Description
A refreshing and flavorful Chinese-style poached chicken dish served over crisp julienned cucumber, drizzled with a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy sesame-chili dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound chicken breast (225g)
- 3 slices ginger
- 1 scallion (plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions)
- 1/2 seedless cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (from the chicken cooking water)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water (for poaching)
Instructions
- In a small pot, add 2 cups water, 3 slices ginger, and 1 whole scallion. Bring to a boil, then add the chicken breast.
- Once the water boils again, cover with a lid and reduce to the lowest heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear when pierced.
- Remove the chicken breast and place it in an ice bath to stop cooking and retain moisture. Reserve the cooking water for later use as chicken stock.
- Julienne the cucumber and arrange it in an even layer on a shallow serving plate.
- Lightly pound the cooled chicken with a rolling pin to flatten and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken over the cucumber.
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 4 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon chili oil, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions. Mix well to form the sauce.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and cucumber. Toss just before serving to coat the chicken and cucumber with the sauce.
Notes
- Adjust chili oil to your spice preference.
- For a stronger flavor, let the chicken and cucumber sit in the sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
- This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- You can prepare the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: poached chicken salad, Chinese chicken cucumber, sesame chili chicken, Sichuan chicken salad