As I was exploring the colorful streets of a bustling Asian market, I stumbled upon a delightful dish that danced with vibrant flavors and crunchy textures: Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad. This inspired collection of crunchy cabbage, succulent rotisserie chicken, and zesty dressing is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of health and easy cooking. What truly elevates this dish are the homemade wonton strips, adding a delightful crunch that transforms your typical salad into a satisfying meal. Best of all, it’s a quick prep that fits perfectly into even the busiest days, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a refreshing lunch. Are you ready to create a crispy sensation in your own kitchen? Why is This Salad So Irresistible? Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time, perfect for busy schedules. Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty dressing and crunchy vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that will invigorate your taste buds. Excellent Texture: Enjoy contrasting textures from tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and addictive homemade wonton strips that will have you coming back for more! Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with nutrients, this dish makes for a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor—great for your health and your palate. Versatility on a Plate: Easily customize by adding proteins like shrimp or tofu, or switch up the veggies for a salad that matches your cravings! Try pairing it with other favorites like Chinese Chicken Salad or a refreshing Chicken Avocado Pasta for a delicious meal spread. Indulge in the crispy deliciousness, and treat your family and friends to something truly special! Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Ingredients For the Wontons Wonton Wrappers – These create the crispy texture; alternatively, use store-bought crispy wontons for convenience. Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying the wontons; avocado oil offers a lighter flavor if preferred. For the Dressing Peanut Oil or Vegetable Oil – This serves as the rich base for your dressing; feel free to substitute with any neutral oil. Unseasoned Rice Vinegar – Adds needed acid and brightness to your dressing for a balanced flavor. Chinese Hot Mustard – Gives a delightful spicy kick; adjust according to your taste preference. Light Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami goodness in the dressing; regular soy sauce can also be used if necessary. Sriracha – For an extra touch of heat, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy punch. Sesame Oil – Imparts a nutty flavor to your salad dressing; use it sparingly as it’s quite potent. Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the zesty flavor of the dressing. Garlic – Infuses a fragrant element to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste. Kosher Salt – Amplifies all the flavors; adjust the amount to your liking. Brown Sugar – Optional for extra sweetness if desired. For the Salad Rotisserie Chicken – Quick and easy protein that can be shredded and added to the salad; saves you time without sacrificing flavor. Shredded Cabbage – The crisp base of your salad; you can make it even easier by using pre-shredded cabbage. Shredded Red Cabbage – Offers vibrant color and additional crunch to the overall dish. Cilantro Leaves – Adds a fresh herbaceous quality to brighten the salad. Carrot – Provides color and crunch; julienne it for a beautiful presentation. Red Onion – Thinly sliced to contribute a sweet and sharp element to your salad. Scallions – Offers a mild onion flavor to complement the other ingredients. Enjoy crafting this crispy Chinese Chicken Salad! Don’t forget to savor the satisfying crunch of those homemade wonton strips—it’s a game changer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Step 1: Prepare Wonton Strips Start by stacking your wonton wrappers and cut them into thin strips. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Carefully add the strips to the oil, frying them for about 30 seconds until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy. Step 2: Whisk Together Dressing In a medium bowl, combine peanut oil, unseasoned rice vinegar, Chinese hot mustard, light soy sauce, Sriracha, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well blended, ensuring all ingredients come together seamlessly. Adjust sweetness with a bit of brown sugar if desired, creating a tangy dressing perfect for your crispy Chinese chicken salad. Step 3: Assemble the Salad In a large bowl, shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Add shredded cabbage, shredded red cabbage, chopped cilantro leaves, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped scallions to the bowl with chicken. Toss these vibrant ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a colorful base for your salad. Step 4: Combine with Dressing Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, gently tossing to coat all the vegetables and chicken evenly in the zesty flavors. This step ensures that every bite of your crispy Chinese chicken salad bursts with deliciousness! Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary to suit your preference. Step 5: Top with Wonton Strips Just before serving, generously top your salad with the crispy wonton strips you prepared earlier. This adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The wontons are essential for that delightful texture that makes this dish truly stand out. Step 6: Serve Immediately Plate your crispy Chinese chicken salad in large bowls, making sure to include a good mix of the salad ingredients and wonton strips. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, pairing it with extra dressing on the side for those who like a little more zing. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful meal! Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Variations Feel free to get creative and make this salad truly your own with these delightful twists and substitutions! Dairy-Free: Substitute any mayo-based dressing with a vinaigrette using olive oil and vinegar for a lighter taste. Grain-Free: Serve over mixed greens instead of cabbage for a fresh and lighter base. This maintains the crunch while offering a different flavor profile. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra dose of heat, perfect if you crave that fiery flavor. Customize to your liking and feel the heat! Crunchy Additions: Toss in some toasted almonds or sesame seeds before serving for a delightful nutty crunch, elevating the salad’s texture even further. Colorful Veggies: Incorporate colorful bell peppers or chopped snap peas for added vibrancy and crunch—these veggies also complement the overall salad beautifully. Protein Boost: Upgrade your protein choice by swapping in shrimp or tofu for a unique twist; these options pair extraordinarily well with the zesty dressing. Asian Flair: Add a splash of rice wine or lime juice to the dressing for an extra burst of flavor that brightens the entire dish. Alternative Dressing: Experiment with a spicy tahini dressing if you’re looking for a creamy alternative, bringing in a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy textures. Elevate your dining experience and explore these variations to ensure every bite is an exciting adventure! If you’re looking for other delicious options, why not try a flavorful Chicken Cobb Salad or a tasty Bbq Chicken Salad? Happy cooking! What to Serve with Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Diving into a vibrant bowl of this salad not only satisfies your hunger but offers a delightful array of flavors and textures to build a full meal around. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Provides a fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the dressing, enhancing each bite of salad. Sesame Noodles: These rich and savory noodles create a perfect contrast to the crispness of the salad, making for a satisfying duo. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp add a protein boost, bringing a slight char flavor that complements the fresh salad ingredients beautifully. Spicy Edamame: The pop of these green beans adds a fun texture while their natural sweetness balances spicy elements from the salad’s dressing. Thai Spring Rolls: Crisp, fresh spring rolls filled with vibrant veggies offer additional crunch and flavor, perfect to dip in extra dressing. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber side brings a refreshing crunch that accentuates the core flavors of the chicken salad, making it a lighter meal option. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, cleansing the palate and enhancing the zest of the salad dressing. Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with this airy dessert that contrasts the savory nature of the chicken salad, leaving you completely satisfied. Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing and light way to cleanse the palate, its natural sweetness is the perfect finish to a bold meal. With these pairings, you are well on your way to creating a delightful dining experience inspired by Chrissy Teigen’s Chinese Chicken Salad! Make Ahead Options These Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad components are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply whisk together the peanut oil, rice vinegar, hot mustard, soy sauce, Sriracha, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and salt, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, fry the wonton strips and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to serve, shred the rotisserie chicken and combine it with the shredded cabbages, carrots, and herbs, then drizzle with the dressing just before serving for freshest flavors. You’ll have a delightful and satisfying meal ready with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Fridge: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients while keeping the crispy wonton strips separate for optimal texture. Wonton Strips: Keep any unused fried wonton strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their crunchiness and prevents them from getting soggy. Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad due to the freshness of the veggies, you can freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to your salad. Reheating: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, reheat it gently in the microwave or sauté in a pan for best results, then toss it back into the salad for a fresh meal reminiscent of Chrissy Teigen’s Chinese Chicken Salad! Expert Tips for Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Fresh Wontons: Use fresh wonton wrappers for the best crunch. They fry quicker and puff beautifully, transforming your salad into a delightful treat. