Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad Recipe

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This Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy—a dish that feels indulgent yet fresh all at once. Every bite, with its crispy chicken, crunchy almonds, and that irresistible Oriental dressing, is a flavor-packed experience that I find myself craving over and over again.

How to make Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a restaurant-style entrée salad made with crispy or grilled chicken served over fresh greens and cabbage, topped with crunchy noodles and almonds, and coated in a sweet Asian-inspired vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Chicken tenders (about 1 lb): Use breaded and fried chicken tenders for the crunch, or opt for grilled chicken for a lighter version.
• Mixed greens: 4 cups of romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or a combination of both.
• Shredded cabbage: 1 cup, for added crunch.
• Shredded carrots: 1 cup, thinly sliced or julienned.
• Green onions: 2 stalks, chopped finely.
• Chow mein noodles: ½ cup for a crispy texture.
• Sliced almonds: ¼ cup, toasted for flavor.

For the Oriental Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: ⅓ cup
• Honey: 3 tbsp
• Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 1 tsp
• Sesame oil: 1 tsp
• Sugar: 1 tbsp (optional, for added sweetness)
• Ground ginger: ½ tsp
• Garlic powder: ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. If using breaded chicken tenders, cook them according to package instructions until they’re crispy and golden brown. For homemade crispy chicken, dip the tenders in egg wash, coat with seasoned breadcrumbs, and fry in a shallow pan until crunchy.
2. Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Wash and dry the greens, cabbage, and carrots thoroughly. Combine them in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the chopped green onions, chow mein noodles, and toasted almonds to the greens mixture.
5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust for sweetness, tanginess, or saltiness. If the dressing feels too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or rice vinegar.
7. Divide the salad base evenly into individual plates or bowls.
8. Place the sliced chicken tenders on top of the greens.
9. Drizzle the Oriental dressing generously over the salad. Toss gently if you want the dressing evenly distributed, or let diners toss their own.

Tips for the Best Homemade Oriental Chicken Salad

• Use fresh greens: The crunch of crisp lettuce, cabbage, and carrots is key to recreating the restaurant-quality texture.
• Toast your almonds: Toasting imparts a nuttier flavor and enhances the crunch.
• Customize the chicken preparation: Breaded chicken matches Applebee’s traditional recipe, but grilled chicken is a great healthier alternative.
• Let the dressing chill: Preparing the Oriental dressing ahead of time and refrigerating it for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Balance the sweetness: While honey is essential for the dressing, adjust the amount to prevent it from becoming overly sweet.
• Add your twist: Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle sesame seeds, add mandarin orange slices, or incorporate avocado for extra flair.

What to serve with

Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is deliciously hearty on its own, thanks to its mix of crispy chicken, fresh greens, and flavorful dressing.

1. Light Appetizers

To start your meal on the right foot, pair the salad with appetizers that are light enough to not overpower the flavors of the main dish.

• Vegetarian Spring Rolls: These pair naturally with the Asian-inspired dressing of the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad. Serve with a light soy-based dipping sauce for a perfect match.
• Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame beans are a healthy, protein-packed appetizer that complements the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad.
• Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings): These Japanese-inspired dumplings, stuffed with chicken or vegetables, add a little umami kick to balance the sweet dressing.

2. Soups

Adding a simple soup can create a comforting and well-rounded meal. Choose flavors that harmonize with the Asian-inspired ingredients of the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad.

• Egg Drop Soup: A traditional Chinese soup with its silky egg ribbons is mild and pairs perfectly with the salad without being too heavy.
• Miso Soup: This Japanese soup, made with fermented soy paste, seaweed, and tofu, adds warmth to your meal and complements the nutty sesame undertones of the dressing.
• Wonton Soup: The slightly savory broth and stuffed wontons contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad at home is relatively straightforward, but sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients on hand or may need alternatives to suit dietary preferences.

1. Chicken Substitutes

The crispy, breaded chicken in this salad is a key ingredient, but there are plenty of substitutes to customize it based on dietary choices or available ingredients.

Crispy Chicken Alternatives

• Grilled Chicken: For a healthier, lighter option, use grilled chicken breast or thighs instead of breaded and fried tenders.
• Air-Fried Chicken: Achieve the crispness of fried chicken without the extra oil by cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful alternative if you’re short on time. While it lacks the crispiness, it is tender and delicious.
• Popcorn Chicken or Chicken Nuggets: If you don’t have chicken tenders on hand, frozen popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets can work well. Cook them until golden and crispy.

