Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant with this mouthwatering Oriental Chicken Salad that perfectly captures the essence of Applebee's legendary dish! Imagine a vibrant salad bursting with crisp greens, tender shredded chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tantalizing sesame dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or an impressive side dish that'll wow your guests, this copycat recipe is about to become your new culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/2 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame dressing
- 1/4 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. If you haven't done so already, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Drain the mandarin oranges and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens. This will serve as the base for your salad.
- Add the shredded chicken on top of the mixed greens, distributing it evenly across the salad.
- Next, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the chicken and greens. This will add a delightful crunch to your salad.
- Now, add the drained mandarin oranges. Their sweetness will complement the savory elements of the salad.
- Sprinkle the chow mein noodles over the top of the salad for an additional layer of texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the entire salad. Use a spatula or a spoon to gently toss the salad, ensuring that all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined, serve the Oriental Chicken Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
- Enjoy your homemade Oriental Chicken Salad, reminiscent of Applebee's, as a light meal or a delightful side dish!
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, use freshly roasted or grilled chicken and shred it while still warm.
- Toast the sliced almonds lightly in a dry pan for an extra nutty flavor and crunch.
- If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing and crunchy noodles separate until just before serving to maintain their texture.
- Experiment with rotisserie chicken for an even easier preparation method.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute the chow mein noodles with crispy wonton strips or use fewer noodles.
- Make sure to drain the mandarin oranges completely to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- The sesame dressing is key - if you can't find store-bought, make a quick homemade version with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
