✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad is the crunchy, sweet and savory salad people order again and again: crispy chicken over crisp greens and cabbage with rice noodles, almonds and a honey sesame dressing. It's a salad that eats like a full meal.
How Do You Make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad? (Quick Answer)
Whisk mayo, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon and sesame oil for the dressing. Bread chicken tenders in flour and panko and fry at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Toss chopped greens, red cabbage and carrots with dressing, then top with crispy noodles, toasted almonds, sesame seeds and sliced chicken.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Add the noodles and almonds right before serving so they stay crunchy.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad
- So much crunch noodles, almonds and cabbage.
- Sweet dressing honey, rice vinegar and sesame.
- Crispy chicken golden panko coated tenders.
- Full meal hearty enough for dinner.
- Easy swaps use grilled chicken to go lighter.
What Is Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad?
It's one of the most popular entree salads at Applebee's: crispy chicken on a bed of greens with crunchy noodles, almonds and a sweet Asian dressing.
This homemade version makes four big bowls, and the dressing is easy to whisk up in a jar.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Rice vinegar: mild and slightly sweet, the base of the dressing.
- Toasted sesame oil: a little goes a long way for that nutty flavor.
- Crispy rice noodles: chow mein noodles from the salad aisle work too.
- Red cabbage: adds color and holds its crunch.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Make the dressing first. A short chill lets the flavors blend.
- Dry the greens well. Wet lettuce waters down the dressing.
- Toast the almonds. Two to three minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavor.
- Go grilled. Grill the tenders for 3 to 4 minutes per side for a lighter salad.
- Prep ahead. Chop the veggies and make the dressing a day early, then fry the chicken fresh.
- At our table. Max eats the crispy noodles off the top first, so I keep a few extra in the bag.
Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad
4
servings20
minutes15
minutes620
kcal35
minutesA copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad: crispy breaded chicken strips over chopped greens, red cabbage and carrots, topped with crunchy rice noodles, toasted almonds and sesame seeds, and tossed with a sweet honey sesame dressing. Serves 4.
Ingredients
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 pound chicken tenders
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and salt
about 1 quart neutral oil, for frying
8 cups chopped romaine and green leaf lettuce
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup crispy rice noodles or chow mein noodles
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Whisk the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon and sesame oil until smooth. Chill the dressing while you make the chicken.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Whisk the egg and milk in one bowl and mix the flour, panko, garlic powder and salt in another.
- Dip each tender in the egg mixture, then press into the breading. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until golden and 165°F inside. Drain on a rack and slice.
- Toss the lettuce, red cabbage, carrots and green onions in a large bowl with about half of the dressing.
- Divide into bowls and top with the crispy noodles, toasted almonds, sesame seeds and sliced chicken. Serve the rest of the dressing on the side.
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Storage
Store the chicken, greens, toppings and dressing separately. Chicken keeps for 3 days in the fridge; reheat at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes to crisp it again.
More Restaurant Copycats
For another fresh salad, try my Chick-fil-A kale salad, or browse all my copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad?
Crispy chicken tenders over mixed greens and cabbage with crunchy noodles, toasted almonds and a sweet Oriental vinaigrette.
What is Oriental dressing made of?
This copycat uses mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and toasted sesame oil whisked together.
Can I bake the chicken?
Yes. Bake breaded tenders on an oiled rack at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until 165°F inside.
How long does the dressing keep?
Up to 1 week in a covered jar in the fridge. Whisk before using.
Can I make it gluten free?
Use gluten free flour and crumbs for the chicken and plain rice noodles for the topping.
