Easy Chinese Chicken Salad with Chow Mein Noodles

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into short strips
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon canola or peanut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 head iceberg lettuce or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3-4 scallions, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• Chow mein noodles, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup peanut or canola oil

Directions

1. Warm both oils in a large sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.
2. Blot the chicken strips dry, season them lightly with salt, and place them in the pan. Cook over high heat, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through, 3-6 minutes depending on the strength of your burner. Transfer the chicken out of the pan and let it cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Combine the cooled chicken with the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Right before serving, add the dressing and toss, then finish with chow mein noodles on top.