Light Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad
This Light Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and bold flavors! Juicy, crispy air-fried chicken is paired with crisp vegetables, crunchy nuts, and a savory-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. It’s a delicious and healthy meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup cornstarch
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
½ head romaine or Napa cabbage, shredded
½ cup red cabbage, shredded
1 medium carrot, julienned
½ cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup roasted peanuts or almonds
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). (Alternatively, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or pan-fry.)
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Place in the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes in a bowl.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, bell pepper, peanuts, and green onions.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Top with the crispy chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately for the best texture. This salad pairs well with extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for spice!
Tips & Variations for Light Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad
Tips for the Best Salad:
Extra Crispy Chicken – For ultra-crispy chicken, double-coat it by dipping it twice in the egg and breadcrumbs. Air fry in a single layer for even crispiness.
Make Ahead – Prep the veggies and dressing in advance, but store the dressing separately until ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
Customize the Crunch – Add crushed wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds, or slivered almonds for extra texture.
Perfectly Balanced Dressing – Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or rice vinegar to suit your taste.
Protein Variations – Try crispy tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken instead of fried for a lighter version.
Delicious Variations:
Spicy Kick – Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil to the dressing for a fiery twist.
Peanut Butter Dressing – Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter with the soy sauce for a creamy, nutty dressing.
Mango Twist – Add diced mango or mandarin oranges for a sweet contrast.
Low-Carb Version – Skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken in crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving) (Approximate, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~350-400 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~5g
Sugar: ~6g
Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on soy sauce used)
Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion size, specific ingredients, and modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the veggies and dressing in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Add the crispy chicken right before serving to keep it crunchy.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Keep the chicken separate and reheat it in an air fryer or oven for the best texture.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
4. What can I substitute for chicken?
For a vegetarian option, use crispy tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Shrimp or grilled salmon are great alternatives, too!
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
6. What other toppings can I add?
You can customize your salad with:
- Mandarin oranges or mango slices for sweetness
- Avocado for creaminess
- Wonton strips or toasted almonds for extra crunch