Introduction: Crunchy Chicken Slaw
Looking for a fresh, crunchy, and savory dish that works for lunch, dinner, or even a quick weeknight meal? Look no further! The Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw is the perfect combination of healthy, light, and full of flavor. This salad features crispy cabbage slaw topped with succulent chicken and a tangy sesame dressing. It’s a delightful dish that offers both nutrition and taste, making it an excellent choice for anyone craving a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Whether you are looking to impress guests at a gathering or whip up something delicious for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Origin of Sesame Chicken Salad
The Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw brings together the best of Asian-inspired flavors, showcasing the earthy goodness of sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger. Asian slaws like this one are a staple in many cultures across the East, particularly in countries like China, Korea, and Japan. The use of fresh vegetables and a light dressing keeps it feeling fresh while the chicken adds protein to make the dish hearty and filling. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this vibrant slaw has gained popularity in the United States as a healthy, quick, and satisfying option.
Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly simple, with all the ingredients playing a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of flavors and textures.
For the Slaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded (optional for color)
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded or thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly and easily, perfect for busy weekdays or a last-minute dinner idea. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ground ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add your chicken (either shredded or sliced) to the pan, and season with soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it cool slightly, then slice or shred it further for easy mixing with the slaw.
2. Make the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro (if using). Toss the ingredients lightly to combine, making sure all the veggies are evenly distributed.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, fresh ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) in a separate bowl. Mix the dressing until smooth and well combined, ensuring the honey dissolves fully. This sweet, tangy, and spicy dressing will coat the slaw and chicken beautifully.
4. Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, and toss it gently to coat all the veggies with the sauce. Add the warm chicken on top of the slaw and toss it gently again, ensuring that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the slaw. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving to add a little extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Variations: Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw
While the Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw is delicious as it is, there are many variations you can make to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian alternative. For extra protein, you can also add edamame or chickpeas.
- Seafood Version: If you’re a seafood lover, replace the chicken with shrimp or salmon. Shrimp can be sautéed with a bit of sesame oil for a tasty alternative that still maintains the Asian flair.
- Crunchy Add-ins: If you love texture, consider adding crunchy peanuts, cashews, or crispy wonton strips for an extra burst of crunch.
- Swap the Vegetables: You can easily adapt this slaw by swapping out or adding other vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, or baby corn for more color and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spice by adding more sriracha or chili paste, or opt for red pepper flakes for a milder kick.
FAQs About Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be made ahead. In fact, letting it sit for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge allows the flavors to marinate and develop even more. You can also store the dressing and chicken separately to keep everything fresh.
2. Can I use a different oil for cooking the chicken?
While sesame oil gives this dish its signature flavor, you can use olive oil or canola oil in a pinch for cooking the chicken. However, the sesame oil will provide the best authentic taste.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Most soy sauces contain wheat, so be sure to check the label or opt for tamari, which is gluten-free.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. If you’re in a rush, you can cook the chicken from frozen, but it may take a bit longer to cook.
5. Can I make this recipe without cilantro?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to leave it out. You can replace it with fresh mint or basil for a unique twist.
6. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or spring rolls for a more complete meal. You can also serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings or fried rice.
Conclusion: Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw
The Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw is not only a delicious and nutritious option for any meal but also versatile and customizable to suit various tastes. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and bold flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal planning. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish, as part of a larger meal, or for meal prep, it offers a refreshing and satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!
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The Ultimate Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw Recipe: A Fresh and Crunchy Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Asian Sesame Chicken & Cabbage Slaw brings together the best of Asian-inspired flavors, showcasing the earthy goodness of sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger. Asian slaws like this one are a staple in many cultures across the East, particularly in countries like China, Korea, and Japan. The use of fresh vegetables and a light dressing keeps it feeling fresh while the chicken adds protein to make the dish hearty and filling. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this vibrant slaw has gained popularity in the United States as a healthy, quick, and satisfying option.
Ingredients
For the Slaw
4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded (optional for color)
1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded or thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp ground ginger
For the Dressing
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 small clove garlic, minced
½ tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté 30 seconds.
Add chicken, season with soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Cook until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Let cool slightly, then slice or shred the chicken.
2. Make the slaw
In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Toss lightly.
3. Make the dressing
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) until smooth.
4. Assemble the salad
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Add the warm chicken on top and toss gently.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
A crunchy, flavorful salad that balances tender chicken with crisp cabbage and a nutty sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main
- Method: Tossing / Pan-Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Sesame Chicken Salad, Asian Cabbage Slaw, Crunchy Chicken Slaw, Healthy Asian Slaw
