Chilled Chicken Noodle Salad (Printable)

Tender shredded chicken with noodles and fresh vegetables tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing.

# Ingredient list:

→ Noodles & Protein

01 - 9 oz thin egg noodles or rice noodles
02 - 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (10 oz)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cucumber, deseeded and julienned
06 - 2 spring onions, sliced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Sesame Dressing

08 - 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
10 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter or tahini
13 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
17 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Prepare noodles following package directions. Drain thoroughly, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, noodles, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, spring onions, and cilantro until evenly distributed.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes until smooth and emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Transfer the salad to serving dishes, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and add lime wedges if desired.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours to serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day as the dressing has time to work its magic into every noodle and vegetable.
  • You can prep everything in advance and assemble it five minutes before eating, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected gatherings.
  • The combination of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and that nutty sesame-peanut dressing hits every craving at once.
02 -
  • Rinsing the noodles is non-negotiable—it's the difference between a cohesive salad and a clumpy noodle situation that nobody wants to eat.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before serving; they transform from ordinary to nutty and aromatic in that short time.
  • Make the dressing while the noodles cook so it's ready the moment you need it, and taste it before the final assembly because everyone's palate is different and you might want slightly more or less of something.
03 -
  • Buy pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half, or use leftover cooked chicken from dinner the night before—there's no shame in shortcuts that let you get dinner on the table faster.
  • If sesame oil is new to you, start with a slightly smaller amount than the recipe calls for and build up; it's potent in the best way, but its intensity surprises people who aren't expecting it.
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