Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad is a crisp, colorful, and satisfying meal with crunchy greens, crispy chicken, almonds, and a sweet homemade dressing. Moreover, it brings the restaurant-style favorite to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Why This Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Works
This copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad works because every bite combines contrasting textures and flavors. The crunchy lettuce, cabbage, almonds, and chow mein noodles balance the tender chicken. Meanwhile, the creamy, sweet-tangy dressing ties everything together.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for pan-frying
For the salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments, optional
For the dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into even strips. Then, season the flour with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each strip into the beaten egg. Next, press it into the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, neutral oil, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. If needed, add a teaspoon of water to thin it.
- Build the salad: Add the romaine, cabbage, carrots, almonds, chow mein noodles, green onions, and mandarin oranges to a large bowl.
- Finish and serve: Slice the chicken and arrange it over the salad. Finally, drizzle with dressing or serve it on the side.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 salads
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
- Chill the salad ingredients before assembling for extra crispness.
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized strips so it cooks evenly.
- Toast the almonds briefly in a dry skillet to deepen their flavor.
- Keep the dressing separate until serving so leftovers stay crisp.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for about 18–22 minutes, turning once.
- Adjust the honey, vinegar, and soy sauce to suit your preferred sweet-savory balance.
Storage Instructions
Store the chicken, salad vegetables, crunchy toppings, and dressing separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate the cooked chicken and dressing for up to 3 days. For the best texture, assemble individual portions just before eating and reheat the chicken separately if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken?
Yes. Grilled chicken is a delicious lighter alternative. However, the crispy coating provides the classic restaurant-style texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dressing up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Stir it well before serving.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, chow mein noodles, and soy sauce or tamari. Also, check each package label for cross-contact information.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
Fresh orange segments, sliced apples, or pineapple can provide a similar sweet, juicy contrast.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. The listed ingredients are dairy-free, but check mayonnaise and other packaged ingredients to confirm their labels.
If you love this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, try my Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap for another fresh and satisfying meal.
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