Warm Oriental Chicken Salad

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 4 hours | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

History

The origins of Warm Oriental Chicken Salad can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where the combination of chicken, vegetables, and savory sauces is a common and popular dish. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp finely chopped gingerroot or 0.25 tsp ground ginger
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups shredded napa cabbage (Chinese)
1.5 medium carrots, shredded (1 cup)
0.5 cup chow mein noodles
2 green onions, sliced (with tops)

How to prepare

1. In a sealable heavy-duty plastic bag or glass bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, oil, gingerroot, and garlic. Add chicken and turn to coat with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning the chicken occasionally.
3. Set the oven control to broil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and reserve the marinade.
4. Place the chicken on a rack in a broiler pan.
5. Heat the marinade in a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan until boiling. Boil for 1 minute.
6. Broil the chicken with the tops 4 to 6 inches from the heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Cut the chicken crosswise into 0.25 inch slices.
7. In a large bowl, mix together cabbage, carrots, and noodles. Arrange the chicken on top of the cabbage mixture. Sprinkle with green onions.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Use a different type of cabbage, such as red cabbage or savoy cabbage, for a colorful twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours will help infuse it with flavor and keep it moist during cooking.

- Broiling the chicken gives it a nice charred flavor and crispy texture.

- Be sure to slice the chicken thinly for easy eating and better presentation.

- Toss the cabbage, carrots, and noodles together just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Warm Oriental Chicken Salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or a light soup.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.

- Broiling the chicken gives it a nice charred exterior while keeping it juicy inside.

- Tossing the salad ingredients together just before serving ensures they stay crisp and fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for honey for a vegan option.

- Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the cabbage mixture and sprinkle with green onions for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Warm Oriental Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Warm Oriental Chicken Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Warm Oriental Chicken Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Warm Oriental Chicken Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Warm Oriental Chicken Salad contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables, as well as iron and potassium from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens from the soy sauce and chow mein noodles.

Summary

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Warm Oriental Chicken Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this salad is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, just like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry. The pages were yellowed with age, and the recipe for Warm Oriental Chicken Salad caught my eye.

I had always been drawn to the flavors of Asian cuisine, so I was eager to give this recipe a try. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing. I knew this dish would be a hit with my family.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen. The smell of garlic and ginger filled the air as I sautéed the chicken in a hot skillet. The vegetables sizzled and popped as I tossed them in with the chicken, creating a colorful medley of flavors and textures.

Next came the dressing, a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. I poured it over the chicken and vegetables, letting it simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of garlic and ginger, a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, it was time to assemble the salad. I piled the warm chicken and vegetable mixture on a bed of crisp lettuce, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced almonds on top for added crunch. The final touch was a drizzle of the tangy dressing, coating the salad in a delicious glaze.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but marvel at how far I had come in my culinary journey. I had learned to cook from my mother and grandmother, who had passed down their recipes and techniques through the generations. Each dish I made was a tribute to their legacy, a way of keeping their memory alive through the art of cooking.

The Warm Oriental Chicken Salad was a perfect example of this. It combined the traditional flavors of my heritage with a modern twist, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic. As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again for family gatherings and special occasions.

Years passed, and the recipe for Warm Oriental Chicken Salad became a beloved favorite in my household. My children and grandchildren would often request it for family dinners, and I was always happy to oblige. I would teach them the secrets of making the perfect dressing, the art of sautéing the chicken to perfection, and the importance of balancing flavors and textures in a dish.

I cherished these moments in the kitchen with my loved ones, passing down the recipe for Warm Oriental Chicken Salad just as it had been passed down to me. It was more than just a dish; it was a symbol of our family's bond, a connection to our shared past and a promise of a delicious future.

And so, as I sit here today, flipping through that old cookbook and reminiscing about the day I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary heritage that has shaped me into the cook I am today. The memory of finding this recipe for Warm Oriental Chicken Salad will always bring a smile to my face, a reminder of the love, tradition, and joy that cooking has brought into my life.