Asian Style Braised Chicken Salad

🥗 Asian Style Braised Chicken Salad 🍗

History:
Asian Style Braised Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the vibrancy of a salad with the comforting warmth of a braised chicken dish. This dish is a contemporary creation that draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines, often showcasing the influence of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors. It’s a versatile dish that beautifully marries the world of salads and slow-cooked meats.

Components:

1. Chicken: Typically, boneless chicken thighs or breasts are used. You can also use leftover cooked chicken.
2. Greens: A mix of fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula.
3. Veggies: Sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts add freshness.
4. Herbs: Thai basil, cilantro, and mint are commonly used for a burst of flavor.
5. Nuts: Roasted peanuts or cashews provide crunch.
6. Dressing: A zesty, tangy dressing made from ingredients like soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up those flavors.

2. Braise the Chicken: In a pan or wok, sear the marinated chicken until it’s browned on both sides. Then, add a braising liquid, often a combination of soy sauce, chicken broth, and a bit of brown sugar. Simmer the chicken until it’s cooked through and the sauce thickens, creating a savory glaze.

3. Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is simmering, assemble your salad. Arrange a bed of fresh greens and top them with sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and a generous sprinkling of fresh herbs.

4. Crunchy Toppings: Add roasted peanuts or cashews for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

5. Dressing: In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.

6. Assemble: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange it on top of the salad.

7. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the entire dish. Toss everything together just before serving to ensure all the components are well-coated.

Time Needed:

• Marinating the chicken: 30 minutes
• Cooking the chicken: 20-25 minutes
• Preparing the salad and dressing: 10-15 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

This Asian Style Braised Chicken Salad combines the heartiness of braised chicken with the freshness of a salad. It’s a delightful and visually appealing dish that offers a symphony of flavors, making it perfect for a special lunch or dinner. Enjoy! 🥢🥗🍗

Certainly! Here’s some nutrition and health information for the Asian Style Braised Chicken Salad:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 7-10 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
• Sodium: 700-800 mg

Health Information:

1. Protein: The chicken in this salad provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Fiber: The combination of greens, vegetables, and nuts adds dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full and satisfied.

3. Healthy Fats: Nuts and the small amount of oil in the dressing contribute healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.

4. Carbohydrates: The salad contains complex carbohydrates from vegetables, providing a steady source of energy.

5. Sugars: The sugar content is primarily from the small amount of honey used in the marinade and dressing. It’s relatively low and balanced by the other components of the salad.

6. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the type and amount of soy sauce and fish sauce used. Be mindful of the salt content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns about sodium intake.

7. Vitamins and Minerals: The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A and C from the vegetables and herbs, as well as various B vitamins from the chicken.

8. Antioxidants: Herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint provide antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

9. Balanced Meal: This salad offers a well-rounded balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The fresh vegetables and herbs add important micronutrients.

10. Portion Control: As with any dish, portion control is important for managing calorie intake. You can adjust the portion size based on your dietary needs and goals.

Remember that the actual nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s a good practice to refer to the labels on the products you use and consider your personal dietary requirements when preparing and consuming this salad.