Yummy Chicken Chinese

There’s a specific type of comfort food that transcends culinary trends, a dish that whispers tales of cherished family gatherings and the inimitable aroma that once filled my grandmother’s kitchen. For me, that dish is this Yummy Chicken Chinese. I remember the anticipation as a child, peering over the counter as she meticulously prepared it, the clinking of bowls and the sizzle of oil a familiar soundtrack to those cherished afternoons. The blend of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and the bright, zesty dressing always felt like a special occasion, a vibrant burst of flavor that still evokes pure joy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on fresh ingredients to create its signature taste.

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 piece of ginger peel (about a 1-inch piece)
• 1 cup canola oil
• 8 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups slivered almonds
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 2 large heads of lettuce
• 2 green onions

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling chicken)
• Colander
• Ziplock bag
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Large serving bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

This recipe is designed for optimal flavor development, with a crucial step to be done the night before.

1. The Night Before – Boiling and Shredding Chicken: Begin by placing the 4 chicken breasts in a large pot. Cover them generously with water and add the ginger peel. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. This will typically take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Once cooked, drain the chicken using a colander, discarding the ginger. Carefully shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken into a ziplock bag.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of canola oil, 8 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the shredded chicken in the ziplock bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring all the chicken is coated. Refrigerate the bag overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the tangy, savory flavors of the dressing.

4. Prepare the Salad Components: On the day you plan to serve, prepare the remaining ingredients. Wash and dry the 2 large heads of lettuce. Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large serving bowl. Wash and trim the 2 green onions, then finely chop them.

5. Toast the Nuts and Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the 2 cups of slivered almonds and ¼ cup of sesame seeds. Stir them frequently to prevent burning. Continue toasting until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step is crucial for bringing out their nutty flavors and adding a delightful crunch. Remove from the skillet immediately to stop the cooking process and allow to cool.

6. Assemble the Dish: Once the chicken has marinated overnight, remove it from the refrigerator. In a separate bowl, mix the cooled, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, the prepared lettuce, and the finely chopped green onions.

7. Dress and Serve: Add the marinated chicken to the bowl with the salad components. Pour the remaining dressing over the chicken and salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chicken Doneness: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked before shredding, you can check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or ensure that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
• Dressing Emulsification: For a smoother, more stable dressing, you can vigorously whisk the oil and vinegar together, or even use a small immersion blender.
• Toasting Nuts and Seeds: Keep a close eye on your almonds and sesame seeds while toasting, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. A good rule of thumb is to remove them from the heat just before they reach your desired color, as they will continue to cook from residual heat.
• Lettuce Crispness: For maximum crispness, ensure your lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing. A salad spinner is an invaluable tool for this.
• Make-Ahead Flavor Boost: While the marination of the chicken is overnight, the salad components (lettuce, green onions) and the dressing can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Yummy Chicken Chinese is best served fresh, allowing the crunch of the almonds and sesame seeds to be at their peak. It makes for a wonderful light lunch or a vibrant appetizer. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the texture of the lettuce and almonds will soften over time. If you plan to store it, it’s often best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving again, though the chicken will continue to absorb flavor.

Nutritional Information

While precise nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact measurements, here’s an estimated breakdown:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	231.7 kcal	12%
Total Fat	20.1 g	26%
Saturated Fat	2.1 g	11%
Cholesterol	18.6 mg	6%
Sodium	143.2 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	5 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	9%
Sugars	2 g	2%
Protein	9.4 g	19%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is delightful as is, feel free to explore these variations:

• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds and increase the sesame seeds or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas for added crunch.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a finely minced fresh chili pepper to the salad mixture.
• Vegetable Additions: Thinly sliced bell peppers (any color), cucumber, or shredded carrots can add extra color, texture, and nutrients to the salad.
• Citrus Zest: A tablespoon or two of fresh orange or lime zest added to the dressing can provide a brighter, more complex citrus note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: While the recipe specifies boiling fresh chicken, you could use rotisserie chicken or other pre-cooked chicken for a quicker preparation, though it might not absorb the marinade as deeply.

Q: How long does the chicken need to marinate?
A: The recipe suggests marinating the chicken overnight for optimal flavor absorption. A minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator is recommended if time is limited.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk it well before using.

Q: Is it okay to use different types of oil?
A: While canola oil is neutral, you could experiment with other mild-flavored oils like grapeseed oil. Avoid strongly flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, as they might overpower the other ingredients.

Q: How can I make this recipe a more substantial meal?
A: Serve this Yummy Chicken Chinese over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, or alongside some steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas.

Final Thoughts

This Yummy Chicken Chinese is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and deeply satisfying. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can yield such vibrant and memorable flavors. I encourage you to try it, perhaps preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends. Share it, savor it, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or even a light, refreshing iced tea.