Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re in search of a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful salad with just the right balance of textures and flavors, then this Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad is just the thing for you. Combining the convenience of store-bought rotisserie chicken with the crispy allure of wonton strips, fresh vegetables, and an Asian-inspired dressing, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side at a gathering. It offers a delightful contrast between the crispy wonton strips, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies, all while being quick and easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wonton Strips

The crispy wonton strips are what give this salad its signature crunch, adding a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables and juicy chicken. Here’s how to make them:

1. Cut the Wonton Wrappers: Lay the wonton wrappers flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut them into thin strips (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide). If you prefer a larger, more substantial crunch, feel free to make them thicker.

2. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the wonton strips until they become golden and crispy, but not so hot that they burn immediately.

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3. Fry the Wonton Strips: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the wonton strips in small batches. Fry for about 1–2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the wonton strips will clump together and cook unevenly. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Drain and Cool: After frying, remove the wonton strips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Now that the wonton strips are out of the way, let’s move on to prepping the fresh ingredients that will make up the rest of the salad.

1. Shred the Rotisserie Chicken: Shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use a fork or your hands to pull apart the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. You should have about 2 cups of shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken adds a savory, tender element to the salad, and its flavor works wonderfully with the crispy wonton strips.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Shredded Carrots: Use a box grater or julienne peeler to shred ½ cup of carrots. The bright orange color adds a pop to the salad, along with a slightly sweet crunch.

   • Cucumber: Slice ½ cup of cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. If you prefer a less watery crunch, you can remove the seeds before slicing.

   • Green Onions: Slice the green onions thinly, keeping both the white and green parts. This will add a subtle onion flavor to the salad.

   • Cilantro and Mint: Chop the fresh cilantro and mint roughly. These herbs will add a refreshing, aromatic taste to the salad.

3. Prepare the Salad Greens: If using Romaine lettuce or napa cabbage, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you prefer arugula or mixed greens, toss them directly into the salad bowl. Aim for about 4 cups of salad greens.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

The dressing is what ties everything together and brings the various components of the salad to life. Here’s how to make the perfect dressing:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the following ingredients:

   • Rice vinegar for acidity

   • Soy sauce for saltiness and umami

   • Toasted sesame oil for a deep, nutty flavor

   • Honey (or sugar) to balance the acidity

   • Fresh ginger and garlic for a fragrant, zesty kick

   • Chili flakes (optional) for heat

2. Whisk Until Combined: Use a whisk to blend all the ingredients together until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a small splash of water (about 1 tablespoon) to thin it out and achieve your desired consistency. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed, depending on your preferences.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once all the components are prepped and ready, it’s time to bring the salad together.

1. Toss the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, salad greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

2. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently again to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Be sure to toss just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients; you can always add more later if needed.

3. Top with Wonton Strips: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy wonton strips on top of the salad. This keeps them crispy, so they don’t become soggy from the dressing. If you’re serving the salad later, you can store the wonton strips separately and add them just before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is assembled, it’s time to serve and enjoy your Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad.

1. Plate the Salad: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining. You can garnish with additional cilantro or mint for an extra touch of color and flavor.

2. Optional Garnishes: If desired, you can drizzle a little extra dressing on top or sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The crispy wonton strips, tender rotisserie chicken, and fresh veggies come together perfectly with the savory dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas to customize the dish based on your preferences or the occasion:

1. As a Main Course: Serve this salad as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. The chicken provides enough protein to keep you full, and the crispy wonton strips make it satisfying.

2. As a Side Salad: Pair this salad with a heavier main dish like grilled meats, burgers, or seafood. The freshness and crunch of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.

3. Meal Prep: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in separate containers for meal prep. Keep the dressing and wonton strips separate until serving to preserve freshness and crunch.

4. Add More Protein: If you want to make this salad heartier, you can add more protein, such as grilled shrimp, tofu, or even seared steak.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint are key components of this salad. Their vibrant flavors elevate the dish, so don’t skip them! If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs, but fresh is always best.

2. Wonton Wrappers Alternatives: If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can substitute them with egg roll wrappers or even tortilla chips for a unique twist.

3. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing. Add lime juice for extra zing or a bit of peanut butter to give it a richer flavor.

4. Crunchy Texture: For the crispiest wonton strips, fry them in small batches and ensure the oil is hot enough for a quick crisp without overcooking them.

Conclusion

This Crispy Wonton Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. The combination of crispy wonton strips, tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing makes for a salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for a light lunch, serving it as a side dish, or preparing it as a meal prep option, it’s sure to impress with its satisfying textures and flavors.