Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

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Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad: Homemade Perfection

When you crave a restaurant-quality salad packed with flavor and texture, Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad instantly comes to mind. It’s a crowd-pleaser—crisp greens, crunchy noodles and almonds, succulent chicken, and a creamy, tangy dressing that clings to every bite. You don’t need a reservation or takeout to enjoy it, either. With a handful of approachable ingredients, you can create this modern classic at home.

Below, discover everything you need to master Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, from assembling the base to whipping up that famous sweet-and-savory dressing. Dive in, and enjoy a fresh, hearty salad that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.

What Sets This Salad Apart

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad stands out for its harmony of flavors and contrasting textures. The crisp vegetables form a vibrant base, matched by the irresistible crunch of chow mein noodles and sliced almonds. Generous portions of tender chicken transform the salad into a meal, while the signature dressing delivers brightness with its blend of honey, vinegar, mustard, and mayonnaise.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple ingredients that come together for something special. You can scale it to feed as few or as many as you need, and the recipe is flexible enough to suit your tastes.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for an authentic copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad:

Salad Base

• Napa cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Romaine lettuce
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions

Protein

• Breaded or grilled chicken breast (fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken works well)

Crunchy Additions

• Chow mein noodles (the crispy variety from an Asian grocery aisle)
• Sliced almonds

Signature Dressing

• Honey
• Rice vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar can substitute)
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon or yellow mustard
• Toasted sesame oil (for an extra flavor boost)

Optional: Add-ins like mandarin oranges, sesame seeds, or extra veggies

Preparation Steps

Let’s break down the process into easy steps. You can make components ahead and assemble just before serving.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Crispy chicken is traditional, but grilled chicken works just as well.

Breaded Chicken (Homestyle)

• Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in flour (seasoned with salt and pepper).
• Dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs or panko.
• Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken

• Season and grill the chicken until done, or shred a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Let the meat cool slightly, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Tip: For a quick shortcut, use store-bought breaded chicken tenders baked until crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

• Core and thinly slice both types of cabbage.
• Slice romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
• Shred carrots, or use pre-shredded carrots for convenience.
• Thinly slice green onions.

Toss all vegetables together in a large salad bowl. This gives you a colorful, crunchy mix that stands up well to the rich dressing.

Step 3: Add Crunch

Scatter a generous handful of chow mein noodles and sliced almonds over your salad base. These bring important texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Make the Signature Oriental Dressing

The magic is in the dressing. It’s sweet, just tart enough, and has a creamy backbone that ties everything together.

Ingredients:

Optional: Pinch of salt and black pepper, or a splash of soy sauce for more umami.

Instructions:

• Whisk honey, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, mustard, and sesame oil in a small bowl until fully blended.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
• Chill until ready to serve. The dressing thickens as it stands, helping it adhere to the salad.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

• Lay out the vegetable mix on a large platter or individual bowls.
• Arrrange sliced chicken (warm or at room temperature) over the greens.
• Drizzle the oriental dressing generously over the top.
• Finish with a layer of chow mein noodles and sliced almonds.
• Gently toss just before serving, or serve as composed salads for a restaurant-style presentation.

Customizing Your Salad

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is easy to personalize. Below are ideas to add variety or cater to dietary needs.

Change Up the Protein

Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or tempeh. Shredded turkey or pork works well, too, especially with leftover holiday meats.

Play With Add-ins

Layer in fresh fruit like mandarin oranges or pineapple for sweetness. Avocado, cucumber, or thinly sliced radishes give extra freshness. Toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut provide more crunch.

Swap the Base

Mix in baby spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine, or use only cabbage for a slaw-like character that can stand up for picnics or meal prep.

Make It Spicy

Add a dash of sriracha, chili oil, or diced jalapeño to the dressing to turn up the heat.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free panko for the chicken, and crunchy rice noodles or gluten-free chow mein for that essential crunch.

Tips for Best Results

Prepping Ahead

• You can mix the dressing up to three days in advance. Store it covered in the fridge.
• Cut the cabbage and lettuce ahead of time, but store them separately from the dressing and crunchy toppings.
• Bread and cook the chicken, then refrigerate and reheat briefly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• Present it alongside a bowl of soup or a small appetizer for a full meal.
• For parties, set out the dressing and crunchy toppings on the side for self-service.

Batch Prep for Meal Planning

For a grab-and-go option, layer cabbage, carrots, and lettuce in mason jars. Add chicken, then noodles and almonds at the top. Keep dressing in a separate container. Shake everything together just before eating.

Nutritional Information

This salad provides protein, fiber, vegetables, and healthy fats—a balanced meal in a bowl. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing, and opt for grilled chicken over fried.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving (with crispy chicken):

Note: Adjust portions for grilled chicken and lighter dressing to lower the calorie count.

Flavor Variations and Ideas

Try a peanut-style dressing by blending in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter and a splash of soy sauce. Or, create a wrap: fill flour tortillas with salad, roll, and enjoy a portable lunch.

You can add extra color and nutrients with vegetables like snow peas, red bell pepper strips, or edamame. For gatherings, serve family-style with all toppings on the side, so everyone can build their own ideal salad.

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is more than just a menu item—it’s a clever blend of salad and meal, hearty enough for lunch or dinner and lively with every bite. By making it yourself, you can control the ingredients, freshen up flavors, and even tweak the recipe for dietary preferences.

With this easy recipe, it doesn’t matter if you’re making dinner for your family or looking to impress guests. The result is always a delicious, colorful salad everyone will want seconds of, no matter the season.