Best 2 Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Copycat Panera Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Asian Sesame Chicken Salad, a delectable dish that harmoniously blends the essence of East and West. This culinary masterpiece, inspired by the renowned Panera Bread, offers a symphony of taste and texture that will leave you craving for more.

At the heart of this salad lies the tender and succulent chicken, lovingly marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic, then delicately grilled to perfection. Each bite bursts with umami richness, creating an explosion of flavors.

Complementing the chicken is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy carrots, refreshing cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. These vibrant ingredients add a delightful textural contrast and a burst of vitamins and minerals.

The crowning glory of this salad is the irresistible Asian-inspired sesame dressing, a luscious combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, rice vinegar, and the magic touch of sesame oil. This dressing beautifully coats every ingredient, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.

Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a home cook seeking a quick and satisfying meal, this Asian Sesame Chicken Salad has something for everyone. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the detailed recipe, along with variations and tips to make this dish your own.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PANERA BREAD ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN SALAD - COPYCAT

Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad - Copycat image

Chicken, romaine, cilantro, almonds, sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips, and an Asian sesame vinaigrette. Mmmmmmm! From America's Most Wanted Recipes - Copycat Versions of Everyone's Best-Loved Food.

Provided by mailbelle

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 wonton wrappers
canola oil, for frying
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
4 cups loosely packed bite-size pieces romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
3 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled and sliced thin)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup canola oil or 3/4 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°.
Cut the wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips.
Heat about 2 inches of canola oil to 365° in a heavy skillet. Fry the wonton strips in the oil until they are crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, toss them around, and then toast for 5 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let cool.
To make the dressing, in a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except the oil. Use a wire whisk to blend well and then slowly drizzle in the oil to create an emulsion.
To assemble the salad, in a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, cilantro, fried wonton strips, chicken and dressing.
Transfer to plates and top with the sesame seeds and almonds.

ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN SALAD (COPYCAT PANERA) RECIPE - (4.1/5)

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad (Copycat Panera) Recipe - (4.1/5) image

Provided by á-10966

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

CHICKEN MARINADE:
1 bag pre-washed romaine lettuce
1 bag pre-washed baby spinach
4 medium chicken breasts
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar (or agave nectar, or honey)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
DRESSING:
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat until
golden brown
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
SALAD TOPPINGS:
Chopped cilantro
11 ounce can mandarin oranges packed in water or 100% juice (rinse in water if packed in syrup)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Baked or fried wonton strips
Sesame seeds

Steps:

CHICKEN: Whisk together chicken marinade ingredients, and marinate chicken for 15 minutes. Grill, or cook in a non-stick sprayed skillet until done, then let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Cut into slices. DRESSING: Bring vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat, then add in the sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool. Combine with the rest of the dressing ingredients in a jar, and shake to combine. Divide lettuce and spinach between four plates. Top with sliced chicken, salad dressing, and toppings.

Tips:

For the chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You may choose to grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken depending on your preference and available cooking appliances.
To make the Asian dressing, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Adjust the proportions of each ingredient to achieve your desired taste profile.
To assemble the salad, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, chopped carrots, sliced almonds, and chopped green onions in a large bowl. Drizzle the Asian dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and additions to customize the salad to your liking. Some popular options include shredded wonton wrappers, crispy rice noodles, or mandarin oranges for a citrusy twist.

Conclusion:

This Asian sesame chicken salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It is packed with flavor and texture, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy Asian dressing. Whether you are a fan of Panera's version or looking for a new salad recipe to try, this copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's make some salad!