Description
Fresh, crunchy Bang Bang Chicken Salad with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, spicy dressing made with chili oil, chili crisp, and tahini. An easy entrée salad that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 to 4 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 to 2 medium garlic cloves, very finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups fresh mung bean sprouts
- 5 cups finely shredded red cabbage (or a mix of Napa and red cabbage)
- 3 cups finely chopped romaine hearts
- 6 large scallions, thinly sliced on a bias
- 1 cup sliced English cucumber
- 1 cup ribbon-cut or julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped dry roasted, lightly-salted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until smooth and fully combined. Start with 1 tablespoon each of chili oil and chili crisp, then adjust to taste based on your heat preference.
2. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Stir well before using. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water, adding 1/2 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bean sprouts, cabbage, romaine, scallions, cucumber, and carrots.
5. Drizzle the salad with the Bang Bang dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Alternatively, lightly dress and serve extra dressing on the side.
6. Just before serving, top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Use a good-quality mayonnaise; Japanese-style mayo adds extra richness and umami.
Stir tahini thoroughly before measuring to ensure a smooth dressing.
Start with less chili oil and chili crisp, then increase to taste—heat levels vary by brand.
Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
For best texture, add peanuts and sesame seeds just before serving and enjoy immediately after dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 669kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 933mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 95mg