Catch a whiff of that savory goodness! The Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a delightful medley of tender chicken, crispy greens, and crunchy noodles, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. Imagine a salad so colorful and vibrant you could bottle it up and sell it as happiness in a jar!

This dish has been my go-to for potlucks and family gatherings. The first time I made it, I had just returned from a long day at work, and the thought of slaving over the stove was less appealing than watching paint dry. But when I discovered how easy this salad is to whip up, everything changed. Now it’s a staple at every BBQ, picnic, or lazy Sunday brunch!

Ingredients for Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding; they should be juicy to keep the salad flavorful.
• Fresh Lettuce: Crisp romaine or mixed greens are perfect for that refreshing crunch we all love in salads.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and color; either buy pre-shredded or use a grater for fresh ones.
• Crunchy Noodles: These provide an irresistible crunch; look for Asian-style fried noodles in the grocery store.
• Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add nuttiness and extra crunch; simply toss them in a pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

For the Dressing:

• Sesame Oil: This gives your dressing that nutty flavor profile that complements the salad beautifully.
• Honey: Sweeten your dressing naturally; adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to maintain control over saltiness while keeping that umami punch intact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re cooked through. Let them cool before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens

While your chicken cooks, wash and chop your lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Toss it into a large bowl along with shredded carrots. Feel free to get creative here—add any other veggies you have lying around!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, some rice vinegar for an extra zing! Taste-test it; don’t be shy! Adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once your chicken has cooled down, slice it into strips and arrange over the bed of greens. Sprinkle those crunchy noodles and sliced almonds generously on top—don’t skimp on this part!

Step 5: Drizzle with Dressing

Pour your homemade dressing over the entire salad like you’re Picasso painting his masterpiece. Toss everything gently until combined—I like to think of this as giving your salad a little dance party!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer individual portions onto plates or serve family-style in one big bowl for everyone to dig in together. This salad shines best when served fresh!

And there you have it! A delicious Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying! Enjoy every crunchy bite because life is too short for boring salads!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse maximum flavor, then sear it in a hot pan until golden brown. While the chicken cooks, prepare your veggies and dressing to ensure everything comes together seamlessly and deliciously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in grilled shrimp for a seafood twist or add extra crunch with sliced almonds or crispy chow mein noodles. Experiment with different dressings like sesame or citrus-based varieties to spice things up.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Personal anecdote

I once made this salad for a potluck, and friends raved about how they couldn’t believe it was homemade—talk about a confidence boost!

FAQs:

What is Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad?

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish featuring crispy chicken served atop a bed of fresh greens. It typically includes shredded carrots, crunchy almonds, and crispy noodles, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy Oriental dressing. This salad combines various textures and flavors, making it a favorite among many. You can easily recreate this dish at home using chicken breast, mixed greens, and a homemade dressing for a healthier alternative.

How can I make the dressing for Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad?

To make the dressing for Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, combine equal parts of rice vinegar and vegetable oil. Add soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and sesame oil to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. For a thicker consistency, you can incorporate some plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar if desired. This dressing complements the flavors of the salad while keeping it light and refreshing.

Can I customize my Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! You can customize your Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad to suit your tastes. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as grilled turkey instead of chicken, or include additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. You can also adjust the dressing by making it spicier with chili flakes or adding more sweetness with extra honey. The beauty of this salad is its versatility.

Is Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad healthy?

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad can be a healthy meal option when prepared thoughtfully. By using grilled chicken instead of fried, opting for a lighter dressing, and loading up on fresh vegetables, you enhance its nutritional value. The combination of protein from the chicken and fiber from the greens makes it filling. Just be mindful of portion sizes and added toppings like crispy noodles, which can increase calories.

Conclusion for Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad:

In summary, Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavor and texture that is easy to recreate at home. With alternatives like grilled chicken and homemade dressings using fresh ingredients, you can enjoy this dish while maintaining a healthier approach to dining. Customize your salad to make it uniquely yours while savoring each bite filled with freshness. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a perfect meal option any time of the day!

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Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, crisp greens, crunchy noodles, and a sweet-tangy dressing. Ideal for potlucks or quick dinners, this salad is not only simple to make but also customizable to suit your preferences. Enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures that will quickly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine or spring mix)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup Asian-style crunchy noodles
• ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
• ¼ cup sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let cool before slicing.
2. Chop mixed greens and toss in a large bowl with shredded carrots.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce until well combined.
4. Slice cooled chicken and arrange over the greens. Top with crunchy noodles and toasted almonds.
5. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve fresh in individual portions or family-style.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Customize by adding bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. For a lighter option, grill the chicken instead of baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.