Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe: Crunchy Asian-Inspired Delight

This restaurant-style salad brings together crisp greens, tender chicken, and a sweet-tangy dressing that’s become a favorite. I’ve recreated the signature flavors with simple ingredients and a foolproof method that delivers every time.

The secret lies in the balance of textures—crunchy almonds, crispy noodles, and fresh vegetables pair with juicy chicken. A quick homemade dressing ties it all together with that unmistakable Asian-inspired zing.

What you get is a satisfying meal that’s light yet filling, with layers of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty side dish.

Ready to make this crowd-pleaser at home? Here’s how to get it just right.

Ingredients for Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad

Crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, and crunchy toppings make this salad unforgettable. Simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.

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The chicken needs to stay juicy, so pound it to an even thickness before cooking—no dry bites. For the lettuce, romaine gives that perfect crunch, but iceberg works if that’s what you’ve got. Napa cabbage adds a subtle sweetness (skip if you prefer a simpler green base). Sliced almonds from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods bulk bins are freshest—toast them yourself for maximum crunch.

No Napa cabbage? Green cabbage or shredded Brussels sprouts work in a pinch. Out of chow mein noodles? Crushed ramen noodles (uncooked) give a similar crunch. For the dressing, agave or maple syrup can replace honey if needed. Soy sauce can be subbed for tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos. The sesame oil is non-negotiable though—it’s what gives that signature Asian-inspired flavor.

Store the chicken separately from the greens to keep everything crisp. Dressing holds up for 5 days in the fridge, but add the noodles and almonds just before serving (they get soggy). Leftovers? Not likely—but if you have any, they’ll keep for 2 days max.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oriental Chicken Salad

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Cook and Slice the Chicken

Pound the 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts to an even ½-inch thickness for consistent cooking. Heat the 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—this prevents sticking and ensures a good sear.

Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. Slicing while warm helps it absorb the dressing flavors better.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds and Prep Vegetables

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the 0.5 cup Sliced Almonds for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Watch closely—they burn quickly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Chop the 2 whole Romaine Lettuce into bite-sized pieces, thinly shred the 2 cups Napa Cabbage, julienne the 1 cup Carrots, and slice the 0.5 cup Green Onions. Keep everything separate until assembly to maintain crisp texture.

Step 3: Make the Oriental Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp Soy Sauce, 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar, 2 tbsp Honey, 1 tsp Sesame Oil, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, minced 2 cloves Garlic Cloves, and 0.5 tsp Ground Ginger until smooth. The dressing should be slightly thick and glossy.

Taste and adjust the balance if needed—more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang. This dressing is the signature flavor, so don’t skip the whisking step to fully emulsify the ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad with Crunch

In a large bowl, combine the prepared romaine, napa cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Add the sliced chicken and drizzle with half the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly without crushing the greens.

Just before serving, add the toasted almonds and 1 cup Crispy Chow Mein Noodles for maximum crunch. Reserve the remaining dressing to pass at the table—some prefer a lighter touch, while others love it fully dressed.

Flavor Customization for This applebees oriental chicken salad

Spice It Up

Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tbsp sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick. I love how this balances the sweetness of the honey. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the chicken marinade also works wonders. 🌶️

Extra Crunch

Swap the chow mein noodles for 1 cup crushed wasabi peas or ½ cup crispy wonton strips. These add an extra layer of texture and flavor. For a nutty twist, try ½ cup candied pecans instead of almonds.

Protein Swaps

Use 1.5 lb shrimp or firm tofu instead of chicken for a different take. For shrimp, cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. For tofu, press and pan-fry until golden. Both absorb the dressing beautifully.

Dressing Variations

For a creamier version, stir in 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing. A splash of 1 tsp lime juice brightens the flavor profile. I sometimes add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for extra zing.

Veggie Boost

Add 1 cup sliced cucumbers, ½ cup bell peppers, or 1 avocado for more color and nutrients. These pair well with the existing ingredients and add freshness. Just toss them in at the end.

Kid-Friendly

Reduce the soy sauce to 2 tbsp and add 1 tbsp extra honey for a milder, sweeter dressing. Serve the almonds and noodles on the side so kids can add their own crunch. 💛

Frequently Asked Questions