour/corn flakes mixture to coat.
6. Place them on a plate while you heat the oil.
7. Heat the oil over medium high heat.
8. Test to see if the oil is ready by placing the handle of a wooden spoon in the center of the frying pan, once the oil bubbles around it, the oil is hot enough.
9. Add the prepared chicken to the hot oil, do not over crowd it.
10. Cook for 3-4 mins per side or until golden brown and the juices inside run clear.
11. Remove and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Assemble the salad

1. Add the lettuce, napa and purple cabbage to a large bowl.
2. Top with the green onion and carrots, toss.
3. Add the cooked chicken, chow mein noodles, and almonds.
4. (optional step, toast the almonds in a dry frying pan for 30-60 seconds and add on top)
5. Add the dressing.

Notes

Substitutions:
You can use rice wine vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar.
Toasted almonds come on the Applebee’s salad but they can be omitted.

Equipment

• Immersion Blender, regular blender
• Frying Pan
• Cutting board
• Knife

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 1618kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 153g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 841mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 3mg | Net Carbohydrates: 44g

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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