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of Chinese hot mustard and Sriracha based on your spice preferences. Start with less and add more if you like it spicy for Chrissy Teigen’s Chinese Chicken Salad! Mix It Up: Feel free to swap out shredded veggies or add extra proteins like shrimp or tofu for a more filling meal. Personalize it to match your tastes! Dressing Perfection: Blend the dressing in a blender for a smooth consistency. If whisking by hand, ensure everything is well combined for the most flavor. Crisp Storage: Once cooked, store fried wonton strips in an airtight container to maintain fried freshness—only add them just before serving for that irresistible crunch! Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs How do I know if my wonton wrappers are fresh? Absolutely! Fresh wonton wrappers should feel pliable and soft, with no visible dark spots or tears. If they are brittle or dry, they might not fry well, losing that delightful puffiness. For best results, always check the expiration date and store them in the refrigerator. What’s the best way to store leftover salad? To keep your salad fresh, store any leftovers without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. This helps prevent the veggies from wilting. I recommend separating the crispy wonton strips until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again for that perfect crunch! Can I freeze the salad or any of its components? Very! While it’s not advisable to freeze the entire salad due to the fresh texture of the veggies, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before adding to your salad. Heat gently if you prefer warm chicken! What if my wonton strips get soggy? If your wonton strips do get soggy, don’t fret! You can re-crisp them by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently until they regain their crunch. Always store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness. Are there any allergens I should consider when making this salad? Certainly! This salad includes several common allergens such as peanuts (if using peanut oil) and soy (from soy sauce). Always double-check the labels and consider substituting with your preferred oils or gluten-free soy sauce for a healthier option. It’s wise to tailor the ingredients to accommodate anyone’s allergies, especially for gatherings! How can I adjust the dressing to my taste? For a more balanced dressing, play with ingredient ratios! Start with half the amount of Sriracha and hot mustard if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more to taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, simply increase the honey or add a pinch of brown sugar. Mix in a blender for a perfectly smooth consistency, ensuring all flavors blend beautifully. Crispy and Zesty Chrissy Teigen’s Chinese Chicken Salad Experience the vibrant flavors and textures of Chrissy Teigen’s Chinese Chicken Salad, a quick, healthy meal that’s perfect for any day. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: LunchCuisine: ChineseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Wontons10 pieces Wonton Wrappers Alternatively, use store-bought crispy wontons.1 cup Vegetable Oil For frying the wontons; avocado oil can be used.Dressing3 tablespoons Peanut Oil Or substitute with any neutral oil.1 tablespoon Unseasoned Rice Vinegar1 tablespoon Chinese Hot Mustard Adjust for spice preference.2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce Regular soy sauce can be used.1 teaspoon Sriracha For extra heat.1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Use sparingly.1 tablespoon Honey1 clove Garlic Minced.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Optional.Salad2 cups Rotisserie Chicken Shredded.2 cups Shredded Cabbage Can use pre-shredded.1 cup Shredded Red Cabbage1/2 cup Cilantro Leaves Chopped.1 medium Carrot Julienned.1 medium Red Onion Thinly sliced.1/4 cup Scallions Chopped. Equipment SkilletMixing bowlWhiskKnifeCutting Board Method Prepare Wonton StripsStack wonton wrappers and cut into thin strips. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the strips for about 30 seconds until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.Whisk Together DressingIn a bowl, combine peanut oil, rice vinegar, hot mustard, soy sauce, Sriracha, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Whisk until well blended.Assemble the SaladIn a large bowl, shred rotisserie chicken and add shredded cabbage, red cabbage, cilantro, carrots, red onion, and scallions. Toss to combine.Combine with DressingDrizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.Top with Wonton StripsTop the salad with fried wonton strips just before serving for added crunch.Serve ImmediatelyPlate the salad and serve immediately for the best texture. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesFor the best texture, prepare wontons fresh and store any leftovers in an airtight container. Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences for a personalized touch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
