If you have ever craved the delightful, crunchy, and flavorful experience of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, you are in for a treat with this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe. It brings all the best components together—from crispy fried chicken strips to a vibrant romaine mix, crunchy chow mein noodles, toasted almonds, and that irresistibly tangy sweet dressing that ties it all beautifully. Trust me, once you make this at home, it will become one of your favorite salads to whip up, impressing family and friends with a dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a white plate holds three raw chicken pieces with smooth, pale pink skin. Surrounding the plate are nine small bowls containing different ingredients: a clear bowl with egg white, a white bowl with golden honey, a clear bowl with a small amount of dark liquid, a clear bowl with light green mustard, a white bowl with white mayonnaise, a wooden bowl with white and black salt and pepper, a clear bowl with flour, a clear bowl with white powder, a wooden bowl with sliced almonds, a white bowl filled with crunchy beige noodle sticks, and a white bowl full of fresh green salad with shredded purple cabbage and orange carrot pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in balancing textures and flavors—from the crispy notes of fried chicken and chow mein noodles to the creamy, tangy dressing that brightens the whole dish.

Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that enhances the dressing’s flavor.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to give the dressing its smooth texture.
Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness in the dressing.
Rice vinegar: Delivers a bright, tangy kick that lifts the salad.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing.
All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect coating for crispy fried chicken.
Kosher salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in each ingredient.
Ground black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle heat to the coating.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites.
Water: Used to create two types of batters to ensure a crispy chicken crust.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Romaine salad mix (9.5 ounces): Brings fresh, crisp greens to this hearty salad base.
Chow mein noodles: Adds that signature crunch and Asian-inspired flair.
Slivered almonds: Toasted for a nutty, crunchy texture that complements the noodles.

How to Make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by combining all the dressing ingredients—sesame oil, mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and Dijon mustard—in a mason jar or bowl. Shake it well or whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that brightens up the salad and ties every element together with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat to get ready for frying the chicken. This step is critical because the oil needs to be hot enough to create the crispy exterior without soaking up excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Flours and Batter

Get two bowls ready for the coating process. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Take about ⅓ cup of this seasoned flour mixture and transfer it to the second bowl. Now, add 2 tablespoons of water to the first bowl, mixing until you get a clumpy batter. To the second bowl, whisk in the remaining water until the batter is smooth and runny. This two-step battering technique ensures the chicken achieves that irresistible double-layered crispiness.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast piece first into the smooth, runny batter, allowing it to be fully coated. Then dredge the chicken into the clumpy flour mixture, pressing lightly to form a thick, crunchy crust. Place the coated chicken pieces aside on a plate while you finish coating all pieces.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil skillet, frying each piece for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous golden-brown crust that is crisp yet tender inside. Once cooked through, transfer the pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let the chicken cool slightly before slicing into strips.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Take the romaine salad mix and toss it gently in a large salad bowl. Layer the crispy chicken strips on top, and sprinkle with crunchy chow mein noodles and toasted slivered almonds. Finally, drizzle the homemade dressing generously over the entire salad, giving everything a luscious finish.

How to Serve Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

A white plate holds four large pieces of crispy fried chicken, each with a golden-brown, bumpy, and crunchy coating. The chicken pieces are arranged closely in a circle, showing uneven bubbly textures and a slightly orange tint in some areas. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm color of the fried chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish further, feel free to add a few extra garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even some mandarin orange segments for a juicy pop of sweetness. These simple touches add visual appeal and additional layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This flavorful salad pairs wonderfully with light side dishes such as steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides complement the main dish without overpowering the delicate flavors of your Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this salad in individual bowls or large sharing platters, topped just before serving to keep everything crispy. You can also place the fried chicken strips on a bed of greens and let guests add chow mein noodles and almonds themselves for a fun, interactive meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep the salad components separate—store the fried chicken, salad greens, and dressing in different airtight containers in the fridge. This will help keep everything as fresh and crisp as possible when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe fresh, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces on their own. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can reheat them later for a quick salad topping.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken without losing its crispiness, place the pieces on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Add salad and dressing fresh just before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While romaine salad mix is traditional for this recipe, you can try a blend with baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that romaine provides the perfect crunch and freshness that really complements the crispy chicken.

Is there a way to make the salad gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken, and ensure the chow mein noodles are gluten-free or swap them out for crispy rice noodles or nuts for crunch.

What can I do if I don’t have sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, a mild toasted oil or even a tiny bit of toasted peanut oil can work as a substitute in the dressing. Just use sparingly, as these oils can be stronger.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as directed and bake on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that crisp texture without frying.

How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?

The homemade dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 4-5 days. Give it a quick shake or stir before using, as some separation may occur naturally.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe at home. It’s a comforting and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite with your own personal touch, bringing crunch, zest, and satisfying flavors right to your table. Whether for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or to impress guests, this salad never fails to delight. Happy cooking and even happier eating!