Asian Chicken Salad

Name: Asian Chicken Salad with Crispy Chicken and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce; 2 cups tri-color coleslaw mix; 1 scallion, diced; 1 lb breaded crispy chicken strips; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup honey; 2-3 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil; coarse salt, to taste; freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup chow mein noodles, for topping; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, for topping; 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained, for topping

This Asian Chicken Salad is a copycat version of Applebee's signature dish, combining crispy breaded chicken strips with a lettuce base, crunchy chow mein noodles, mandarin oranges, and sliced almonds topped with a tangy honey-mustard dressing. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with simple pantry ingredients.

🌍American 🏷️Asian chicken salad 🏷️Copycat recipe 🏷️Crispy chicken salad 🏷️Salad Chicken

🏷️

🏷️Creamy dressing

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
2 cups tri-color coleslaw mix
1 scallion, diced
1 lb breaded crispy chicken strips
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup honey
2-3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
coarse salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chow mein noodles, for toppingoptional
1/4 cup sliced almonds, for toppingoptional
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained, for toppingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, coleslaw mix, and diced scallion.
2
Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package directions, either by air frying or baking, until golden and crispy.
3
Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4
Add the chopped chicken to the salad bowl with the greens.
5
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, and toasted sesame oil.
6
Season the dressing with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7
Whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
8
Pour the dressing over the salad and chicken.
9
Toss everything together until the lettuce and chicken are evenly coated in the dressing.
10
Portion the salad onto plates and top with chow mein noodles, sliced almonds, and mandarin oranges before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Bread and fry or air-fry the chicken strips until golden and crispy just before serving to preserve the signature crunch and prevent sogginess.
Separate the wet ingredients (lettuce, coleslaw) from the crispy toppings until assembly; mix dressing in just before eating to maintain texture contrast.
Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding to boost nuttiness and prevent them from becoming soft.
Use fresh mandarin oranges or well-drained canned mandarin segments to avoid excess liquid that will wilt the salad.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt or sour cream (lighter version, slightly tangier)
Rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (similar acidity and tang)
Sliced almonds → candied pecans or walnuts (different nuttiness and crunch)
Chow mein noodles → crispy wonton strips or fried onions (similar textural contrast)

Storage & make-ahead

Assemble the salad just before serving. Store cooked chicken strips, dressing, and toppings separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat chicken gently in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes. Store the honey-mustard dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Whisk before serving if separation occurs.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of breaded chicken strips?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works, but the salad loses its signature crispy texture. For best results, use breaded and fried chicken or air-fried chicken strips.

How do I keep the chow mein noodles crispy?

Add the noodles just before serving, or store them separately and toss them in at the last moment. Avoid mixing them with the dressing until you're ready to eat.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The breaded chicken and chow mein noodles contain gluten. Use gluten-free breaded chicken strips and crispy chow mein noodles, and verify your dressing ingredients.

Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Yes. Double or triple the lettuce, coleslaw, and dressing. Keep the crispy components (chicken, noodles, almonds) separate and add them just before serving to maintain texture.