Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad is made with chicken, asparagus, red bell peppers, green onions, and lots of tasty dressing ingredients like sesame oil and peanut butter. This easy Chinese Chicken Salad recipe makes a tasty and healthy salad that you can get ready in about an hour and is enough for 4 people.
? Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe:
- It’s Refreshing: The crisp vegetables mixed with the cool dressing make this salad a perfect choice for warm weather.
- Flavorful Dressing: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and peanut butter creates a rich, savory dressing that is irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds well in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing meals ahead of time.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with protein and fresh veggies, it’s both nutritious and filling.
? Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 pound asparagus, ends removed, cut in thirds diagonally
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
- 2 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted
For The Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup good apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
? How To Make Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Rub each breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cool Chicken: Remove from oven and let cool until it is safe to handle. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Blanch Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Vegetables: Drain the asparagus well. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, asparagus, and sliced bell peppers.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to evenly coat. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
? Recipe Tips:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s just done at 165°F (74°C). If you cook it too much, it gets dry.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Heat the sesame seeds in a pan until they smell nice. This makes the salad taste better.
- Make the dressing taste just right: Try the dressing and add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or vinegar if you need to. It should taste just right before you put it on the salad.
- Keep the salad cold: Put the salad in the fridge for a little while before you eat it. This makes all the flavors come together well.
? What To Serve With Chinese Chicken Salad ?
Serve Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad with crispy wonton strips or crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture. Pair it with steamed white rice or egg rolls on the side for a complete and satisfying meal with contrasting flavors and textures.
? How To Store Leftovers Chinese Chicken Salad?
- In The Fridge: Put the salad in a container that closes tight and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for 3 days.
- Freezing: Don’t freeze this salad. It won’t be as crunchy and the dressing won’t taste as good after freezing.
FAQ’S
What If My Chicken Gets Too Dry?
Make sure to rub enough olive oil on it and don’t cook it too long. Keeping the skin on helps keep it moist.
What If I Can’t Eat Peanut Butter?
You can use almond butter or tahini instead.
What If The Dressing Is Too Thick?
Add a little more vegetable oil or some water to make it thinner.
How Long Should I Let The Chicken Cool Before Handling?
Let the chicken cool for about 10-15 minutes or until it is safe to touch and shred.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great in this salad and is a good time saver.
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 278
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
- Sodium: 354 mg
Try More Ina Garten Recipes:
- Ina Garten White Bean Salad
- Ina Garten Feta Watermelon Salad
- Ina Garten Limoncello Fruit Salad
- Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad
Description
Ina Garten Chinese Chicken Salad is made with chicken, asparagus, red bell peppers, green onions, and lots of tasty dressing ingredients like sesame oil and peanut butter. This easy Chinese Chicken Salad recipe makes a tasty and healthy salad that you can get ready in about an hour and is enough for 4 people.
Ingredients
For The Dressing:
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Rub each breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cool Chicken: Remove from oven and let cool until it is safe to handle. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- Blanch Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Vegetables: Drain the asparagus well. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, asparagus, and sliced bell peppers.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to evenly coat. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s just done at 165°F (74°C). If you cook it too much, it gets dry.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Heat the sesame seeds in a pan until they smell nice. This makes the salad taste better.
- Make the dressing taste just right: Try the dressing and add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or vinegar if you need to. It should taste just right before you put it on the salad.
- Keep the salad cold: Put the salad in the fridge for a little while before you eat it. This makes all the flavors come together well.