Best 6 Chinese Chicken Salad Houstons Copycat Recipes

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Houston’s Chinese Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of East and West. Originating from the popular restaurant chain Houston’s, this salad has gained immense popularity for its unique blend of crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our collection of three irresistible recipes that capture the essence of this iconic salad.

The classic Houston’s Chinese Chicken Salad recipe stays true to the original, featuring succulent chicken breast coated in a flavorful marinade and fried to perfection. Crisp romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and juicy mandarin oranges provide a refreshing crunch. The highlight of this salad lies in its irresistible dressing, a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger.

For a healthier twist, try our lightened-up version of the Houston’s Chinese Chicken Salad. This recipe uses grilled chicken breast instead of fried, reducing the fat content without compromising on taste. We also incorporate a homemade dressing made with Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and rice vinegar, resulting in a lighter and tangier version that complements the salad beautifully.

And for those with dietary restrictions, we present a gluten-free Houston’s Chinese Chicken Salad. This recipe utilizes a gluten-free flour blend for the chicken coating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious salad. The dressing is also gluten-free, made with tamari instead of soy sauce and omitting the oyster sauce entirely. Whether you’re a traditionalist, health-conscious, or gluten-intolerant, our collection of Houston’s Chinese Chicken Salad recipes has something for everyone.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

ASIAN SESAME CHICKEN SALAD



Asian Sesame Chicken Salad image

A copycat recipe for Panera's Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. Crispy, fresh romaine, sliced almonds, sesame seeds, tender sliced grilled chicken, and wonton strips - all topped with a sweet and tangy Asian sesame vinaigrette. So much goodness all packed into ONE salad!

Provided by Marzia

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup sugar
2 whole cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
¼ cup canola oil (or avocado oil)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
6-7 cups shredded romaine (or baby spinach/mixed shredded cabbage etc.)
1 large carrot, shredded
1 (15 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup prepared wonton strips
⅓ cup sliced almonds
½ cup cilantro leaves
12 ounces grilled chicken, diced (or shredded rotisserie)

Steps:

  • DRESSING: Add rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to just come to a gentle boil. Add sugar and garlic cloves and let sugar dissolve; about 1 minute. Remove from stove, discard garlic cloves. Place the rice vinegar in a mason jar, add sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Allow the dressing to come to room temperature; about 10-15 minutes. Place lid on the jar and shake until the dressing mixes together. If dressing separates, shake again to combine.
  • ASSEMBLE THE SALAD: In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the salad, except the wonton strips. Ttop with the sesame vinaigrette and toss to combine. Top with wonton strips and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calories, Carbohydrate 35 grams carbohydrates, Fat 31 grams fat, Protein 36 grams protein

HOUSTON'S ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD



Houston's Asian Chicken Salad image

I used to always order this at Houston's.

Provided by Pamela Rappaport

Categories     Lettuce Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 17

8 c mixed salad breens
1 carrot, julienne cut
2 grilled or roast chicken breasts sliced, i use rotisserie from the deli
1/2 c toasted tortilla strips
LIME DRESSING
1/2 c lime juice
7 Tbsp honey
4 tsp honey mustard
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
PEANUT SAUCE
4 Tbsp soy sauce
4 Tbsp hot water
4 Tbsp peanut butter
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp ground ginger

Steps:

  • 1. Combine the lime dressing ingredients well.
  • 2. Combine the peanut sauce ingredients well.
  • 3. Place salad greens, carrots, sliced chicken, and tortilla strips in a large bowl.
  • 4. Pour lime dressing over the salad and toss.
  • 5. Drizzle peanut sauce over the salad and serve extra on the side.

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD (HOUSTON'S COPYCAT)



Chinese Chicken Salad (Houston's Copycat) image

This is such a unique salad with an incredible mix of flavors. If you are not already a salad-lover, then you will be soon after trying this recipe.

