This Chinese Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of crispy, juicy, and bold. Tossed in a sweet and tangy Asian-style dressing and loaded with crunchy veggies and tender chicken, it’s a fast and flavorful go-to for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep days.
This colorful salad is one of those healthy Asian recipes that feels anything but boring. It hits all the right notes—crunchy, savory, fresh, and just a little sweet. Inspired by classic Chinese restaurant salads, this homemade version is made with whole food ingredients and no deep-frying required.
If you love fusion meals like this, try my Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce or Easy Chicken Yaki Soba next.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Packed with flavor—thanks to a bold soy-ginger dressing and fresh aromatics
- Great for meal prep—everything holds up well for hours
- Super flexible—you can mix and match veggies, protein, and toppings
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Napa Cabbage – Crisp, slightly peppery, and holds up like a champ under all that bold dressing. It’s the backbone of any great Chinese chicken salad.
- Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling or pan-searing. You could also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Soy Sauce – The umami bomb in your homemade Asian salad dressing. It brings out depth in the chicken and balances the sweet and tangy vinegar and teriyaki.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Got leftover wonton strips or crunchy noodles from takeout? Toss them in! They add the perfect crispy bite.
- This salad is a veggie-lover’s dream—chopped green onions, snow peas, or snap peas bring extra freshness and crunch.
- Mix up your greens! A combo of red and green cabbage (or even some romaine) gives it more texture and color.
- Feeling adventurous? Bean sprouts and water chestnuts add a little extra crunch, while canned mandarin oranges bring a sweet, tangy twist.
- Ramen or chow mein noodles? Yes, please! They make this salad even more satisfying and totally irresistible.
If you like fusion-style Asian meals like this, you'll also love my Avocado Salad with a sesame twist or Korean Beef with stir-fried veggies.
🔪How To Make Chinese Chicken Salad
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken thighs in your favorite spice blend or a simple mixture of salt, pepper and a little oil. Grill them on a grill pan until cooked. Cut the cucumber in half. Roast them until lightly charred. Allow the chicken to cool slightly and then slice into thin strips.
- Step 2: Wash the cabbage thoroughly and slice it into thin strips. Place it in a large salad bowl to form the base of the salad.
- Step 3: Chop the cilantro. Slice the chili peppers into thin rings. Grate the carrots. Place the prepared vegetables and herbs in a large bowl. Cut the cucumber into 8 pieces.
- Step 4: Add shredded chicken and cucumbers. Place bay leaf, spices, and garlic in the salad center. Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, and teriyaki sauce. Heat oil and pour over the center. Toss gently and let sit for 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with sunflower seeds for crunch.
💡Hint: Pouring hot oil over the aromatics in the salad creates a quick infusion of flavor—don’t skip this step!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Making this Asian salad is super easy, but you might want to note down these little tips and tricks too.
- For a shortcut, use pre-cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie meat.
- To reduce bitterness and boost color, soak cabbage in ice water for 10 minutes before draining.
- Use sesame oil if possible—it adds that iconic toasted, nutty flavor found in many Chinese salad dressings.
- Want a restaurant-style finish? Add a splash of rice vinegar and sprinkle crispy noodles on top just before serving.
💭 FAQs
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves preparation time.
Common ingredients are shredded Napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and green onions.
Keep crunchy toppings (like noodles or nuts) separate until serving. And don’t overdress—light toss just before serving keeps things crisp.
Yes! Keep the dressing and crunchy bits separate, then combine right before eating for best texture. Store leftovers in the fridge for one day.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here’s what to serve with your Chinese Salad:
- Grilled or Stir-Fried Protein: Serve the salad alongside Thin Sliced Chicken Breast, Korean Beef, BBQ Pulled Pork, or Air Fryer Shrimp. You can also stir-fry tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve the salad with Steamed Rice or Instant Pot Ramen Noodles such as lo mein or chow mein for a more substantial meal.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Pair the salad with spring rolls, Bao or Dumplings (steamed or fried) for a delightful combination.
- Soup: Start the meal with a light soup such as hot and sour soup or Egg Drop Soup.
🍽 Try More Chinese Inspired Dishes
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Easy Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For The Salad
- 1 Whole Napa Cabbage
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 Cucumber
- ½ Carrot
- 1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
- ½ Chili
- Cilantro Bundle
- Sunflower Seeds
For The Dressing
- 2 tablespoon Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Curry Powder
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs in your favorite spice blend or a simple mixture of salt, pepper and a little oil. Grill them on a grill pan until cooked through and juicy.
- Cut the cucumber in half. Roast them until lightly charred. Allow the chicken to cool slightly and then slice into thin strips. Cut the cucumber into 8 pieces.
- Wash the cabbage thoroughly and slice it into thin strips. Place it in a large salad bowl to form the base of the salad.
- Chop the cilantro. Slice the chili peppers into thin rings. Grate the carrots. Place the prepared vegetables and herbs in a large bowl.
- Add the shredded chicken and cucumbers. Place bay leaf, spices, pressed garlic in the center of the salad. Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, and teriyaki sauce.
- Heat the oil in a pan and pour it over the center of the salad. Gently toss and leave for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle with sunflower seeds to give it crunch and visual appeal. Serve the Chinese Chicken Salad immediately to preserve the vibrant colors and textures in each plate.
This Easy Chinese Chicken Salad is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures! I love how the crisp Napa cabbage pairs with the juicy grilled chicken and the zesty dressing. Sometimes, I toss in some crunchy ramen noodles or a handful of mandarin oranges for a sweet twist. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.