Applebeesstyle Asian Chicken Salad Copycat

Quick Hook

Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad is my go-to comfort lunch. Honestly, the first bite felt like a cozy restaurant hit.
Oh my gosh, that sesame ginger snap gets you.

I made this after a craving. It hits sweet, tangy, nutty, and crunchy notes.
Think Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad vibes, but home-made.

"My first forkful brought back summer patio memories." That little quote still makes me smile.
If you love a Crunchy Almond Chow Mein Salad, read on.

Brief Overview

This Asian Chicken Salad Recipe nods to chain classics. It draws from Americanized Asian flavors.
Some folks call it Applebees Chinese Chicken Salad too.

Difficulty is easy medium for home cooks. Prep is quick and fun with a short marinate.
Total time is around 35– 50 minutes including marinating.

Yields four hearty main course servings. Great as a Grilled Chicken Asian Salad option.
Try the Asian Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges twist.

Tip: cook chicken to a safe internal temp.
Aim for 165° F ( 74° C) for perfectly done chicken.
Rest it five minutes before slicing.

Main Benefits

Top health win is lean protein and lots of veg. This Salad Copycat keeps calories reasonable and filling.
Protein, fiber, and bright veggies make it feel light.

Perfect for weeknight dinners and quick lunches. Also brilliant for potlucks and make-ahead meal prep.
You can scale up for big gatherings easily.

What makes this recipe special is balance. The sesame ginger dressing plays sweet, salty, and bright.
It’s a true Copycat Applebees hit at home.

I learned to toast almonds carefully. Too dark and you lose the delicate crunch.
Keeping noodles sealed until serving is critical.

Ready to see the ingredient list now? Next up are the exact amounts and tools.
Let’s move on to the ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Chicken and marinade:

• 12 oz (340 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose firm, fresh breasts.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce. Use low-sodium for balance.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) honey.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame oil.
• 1/2 tsp (2 g) grated fresh ginger.
• Pinch of black pepper.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil for searing.

Salad base and toppers:

• 6 cups (about 180 g) mixed salad greens.
• 1 cup (70 g) shredded green or Napa cabbage.
• 1 cup (110 g) shredded carrots.
• 1/2 cup (45 g) sliced almonds, toasted.
• 1/2 cup (30 g) crispy chow mein noodles.
• 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced green onions.
• 1/4 cup (10 g) cilantro leaves optional.
• 1/2 cup (120 g) canned mandarin segments optional.

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) low-sodium soy sauce.
• 2 tbsp (42 g) honey or light brown sugar.
• 2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame oil.
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) neutral oil.
• 1 tsp (5 g) grated fresh ginger.
• 1 small garlic clove, grated.

I call this my quick Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad. It nails that sweet, nutty crunch.

Seasoning Notes

Essential combo: ginger, garlic, soy, honey. This creates the backbone. Aromatics: scallions and cilantro add lift. Toasted sesame seeds add warmth.

Want heat? Add 1 tsp sriracha. Quick swaps: use tamari for gluten-free. Use maple syrup for honey. Use pepitas instead of almonds for nut-free.

Tip: taste the Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe before tossing. Adjust acid or sweet.

Equipment Needed

Essentials only:

• Large nonstick or cast iron skillet or grill pan.
• Instant read thermometer recommended.
• Mixing bowls and a whisk.
• Tongs, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons.

Household alternatives:

• No grill pan? Use an outdoor grill or oven broiler.
• No salad spinner? Pat leaves dry with towels.
• No instant read thermometer? Slice thick part and check juices.

Fun fact: crunchy elements stay crisp if added last. Oh my gosh, I learned that the hard way. Keep the noodles sealed until plating. Small details make this salad feel restaurant class.

Cooking Method

Oh my gosh, this version of the Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad nails the crunch. I call it my weeknight hero. It's bright, nutty, and oddly comforting.

Prep Steps

Do mise en place first. Chop greens, shred cabbage, and slice carrots. Measure dressing ingredients into a bowl.

Marinate the chicken for 10– 30 minutes . You can stretch to 30 60 minutes for deeper flavor. Keep crunchy noodles sealed until assembly. Toast almonds last minute.

Safety first. Use a clean board for raw chicken. Wash hands and surfaces. Cook chicken to 165° F ( 74° C) internal temperature.

step-by-step Process

1. Mix soy, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Add chicken and refrigerate 10– 30 minutes .
2. Toast almonds in a dry pan until light golden. Watch closely .
3. Whisk the Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust.
4. Heat skillet over medium high. Add 1 tbsp oil . Sear chicken 4– 6 minutes per side .
5. Check doneness with a thermometer. Remove and rest 5 minutes .
6. Toss greens, cabbage, carrots, and half the dressing. Add sliced chicken.
7. Top with almonds, crunchy noodles, scallions, and mandarin segments. Drizzle remaining dressing.

