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Chinese Chicken Salad

510foodie
I have been making Chinese chicken salad longer than one was able to do a google search for a Chinese Chicken salad recipe. Yes, I’ve been making it for friends, family, and even large parties. It seems like a good time to share this recipe that I’ve been tweaking for over twenty years.  
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 bulbs green onions sliced thinly
  • 2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Salad dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the chicken

  • In a small sauce pan, boil enough water to cover two chicken breasts.  Over high heat, let the water come to a boil and add the chicken and the ginger. 
  • When the water returns to a boil, lower the heat to a low boil until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. 
  • Remove from pot, let cool, and then shred with your hands.

Caramelize almonds

  • Heat the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat.  
  • After one or two minutes, sprinkle the sugar over the almonds. Using a wooden spoon, stir the almonds and sugar and continue to cook.
  • After the sugar melts and the almonds begin to brown, remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the salad dressing

  • In a small sauce pan, heat the sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper over medium heat.  Using a wooden spoon, stir the liquid to help the sugar breakdown.  Let it come to a boil and continue to stir until the sugar has fully melted.  Remove from the heat and let cool.  
  • When it has cooled down, pour the liquid into a mason jar. Add the olive oil and the sesame oil.  Cover the lid and shake well.  Shake again before pouring over the salad.

Assembly

  • In a large bowl, add lettuce, chicken, green onions, sesame seeds, almonds, and chow mein noodles.  (If you don't plan to eat it all immediately, then only put portions of each ingredient.
  • Shake the jar of salad dressing and pour a small amount of dressing at a time.  Using tongs, mix everything together.  Continue to add more dressing and mix until it's to your liking.