Hot Chinese Chicken Salad
Hot Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender, browned chicken pieces with fresh vegetables and savory flavors, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it appeals to lovers of Asian-inspired dishes and those seeking a quick, flavorful salad option.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, skinned, boned and cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup corn oil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large tomato, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Accent flavor enhancer ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Roll pieces of chicken in cornstarch.
- Heat corn oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken; quickly brown. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Add tomato, water chestnuts, mushrooms, green onions, and celery; stir.
- Sprinkle with Accent flavor enhancer.
- Stir in soy sauce. Cover; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add shredded lettuce; toss.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the chicken is well-coated in cornstarch before frying. You can substitute chicken thighs with breast meat for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand - bell peppers and snap peas work well too, making this a versatile dish in the realm of chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Chinese Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served as a main or side dish. Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal, or serve it alongside a light soup for a satisfying lunch. It also makes a delightful addition to any potluck or gathering, showcasing the flavors of Chinese recipes wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The salad can also be microwaved, but be cautious not to overcook the lettuce, as it can become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chinese Chicken Salad contains roughly 654 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1393mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts may cook faster and tofu needs to be sautéed until golden.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. However, cornstarch will give a lighter texture and a crispier finish to the chicken. Alternatively, you can try arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking. Adding a splash of sesame oil just before serving can also elevate the dish, giving it a richer taste profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).