Print

Asian Sesame Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe with Crispy Wontons

asian sesame chicken chopped salad - featured image

A quick and flavorful Asian sesame chicken chopped salad topped with crispy wontons, combining fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy sesame dressing for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces / 340 grams) – grilled or pan-seared
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 150 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage (90 grams)
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded (about 70 grams)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (120 grams)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (about 30 grams)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
  • 10 wonton wrappers, cut into strips or triangles
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C).
  5. Cut wonton wrappers into strips or triangles.
  6. Fry wonton strips in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Remove wontons with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while still warm.
  8. Chop romaine lettuce, shred cabbage, julienne carrot, dice cucumber, slice green onions, and chop cilantro. Combine all veggies in a large bowl.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and neutral oil until well combined.
  10. Add sliced chicken and chopped nuts to the bowl with veggies.
  11. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  12. Scatter the crispy wonton strips on top just before serving to keep their crunch.

Notes

For gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free wonton wrappers or crispy rice noodles. Fry wontons in small batches at 350°F for best crispness. Add wontons just before serving to keep them crunchy. Chicken can be pounded for even cooking and rested before slicing. Dressing oil should be whisked in last for emulsification. Garlic and ginger can be warmed in oil to mellow flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian sesame chicken salad, chopped salad, crispy wontons, quick dinner, healthy salad, sesame dressing, easy chicken salad