Go Back
A colorful chinese chicken salad with crispy chicken, mandarin oranges, and fresh vegetables on a white plate.
Layla

Chinese Chicken Salad

This vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, sweet mandarin oranges, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, all topped with crunchy wonton strips for the perfect texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Asian-American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
  • 6 cups Napa Cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup Carrots shredded or julienned
  • 4 Green Onions sliced
  • 1 can Mandarin Oranges 11 oz, drained
  • 1.5 cups Crispy Wonton Strips
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing
  • 0.25 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 0.25 cup Rice Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger grated
  • 1 clove Garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small whisk or jar with lid
  • Skillet or baking sheet

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. You can pan-sear them for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or your hands. Set aside.
Prep Salad Components
  1. While the chicken cools, shred the Napa cabbage, julienne or shred the carrots, and slice the green onions. Drain the mandarin oranges thoroughly. Place all prepped vegetables and oranges into a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until thoroughly combined. If you have a jar with a lid, you can also shake it vigorously to emulsify.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Add the shredded chicken to the large bowl with the prepped vegetables and oranges. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Just before serving, add the crispy wonton strips to the salad. Give it one final light toss to distribute the crunch. Serve immediately to ensure the wontons stay crisp!

Notes

Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. If you don't have wonton strips, feel free to use toasted slivered almonds, crispy chow mein noodles, or even sesame seeds for that satisfying crunch. For extra flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle kick.