Vegetarian and Vegan Chicken Alternatives

• Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets or Tenders: Brands like Gardein, Beyond Meat, or MorningStar offer delicious vegan chicken substitutes that mimic the texture of breaded chicken.
• Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu, breaded with panko breadcrumbs and fried or baked until crispy, as a vegetarian option.
• Cauliflower Bites: Bread and bake or fry cauliflower florets for a plant-based alternative with a crispy texture.

2. Lettuce and Greens Substitutes

The Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad’s base usually consists of a mix of iceberg lettuce, romaine, shredded carrots, and cabbage, but you can switch it up with other greens or vegetables.

• Spinach: Use baby spinach for a nutrient-dense and slightly sweeter alternative to lettuce.
• Mixed Greens or Spring Mix: Replace the lettuce with a combination of arugula, kale, frisée, and other salad greens for variety.
• Napa Cabbage or Bok Choy: To maintain a crunchy texture with an Asian flair, try napa cabbage or finely sliced bok choy.
• Radicchio: Add some color and a slightly bitter bite with radicchio as a substitute for some or all of the lettuce.

3. Almond Substitutes

Sliced, toasted almonds add a nutty crunch to the Applebee’s Orientalist Chicken Salad, but there are other options if you’re out of almonds or need a nut-free substitution.

Other Nuts and Seeds

• Cashews: Whole or chopped cashews work well for both texture and flavor.
• Peanuts: Chopped roasted peanuts add a slightly salty and nutty crunch.
• Pecans or Walnuts: These can also stand in for almonds, though they bring a sweeter and richer flavor.

Nut-Free Alternatives

• Sunflower Seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds offer a similar crunch and are a great option for those with nut allergies.
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Use roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative with a slightly sweet taste.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Lightly seasoned, crispy roasted chickpeas provide a crunch without nuts.

4. Chow Mein Noodles Substitutes

The crunchy chow mein noodles in the salad add texture, but there are plenty of substitutes if you don’t have them or want to experiment.

• Fried Wonton Strips: You can find these in the salad aisle of most grocery stores, and they give a similar crispy crunch.
• Pita Chips or Tortilla Strips: Break them into smaller pieces to mimic the chow mein noodle texture.
• Crushed Ramen Noodles: Break up uncooked instant ramen noodles and toast them in a dry pan or oven for a similar crunch.
• Crispy Rice Noodles: Flash-fry rice noodles for a light, airy crunch that makes a great alternative.
• Croutons: While more traditional in Western-style salads, croutons can provide a satisfying crunch as a substitute.

5. Oriental Dressing Substitutes

The sweet and tangy Oriental dressing is central to the salad’s flavor. If you’re out of a specific ingredient or want to make adjustments, here are some substitutes:

Mayonnaise Substitutes

• Greek Yogurt: Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
• Vegan Mayo: A perfect one-to-one replacement for traditional mayonnaise if you’re making a vegan version.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado can be thinned with a bit of water or oil to act as a creamy mayo substitute.

Honey Substitutes

• Maple Syrup: A vegan-friendly alternative with a richer sweetness.
• Agave Nectar: A mild-flavored, plant-based sweetener that works well as a honey substitute.
• Brown Sugar: Dissolve brown sugar in a little water for a similar sweetness.

Soy Sauce Substitutes

• Tamari: A gluten-free substitute that provides the same savory richness.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative that mimics the umami flavor of soy sauce.

Rice Vinegar Substitutes

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess while keeping the dressing light.
• White Wine Vinegar: A good alternative, though slightly sharper in flavor.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: For a citrusy, bright substitute that pairs well with the salad.

Sesame Oil Substitutes

• Olive Oil with Toasted Sesame Seeds: If you don’t have sesame oil, combine olive oil with toasted sesame seeds to mimic the flavor.
• Tahini: A sesame seed paste that can provide nuttiness (use sparingly as it’s thicker than oil).

Final Thoughts

While Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad can easily stand on its own as a filling meal, pairing it with complementary appetizers, sides, or drinks can transform it into a feast.

More Applebee’s Recipes:

• Copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
• Copycat Applebee’s Double Crunch Shrimp Recipe