Visual cues matter. Chicken juices run clear. Almonds smell toasty. Dressing should be glossy. If it separates, whisk again.

Pro Tips

Use a hot pan for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing.

Common mistakes: over dressing the salad. That kills crunch. Toast nuts too long and they burn. Keep crunchy elements dry until serving.

make-ahead options: The dressing stores in the fridge for 4 5 days . Marinate chicken the night before. Keep nuts and noodles separate.

Honestly, the first time I made this, I drenched everything. Big regret. Now I toss lightly and serve the rest on the side.

This recipe plays well with many names. Call it Asian Chicken Salad , Grilled Chicken Asian Salad , or a Salad Copycat .

It still tastes like a restaurant steal especially the Applebees Chinese Chicken Salad vibe. Try it and tell me what you think.

Recipe Notes

“Bright, crunchy, and utterly addictive.” That’s how I describe this salad. I first made the Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad for a Sunday lunch. My mate ate two helpings. True story.

Serving Suggestions

Plate it on a wide, shallow bowl. Toss greens gently. Lay sliced chicken across the top. Add crunchy noodles and toasted almonds last.

This salad goes great with steamed jasmine rice. Try vegetable egg rolls too. For drinks, iced green tea or a crisp Riesling shine.

If you want a restaurant feel, add lime wedges at the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers. Keep dressing separate. Salad will stay fresh for about bold: 4 5 days in the fridge.

Reheat chicken gently. Slice and warm for 30 60 seconds in the microwave. Or reheat in a skillet until hot. Freezing is not ideal.

Crunchy noodles and greens will lose texture. You can freeze cooked chicken only. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat before assembling.

Variations

Want it vegetarian? Swap chicken for firm tofu. Press, marinate, then pan-sear until golden. That makes a great Crunchy Almond Chow Mein Salad twist.

Need gluten-free? Use tamari and rice based crispy noodles. That keeps the Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad vibe. Seasonal swap: Add mandarin segments in winter.

In summer, try grilled peaches or mango. These keep the Asian Chicken Salad Recipe fresh.

Nutrition Basics

Approx per serving: 420 calories. Protein about 22 g. Fat around 21 g. Carbs near 32 g. This salad gives lean protein and fiber.

Almonds add healthy fats. Greens supply vitamins and minerals. The sesame ginger dressing adds flavor without heavy calories.

I always balance dressing slowly. Start with less. Add more if needed. Keep crunchy bits dry until serving. Remember to cook chicken to bold: 165° F ( 74° C).

Let it rest bold: 5 minutes before slicing.

If you love a Copycat Applebees lunch, this is your ticket. It nods to Applebees Chinese Chicken Salad. It also tastes like a Sesame Ginger Dressing Recipe dream.

Try it, tweak it, and enjoy. You’ll nail this Grilled Chicken Asian Salad. Go cook it now you won’t regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad taste like the restaurant version?

It’s the combination of a bright sesame ginger dressing, a quick soy-rice vinegar chicken marinade, toasted almonds and those crunchy chow mein noodles that recreate the restaurant profile.

Small details matter toast the nuts until fragrant, rest and thinly slice the chicken, and emulsify the dressing so it’s well balanced between sweet, salty and acidic.

How do I keep the crunchy noodles and almonds from going soggy?

Keep crunchy elements sealed and separate until the last moment and only sprinkle them on just before serving; dressing the salad too early will ruin their texture. Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet for maximum crunch and aroma, and store prepped noodles and nuts in an airtight container if you’re making components ahead.

Can I make this salad vegetarian, nut-free or gluten-free?

Yes swap grilled chicken for pan-fried or baked marinated tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, and use tamari or coconut aminos plus rice based crispy noodles for gluten-free needs.

For nut-free, replace sliced almonds with roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or extra crispy noodles; adjust to taste because those swaps change texture and flavor slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers and how long will the dressing keep?

Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for 4 5 days and whisk or shake before using; cooked chicken will keep 3 4 days refrigerated. For best results, refrigerate salad greens and crunchy toppings separately and assemble just before serving once dressed, the salad is best eaten within a few hours to avoid limp greens.

Is the Applebees Copycat Asian Chicken Salad a healthy choice what about calories and sodium?

Rough estimates are about 420 kcal and ~22 g protein per serving, with sodium typically in the 600 800 mg range depending on soy sauce and canned ingredients. To lighten it, use less oil or swap some oil for Greek yogurt in the dressing, choose low-sodium soy or tamari, and reduce crunchy noodles or almonds; for precise tracking, enter your exact brands into a nutrition calculator.