Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad with Crunchy Vegetables
This refreshing Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad brings a delightful twist to your table with tender roasted chicken, vibrant asparagus, and crisp bell peppers, all coated in a rich, savory dressing. Perfect for gatherings, this colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an ideal one-dish meal that can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Enjoy as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast halves
8 (bone-in, skin-on)
olive oil
to taste (for rubbing the chicken)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
asparagus
1 lb (ends removed, cut into thirds diagonally)
red bell peppers
2 (cored and seeded, cut into strips)
scallions
4 (sliced diagonally (white and green parts))
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
vegetable oil
1 cup (for dressing)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (good quality)
soy sauce
1/3 cup (for flavor)
dark sesame oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
honey
1 tablespoon (for sweetness)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled, grated)
smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
kosher salt
4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the chicken breast halves skin-side up on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it into the skin evenly.
3
Generously season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool until it's safe to handle.
6
Carefully remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin, and shred the chicken into large, bite-sized pieces.
7
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the asparagus. Blanch for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain and set aside.
8
Cut the red bell peppers into strips about the size of the asparagus pieces.
9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched asparagus, and bell pepper strips.
10
In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, dark sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, smooth peanut butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
11
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
12
Fold in the sliced scallions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Adjust seasoning to taste.
13
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad with Crunchy Vegetables?
It is a refreshing salad featuring tender roasted chicken, vibrant asparagus, and crisp bell peppers coated in a rich, savory peanut-based dressing.
How many chicken breasts are required?
The recipe calls for 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves.
What is the recommended oven temperature for the chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken need to roast?
Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes or until it reaches the correct internal temperature.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I keep the chicken skin in the salad?
No, you should discard the skin and remove the meat from the bones after the chicken has cooled.
How should the chicken meat be prepared for the salad?
The chicken should be shredded into large, bite-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Remove the ends and cut the asparagus into thirds diagonally.
How long do I blanch the asparagus?
Blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
Why is an ice water bath used for the asparagus?
Plunging the asparagus into ice water immediately halts the cooking process to maintain its texture and color.
How should the red bell peppers be cut?
Core and seed the peppers, then cut them into strips about the same size as the asparagus pieces.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing contains vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, dark sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and smooth peanut butter.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of good quality apple cider vinegar.
What kind of sesame oil is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of dark sesame oil for the dressing.
Is there a sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of honey is used to add sweetness to the dressing.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Two cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the dressing.
How is the fresh ginger prepared?
One teaspoon of fresh ginger should be peeled and grated.
What type of peanut butter provides the creaminess?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter.
How much salt is added specifically to the dressing?
Four teaspoons of kosher salt are whisked into the dressing mixture.
How much black pepper is used in the dressing?
The dressing calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How should the scallions be sliced?
Slice 4 scallions diagonally, using both the white and green parts.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, the recipe uses toasted sesame seeds both in the salad and as a garnish.
How do I combine the dressing with the salad?
Pour the whisked dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
When should I add the scallions?
The sliced scallions should be folded in after the salad has been tossed with the dressing.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal one-dish meal that can be prepared in advance and served chilled.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the final step of the instructions recommends adjusting the seasoning to taste before serving.
What kind of oil is used to roast the chicken?
Olive oil is used to drizzle and rub into the chicken skin before roasting.
Is this salad visually appealing?
Yes, the combination of green asparagus, red bell peppers, and golden chicken creates a very colorful dish.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The salad offers a blend of savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors with a refreshing, crunchy texture.