Name: Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons honey; ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ⅔ cup water; 1½ cups vegetable oil (for frying); 9.5 ounces romaine salad mix (1 bag); 1 cup chow mein noodles; ½ cup slivered almonds

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 89 reviews

If you love the unique blend of crunchy textures and a tangy-sweet dressing in a salad, you are going to fall head over heels for this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe. This vibrant dish perfectly marries crispy fried chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a luscious sesame-infused dressing. It’s a mouthwatering meal that’s deceptively simple to make at home but tastes like something special from your favorite restaurant. Each bite offers a burst of flavor and satisfying crunch that will have you reaching for seconds and eager to share this gem with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white plate with three raw pale pink chicken pieces. Around it, there are small white bowls filled with white flour, light orange honey, and shredded light brown crunchy noodles. A white bowl on the right holds a mixed salad of green lettuce, purple cabbage, and thin orange carrot strips. There is also a small wooden bowl with sliced almonds and another small wooden bowl containing salt and black pepper. Clear glass bowls hold a light yellow oil and a dark amber liquid, while a white bowl contains a creamy white sauce, and a small glass bowl has a pale green mustard-like paste. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe just right depends on a handful of essential, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component brings something unique to the table — from the nutty toasted almonds to the crispy fried chicken and the perfectly balanced dressing that ties it all together.

Sesame oil: This oil provides a rich, nutty base flavor crucial for the dressing’s authentic Asian-inspired character.
Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a creamy, smooth texture that coats the salad beautifully.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tang and spice in the dressing.
Rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity that brightens and lifts the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
All-purpose flour: Used to create a crispy coating for the fried chicken strips.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly without overpowering them.
Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein here, fried to golden perfection and sliced just right.
Water: Mixed into the batter to get the right consistency for dredging the chicken.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying the chicken to a crispy, juicy texture.
Romaine salad mix: Fresh and crisp, this salad base keeps the dish light and refreshing.
Chow mein noodles: Deliver the signature crunch you expect in this classic salad.
Slivered almonds: Toasted for an added nutty crunch that complements the other textures perfectly.

How to Make Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dressing

The dressing is what truly elevates this salad to Applebee’s-level deliciousness. Combine sesame oil, mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until everything is smoothly incorporated and creamy. This dressing delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that coat every bite beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil and Breading Stations

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering — this will give your chicken the crisp exterior it needs. Meanwhile, set up two bowls for the chicken batter: whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper in the first bowl. Transfer about ⅓ cup of this dry mix to a second bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water to the first bowl and mix until clumpy. To the second, add the remaining water and whisk until smooth. These two mixtures create a perfect layered crunch on the chicken.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast piece first into the runny batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it into the clumpy flour mixture. This double-layer coating seals in the juices and creates a satisfying crunch that makes this recipe so addictive.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil. Let the pieces cool slightly before slicing them into thin strips — perfect for topping your salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Add the romaine salad mix to a large bowl for a crisp, fresh base. Layer the sliced chicken strips on top, then sprinkle generously with chow mein noodles and toasted slivered almonds for crunch and nuttiness. Finally, drizzle your homemade dressing all over the salad and toss gently. The mixture of textures and flavors here is exactly what makes this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe a crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

In the center is a large white plate with a fresh mixed salad made of several layers: light green lettuce leaves, thin purple cabbage shreds, and small orange carrot sticks scattered throughout, giving a colorful and crunchy look. To the right, on a white plate, there are four pieces of golden fried chicken arranged closely, showing a crispy and textured crust. Above the salad, there is a white bowl filled with light brown crispy noodles, and to the left, a small wooden bowl with a layer of mixed sliced almonds and nuts. Finally, on the far left, there is a glass jar with creamy white dressing. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra slivered almonds or even some toasted sesame seeds can add a lovely finishing touch. For a fresh pop, you might also add thinly sliced green onions or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to turn it into a bigger spread, consider sides like steamed edamame, vegetable spring rolls, or even some light miso soup. These complement the salad’s Asian-inspired profile beautifully without overwhelming its delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual bowls or mason jars for party guests. You can also place the chicken strips separately on the side so guests can customize their portions. Wrapping the sliced chicken in fresh lettuce leaves alongside some dressing makes for a delightful hand-held snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the salad components separate for best results—store the chicken, salad mix, and dressing in airtight containers. Combine them just before eating to retain the crisp textures and fresh flavors that make this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe so irresistible.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh greens and crunchy toppings lose their texture. However, you can freeze the breaded chicken strips before frying. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator and then fry to crispy perfection as instructed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fried chicken strips in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Once warm, add the chicken back to freshly tossed salad greens with the dressing for a delightful “leftover” meal.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

While the fried chicken is central to this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe, you can easily swap it for crispy tofu or tempeh. Just use the same breading and frying steps, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian-friendly version.

What type of mayonnaise works best in the dressing?

Regular or light mayonnaise both work well, depending on your preference for richness. Using a high-quality mayonnaise will give the dressing a smoother, creamier result.

Is there a way to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken strips on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (204°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be as crispy as frying, but it’s a great alternative.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld beautifully, making your assembly process even quicker.

What salad greens work best as a substitute for romaine?

If romaine isn’t your favorite or available, crisp iceberg lettuce or a baby kale mix are excellent alternatives. Just make sure to choose greens that provide a crunchy texture to match the rest of the salad.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong making this Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe at home. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a restaurant favorite with fresh, wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with its bright flavors and irresistible crunch. Give it a try—you’ll soon want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation!