Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

There’s something truly comforting about a big bowl of a fresh salad. When I think of my favorite go-to meals, the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad always tops the list. This dish is more than just a salad; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that has the power to transport me back to those cozy dinners at Applebee’s with friends and family. Each bite brings that perfect crunch from the crispy chicken paired with vibrant greens and a tangy dressing that dances on the palate. I remember the first time I tried it, the way the flavors melded together, making it feel both indulgent and refreshing at the same time. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.

Ingredient List for Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

When it comes to the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad, the key to its deliciousness lies in the quality of the ingredients. Each component has been chosen to create a balance of flavors and textures that work beautifully together. From the crispy chicken to the refreshing greens, these ingredients are all essential players in this satisfying dish.

• 3 tablespoons honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, balancing the tangy elements perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Provides a subtle acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise – Gives the dressing a creamy texture that clings to the salad beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds depth and a slight kick to the dressing.
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil – Infuses a rich, nutty flavor into the dressing.
• 1 pinch salt – Enhances all flavors throughout the dish.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Used for dredging the chicken to achieve that perfect, crispy coating.
• 1 teaspoon salt – For seasoning the dredging mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds a bit of spice to the flour mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the chicken with savory flavor.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder for the flour and panko coating on the chicken.
• 1/2 cup milk – Adds richness to the egg mixture.
• 1 cup plain panko bread crumbs – Provides a light and crispy coating for the chicken.
• 3 cups peanut oil for frying – Essential for achieving that golden-brown, crunchy chicken.
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into long strips – The star of the salad, providing protein and heartiness.
• 3 romaine hearts chopped – Forms the base of the salad, adding crunch and nutrients.
• 1/2 cup chopped red cabbage – Introduces color and a slightly sweet flavor.
• 1 cup shredded carrots – Adds sweetness and texture contrast.
• 3 tablespoons sliced almonds – Provide crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
• 2 green onions chopped – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• 5 ounces chow mein noodles – Brings an unexpected crunch that elevates the salad.

Step by Step Instructions for Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

Making the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your chicken is perfectly crispy and your salad is fresh and flavorful.

1. Start by preparing your dressing. In a small bowl, combine the honey, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to serve.
2. Next, let’s set up a dredging station to prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will be your dry dredging mixture. In another small bowl, beat the egg and milk together until fully combined. Place the panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish for the final coating.
3. Now it’s time to heat the oil. In a heavy-duty pot, pour in the peanut oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy chicken.
4. While the oil is heating, dredge each chicken strip one at a time. First, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Then dip it into the egg mixture before finally coating it with the panko bread crumbs. Make sure each strip is fully coated for the best crunch!
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the pot. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. They should cook until each side is a rich golden brown. This step usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
6. After frying, transfer the chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine hearts, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, green onions, and chow mein noodles. Toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
8. Once the vegetables are mixed, add the diced chicken to the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated. You can serve it immediately or allow each person to toss their serving individually.
9. For maximum freshness, consider dressing only the portion of salad you’ll be eating immediately. This keeps the ingredients crisp and appealing.
10. Finally, enjoy your homemade Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad! It’s perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Ways to Customize

The beauty of the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad is in its versatility. Here are some fantastic ways you can tailor it to your liking:

• Add Fruits: Toss in some mandarin oranges or sliced apples for a sweet twist.
• Change the Protein: Use grilled shrimp or tofu in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick!
• Extra Crunch: Incorporate different nuts like cashews or walnuts for added texture.
• Herbs and Greens: Experiment with adding herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh taste.
• Make it Warm: Serve the salad with warm chicken or grilled veggies for a comforting dish.
• Seasonal Variations: In winter, add roasted vegetables; in summer, make it with grilled corn and zucchini.

Serving Ideas for Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

Serving the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad is all about enhancing your dining experience. Here are some wonderful ideas to make the most out of this delicious dish:

• Light Lunch: Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a roll for a satisfying lunch option.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack it in a container for a delightful outdoor picnic. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until serving!
• Family Dinner: Pair it with a bowl of warm soup for a comforting family dinner.
• Side Dish Option: It works wonderfully as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the salad without dressing for meal prep. Just add the dressing when you’re ready to eat.
• Seasonal Alternatives: In colder months, consider serving it warm with roasted veggies on top.
• Potluck Star: Bring it to a potluck gathering, as it’s sure to impress and please a crowd!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and crispy textures, making it a standout dish for any meal. I encourage you to try making this delicious salad at home; it’s a sure way to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again. Enjoy every bite of this tasty creation!

Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, the Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad is an easy weeknight dinner with a crispy twist. Fresh greens, crunchy toppings, and perfectly fried chicken come together in this sensational dish. Try it tonight for a taste that will make your taste buds dance!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 egg Egg
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 cup Plain Panko Bread Crumbs
• 3 cups Peanut Oil for Frying
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into long strips Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 3 romaine hearts Romaine Hearts
• 1/2 cup Chopped Red Cabbage
• 1 cup Shredded Carrots
• 3 tablespoons Sliced Almonds
• 2 green onions Green Onions
• 5 ounces Chow Mein Noodles

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Cutting Board
• Food Processor
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your dressing. In a small bowl, combine the honey, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to serve.
2. Next, let’s set up a dredging station to prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will be your dry dredging mixture. In another small bowl, beat the egg and milk together until fully combined. Place the panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish for the final coating.
3. Now it’s time to heat the oil. In a heavy-duty pot, pour in the peanut oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy chicken.
4. While the oil is heating, dredge each chicken strip one at a time. First, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Then dip it into the egg mixture before finally coating it with the panko bread crumbs. Make sure each strip is fully coated for the best crunch!
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the pot. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. They should cook until each side is a rich golden brown. This step usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes per batch.
6. After frying, transfer the chicken strips to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine hearts, red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, green onions, and chow mein noodles. Toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
8. Once the vegetables are mixed, add the diced chicken to the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated. You can serve it immediately or allow each person to toss their serving individually.
9. For maximum freshness, consider dressing only the portion of salad you’ll be eating immediately. This keeps the ingredients crisp and appealing.
10. Finally, enjoy your homemade Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad! It’s perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Notes

• Salad Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container, but avoid dressing it until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
• Frying Technique: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If it's not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Chicken Coating: The combination of flour, egg, and panko is essential for achieving that signature crunch. Allow the coated chicken to rest briefly before frying for the best texture.
• Ingredient Quality: Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference. Opt for fresh vegetables and good quality peanut oil for frying.

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Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!