Cold Chinese Shredded Chicken (45 Minutes + Chill Time)

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Cold Chinese shredded chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a light, healthy meal.

This dish features tender, shredded chicken combined with sesame seeds, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, red bell peppers, and a tangy dressing.

It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, a side, or even as a topping for salads and noodles.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delicious and easy-to-make dish!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for heat)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Salad:

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken (20 minutes): In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth or water, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool.
  2. Shred the chicken (5 minutes): Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use your hands or two forks to shred it into thin strips. Set aside.

Prepare the Dressing

  1. Mix the dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or sugar, chili oil (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

  1. Combine the ingredients (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Chill the salad (optional, 30 minutes): For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Garnish and serve (5 minutes): Just before serving, sprinkle additional sesame seeds over the top if desired. Serve the salad cold.

Notes

To perfect this cold Chinese shredded chicken, ensure the chicken is tender and well-shredded to absorb the flavorful dressing.

Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili oil or jalapeño. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or as a topping for a green salad.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this delightful dish!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/cold-chinese-shredded-chicken-45-minutes-chill-time/