Chinese Chicken Coleslaw: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chinese Chicken Coleslaw: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and flavorful dish that’s about to become your new go-to lunch or potluck superstar! Forget everything you thought you knew about coleslaw; this isn’t your grandma’s mayo-laden side dish. We’re talking about a crunchy, refreshing, and utterly addictive salad that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

While the exact origins of Chinese Chicken Coleslaw are debated, it’s widely believed to be a modern American creation, drawing inspiration from Asian flavors and ingredients. Think of it as a delicious fusion, combining the familiar comfort of coleslaw with the exciting zest of Chinese cuisine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and readily available ingredients.

People adore this coleslaw for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of crisp cabbage, tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and a sweet and tangy dressing creates a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even as a topping for tacos or sandwiches. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner party, this Chinese Chicken Coleslaw is guaranteed to be a hit. So, are you ready to ditch the boring salads and embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Coleslaw:
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 (5 ounce) package ramen noodles, crushed (reserve seasoning packet for another use or discard)
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the Dressing:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is a crucial step because well-seasoned and properly cooked chicken makes all the difference in this coleslaw. We want it tender and flavorful, not dry and bland!

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. The cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a nice sear when cooked. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even better, up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Cool the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly before adding it to the coleslaw. This prevents the coleslaw from wilting and becoming soggy. You can even pop it in the fridge for a bit to speed up the cooling process.

Making the Dressing:

The dressing is what really brings this Chinese Chicken Coleslaw together. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Don’t be tempted to skip any of the ingredients – they all contribute to the overall deliciousness!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. If you like it tangier, add a bit more rice vinegar. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes. Remember, you’re the chef, so make it your own!
3. Chill the Dressing: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it definitely enhances the overall taste of the coleslaw.

Assembling the Coleslaw:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all your hard work pays off. The key is to toss everything gently so that the coleslaw is evenly coated with the dressing without becoming too soggy.

1. Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, toasted slivered almonds, and toasted sesame seeds. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the cooled cooked chicken to the bowl with the coleslaw ingredients.
3. Pour in the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the coleslaw and chicken.
4. Toss Gently: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.
5. Add the Ramen Noodles: Just before serving, add the crushed ramen noodles to the coleslaw and toss gently. This is important because the ramen noodles will get soggy if added too far in advance. The crunchy noodles add a wonderful texture to the coleslaw.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chinese Chicken Coleslaw immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the ramen noodles will lose their crunch over time.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this Chinese Chicken Coleslaw to your liking:

• Protein Variations: You can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as cooked shrimp, shredded pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the coleslaw, such as shredded red cabbage, edamame, or snow peas.
• Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to almonds, you can substitute them with other nuts, such as cashews or peanuts.
• Sweetener Options: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the dressing.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the coleslaw ingredients and the dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just before serving, combine everything and add the ramen noodles.
• Serving Suggestions: This Chinese Chicken Coleslaw is delicious on its own as a light lunch or dinner. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or fish. You can even serve it as a topping for lettuce wraps or tacos.

Toasting the Almonds and Sesame Seeds:

Toasting the almonds and sesame seeds is a simple step that adds a lot of flavor and texture to the coleslaw. Here’s how to do it:

1. Toasting Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the almonds are lightly golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
2. Toasting Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sesame seeds are lightly golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Again, watch them closely, as they can burn easily.
3. Cooling: Let the toasted almonds and sesame seeds cool completely before adding them to the coleslaw.

Why Toasting Matters:

Toasting nuts and seeds releases their natural oils, enhancing their flavor and aroma. It also adds a satisfying crunch to the coleslaw.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover Chinese Chicken Coleslaw, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as the ramen noodles will become soggy over time. You can try adding fresh crushed ramen noodles just before serving the leftovers to restore some of the crunch.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Chinese Chicken Coleslaw as much as I do! It’s a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This One Pan Dumpling Dinner isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – minimal cleanup, maximum taste. We’re talking perfectly cooked dumplings, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties everything together in a harmonious symphony of deliciousness. Forget slaving away over multiple pots and pans; this is one-pan wonder at its finest.

But why is this a must-try? Because it’s adaptable! It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t have bok choy? No problem! Substitute with spinach, kale, or even broccoli florets. Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick. The possibilities are truly endless.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, I love serving this One Pan Dumpling Dinner with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all that flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil adds a touch of elegance and enhances the nutty notes.

Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing:

* Protein Powerhouse: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan along with the vegetables for an extra protein boost.
* Spicy Sensation: Incorporate a tablespoon or two of gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the sauce for a fiery and flavorful twist.
* Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* Sweet and Savory: A touch of honey or maple syrup in the sauce can create a delightful sweet and savory balance.
* Herby Goodness: Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint, sprinkled on top before serving, will add a burst of freshness.

This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your personal preferences. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process!

I truly believe that this One Pan Dumpling Dinner will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this one-pan wonder. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you would change. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!