Provided by Miss V

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 cups mixed salad greens
1 large carrot, julienne cut
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1/2 cup lime juice
7 tablespoons honey
4 teaspoons honey mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons hot water
4 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the lime dressing ingredients and mix well.
  • In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, carrots, sliced chicken and tortilla strips.
  • Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Transfer the salad to 4 salad plates.
  • In another bowl, combine the ingredients for the peanut sauce and mix well.
  • Drizzle each salad with the peanut sauce and serve.

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD



Chinese Chicken Salad image

Here's a cool, easy entree perfect for steamy summer days! You can do most of the preparation for this dish ahead of time and just mix it together before serving. The crispy lettuce and wonton skins keep this dish light, while the chicken and dressing give it wonderful flavor. -Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 ounces wonton wrappers, cut into 1/4-inch strips
Oil for deep-fat frying
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 head lettuce, shredded
4 green onions with tops, sliced
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
DRESSING:
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate, optional
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Deep-fry wonton strips in oil until brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels; set aside. , In a large salad bowl, gently combine the chicken, lettuce, green onions and sesame seeds. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Just before serving, add fried wonton skins to salad; pour dressing over and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts :

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD



Chinese Chicken Salad image

Here's a bright and flavorful way to use up leftover cold chicken that can be thrown together in about 20 minutes.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
1/2 cup corn or peanut oil
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
6 cups small lettuce leaves, like baby romaine, Boston or mesclun
4 cups leftover roasted chicken, torn into bite-size pieces
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeño chili pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

Steps:

  • Whisk sugar, vinegar, mustard and ginger together. Whisk in oils, and season to taste with salt, pepper and more sugar and vinegar if needed. Dressing should have a nice balance of sweet and tart.
  • In a large bowl toss lettuce with a few tablespoons of dressing until lightly dressed. Arrange around sides of a large serving bowl or platter.
  • Toss chicken, celery, peppers and cilantro in a bowl with dressing until well coated. Arrange in center of serving bowl, and sprinkle with pine nuts and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 435, UnsaturatedFat 28 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 415 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD WITH ROMESCO SAUCE



Grilled Chicken Salad with Romesco Sauce image

Purée grilled bell peppers, almond butter, sherry vinegar, and garlic into an irresistibly smoky-sweet sauce that's great served with a crunchy grilled chicken salad.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Grill     Chicken     Sherry     Garlic     Bell Pepper     Lettuce     Salad     Cucumber     Onion     Parsley     Lemon Juice     Paprika     Dinner     Summer     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Dairy Free

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

For the Chicken:
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Vegetable oil (for grill)
For the Romesco:
Vegetable oil (for grill)
2 large red bell peppers
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond butter
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
For the Salad:
3 small heads of Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated, or 1 romaine heart, cut into 2" pieces
2 mini seedless cucumbers, halved lengthwise, sliced into half moons
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Hot smoked paprika (for serving; optional)

Steps:

  • Grill the Chicken:
  • Season chicken on all sides with salt in a medium bowl. Add vinegar and garlic and toss to coat. Let sit 15 minutes.
  • Prepare a grill for high heat and brush grate lightly with oil. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
  • Do Ahead: Chicken can be grilled 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
  • Make the Romesco:
  • Lightly brush grill grate with vegetable oil. Grill peppers over high heat, turning occasionally, until skins are blackened and blistered all over, 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit until cool enough to handle.
  • Remove skins and seeds from peppers; discard. Purée peppers, garlic, vinegar, almond butter, olive oil, salt, and cayenne in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl .
  • Do Ahead: Peppers can be grilled 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. Romesco sauce can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
  • Assemble the Salad:
  • Thinly slice chicken. Transfer to a large bowl. Add lettuce, cucumbers, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Pour oil and lemon juice over and toss to coat.
  • Spread about 1/4 cup romesco sauce across each plate, then top with salad. Sprinkle with paprika, if using.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh, organic vegetables and free-range chicken.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still tender and juicy.
  • Use a light touch when mixing the salad. You don't want to crush the vegetables or chicken.
  • Serve the salad immediately. It's best when it's fresh.
  • If you're making the salad ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, bring it to room temperature before dressing it.

Conclusion:

This Chinese chicken salad is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Chinese chicken salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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