If you’re craving a salad that’s crunchy, tangy, and downright addictive, look no further than the Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe. This vibrant dish combines tender, crispy chicken strips with a refreshing mix of cabbage, romaine, and shredded carrots, all tossed in a delightfully sweet and tangy honey dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but comes together so easily that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows four different stages of preparing chicken strips on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there are raw pink chicken strips placed on a white cutting board. To the right, a white bowl is filled with flour, light beige in color and powdery in texture. Below it, there is another white bowl containing a smooth, pale yellow liquid mixture. On the bottom right, five chicken strips are coated with a grainy, light flour and breadcrumb mixture, resting on a white plate. The layers move from raw chicken to flour dipping, then liquid coating, and finally to the crumb-covered strips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a critical role in flavor, crunch, and color. From the crispy chicken coating to the crisp fresh veggies and the luscious honey dressing, every component works harmoniously to deliver a satisfying taste experience.

3 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy dressing perfectly.

1 ½ tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Gives the salad a bright, acidic punch essential for that authentic oriental zest.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to the dressing, making it smooth and luscious.
1 teaspoon dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.

⅛ teaspoon sesame oil: Delivers that distinct nutty aroma that takes the dressing to another level.
2 chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced thin for that irresistible crispy finish.
1 egg: Helps the coating adhere perfectly to the chicken strips.

1 cup milk: Combined with the egg to create the batter for coating the chicken.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base for the crunchy crust.
1 cup panko: Panko breadcrumbs bring extra crunch and texture to the chicken.

1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor in the coating mix.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the flavors.
3 cups vegetable oil: Used for frying to get the chicken strips perfectly golden.

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Fresh and crisp, forming a solid base for the salad.
½ cup red cabbage, chopped: Adds vibrant purple color and a refreshing crunch.
½ cup napa cabbage, chopped: Brings slight sweetness and tenderness to the veggie mix.

1 carrot, shredded: Contributes a burst of orange color and natural sweetness.
3 tablespoons sliced almonds: Sprinkled on top for nutty crunch and extra texture.

How to Make Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

The dressing is the heart of this salad and it’s so easy to whip up. Simply blend honey, rice wine vinegar, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and sesame oil together until smooth. Once combined, pop it in the fridge to chill while you get the rest of the salad ready. This will allow the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Using a large saucepan, warm up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. It’s important to have the oil hot enough for frying so the chicken cooks quickly and gets that perfect golden crust without becoming greasy.

Step 3: Slice the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and cut them into long, thin strips. This shape allows for maximum crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender—exactly what you want for this salad.

Step 4: Set Up the Coating Station

In one bowl, beat together the egg and milk to create your wet mixture. In another, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to form the dry coating. Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, then fully coat it in the flour-panko blend. This double dip ensures a satisfyingly crispy texture.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Strips

Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown color. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel to drain any excess oil. When the strips are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy salad tossing.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, red cabbage, napa cabbage, and shredded carrot. Add in the crispy chicken pieces and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Drizzle your chilled honey oriental dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly so every bite is bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown fried strips arranged in a loose stack, showing a crunchy, textured coating with small flecks of darker brown from frying. The strips vary slightly in size and shape, overlapping each other, creating a layered look with some edges crispier and darker. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a subtle pattern in the background, highlighting the warm color of the fried strips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your salad, consider adding a handful of crunchy chow mein noodles or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These simple touches amplify both texture and presentation, making it feel even more special when served.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or fresh vegetable spring rolls. These complementary dishes keep the meal balanced and add an extra layer of satisfaction without overwhelming the flavors of the main salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in crispy wonton cups or inside hollowed-out cucumbers for a refreshing bite-sized appetizer version. You can also layer the salad ingredients in a clear glass jar for a stunning visual effect if you’re packing lunch or meal prepping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store salad components separately if possible, especially the chicken and the greens, to maintain freshness and crunch.

Freezing

While the chicken strips can be frozen after cooking and cooled completely, the salad veggies and dressing do not freeze well. Freeze chicken in a sealed container or bag for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat chicken strips without losing their crispness, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Skinless chicken thighs tend to stay moist and tender, and they work well when coated and fried just like the breasts in this recipe.

Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free panko. Just be mindful that the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can bake the coated chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, for a healthier option. The crust may be less crispy but still tasty.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you prefer to avoid mayo, try using Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option while maintaining creaminess.

How long does this salad stay fresh once dressed?

Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours for optimal crunch and flavor. The salad ingredients, especially cabbage and lettuce, can get soggy if left too long in the dressing.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, tangy, and savory that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress friends and family alike. Give it a go—this salad might just become your new favorite go-to for easy, flavorful meals.

Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need