• Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • The Edit
  • Beyond the Kale
  • HypePress
  • Contact
Recipes
About
cookbook
the edit
Beyond the Kale
Hype
contact
search

sign up for insights and exclusives

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

Search your way

From “gluten free and cheesy” to “something cozy with cinnamon” this search gets you. It’s smart enough to find exactly what you’re craving.

Non-Negotiables? Dial In
the Vibes even fuRther!

🍂 all the fall
🥑 Paleo Friendly
🐄 beef
🍖 chicken
🥤 smoothies
🍪 cookies
🥗 big ass salads

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Nut Free
  • Refined Sugar Free

No ratings yet
Home | Recipe | Salads

Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Protein 21g
Carbs 18g
Fats 25g
The newest addition to my repertoire of Viral Crispy Rice Salad recipes is here! Introducing my Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad, a fresh and modern twist on the classic Chinese Chicken Salad. This salad is loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and fresh red bell pepper slices, which are loaded up on a bed of shredded cabbage and tossed in a delicious creamy dressing. Oh, and let's not forget the most important part — the crispy rice that truly takes this salad to the next level!

Recipe by:

Nicole Modic

June 30, 2025
Jump to Recipe

Skip to the goods

    The newest addition to my repertoire of Viral Crispy Rice Salad recipes is here! Introducing my Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad, a fresh and modern twist on the classic Chinese Chicken Salad. This salad is loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and fresh red bell pepper slices, which are loaded up on a bed of shredded cabbage and tossed in a delicious creamy dressing. Oh, and let’s not forget the most important part — the crispy rice that truly takes this salad to the next level!

    Blast this to the group chat

    161 shares

    Friends, I am back with another one of my cult-favorite viral recipes, made perfect for the summer. This is my Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad, and it is the next addition in my Viral Crispy Rice Salad lineup. If you’ve yet to try out my Crispy Rice Salads, or haven’t seen these recipes floating around social media yet, then let me be the first to introduce you to this magical creation. And yes, it really IS magical, if I do say so myself. These salads are not only packed with color, texture, and flavor, thanks to the rainbow of veggies and the creamy homemade dressing that is so good that you could drink it… but, they are loaded with chunks of delicious crispy rice. I am a firm believer that all salad recipes need a crunchy element to them, and the crispy rice makes for the perfect addition to this recipe!

    The crispy rice starts with, you guessed it, rice, that is cooked and cooled to perfection. You can use any rice of your choosing, but I like to use jasmine rice. Then, the rice is lined up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tossed with seasonings (in this case, a little sesame oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup) and then baked until it’s toasted and crispy. It’s so good, you’ll want to eat the entire tray!

    If you’ve ever had a Chinese Chicken Salad before, then you’ll find this recipe both familiar and innovative. It has all of the classic ingredients, from not just one, but two types of cabbage, sliced red bell pepper, tender rotisserie chicken, and, of course, the mandarin oranges. Add in the crispy rice and the creamy dressing, and truly, what is not to love?

    Variety of fresh ingredients in bowls on a table, including shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, cubed chicken, mandarin oranges, cooked rice, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, seasonings, and various sauces.
    To make this salad, you’ll need rice, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, seasonings, cabbage, cilantro, green onions, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, rotisserie chicken, and sesame seeds.
    Start by preparing the crispy rice. Cook the rice and allow it to fully cool before adding it to a baking sheet. Toss the rice in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and the sesame oil, then transfer it to the oven at 400 F and allow it to bake for 25-30 minutes.

    What You Need to Make This Viral Crispy Rice Salad

    • Rice: Of course, it wouldn’t be a crispy rice salad without the rice! I like using jasmine rice for this recipe, but any type of rice will work well.
    • Toasted Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a toasty, nutty flavor to the rice that is truly unbeatable.
    • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the crispy rice that pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients in this recipe.
    • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: If you want to keep this salad gluten-free, opt to use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, such as tamari or coconut aminos. If not, low sodium soy sauce works well!
    • Champagne Vinegar: You can use champagne vinegar or rice wine vinegar, in this recipe. Either one works well!
    • Avocado Oil: To make the dressing, I like to use a neutral-flavored, better-for-you oil, such as avocado oil.
    • Seasonings: To season the dressing, you’ll need freshly grated ginger, onion powder, and ground black pepper.
    • Cabbage: You’ll need two types of cabbage to make this salad — Napa cabbage and purple cabbage. The combination of both adds fiber, color, and texture to this salad. And before you ask, yes, both of them are totally necessary!
    • Cilantro: I love adding in lots of cilantro for that delicious, herby flavor.
    • Green Onions: Thin slices of green onions are a staple in Chinese Chicken Salads, which also makes them perfect for this recipe.
    • Red Bell Pepper: I love the crunch that the red bell pepper adds to this salad.
    • Mandarins: It wouldn’t be a Chinese Chicken Salad without the tender mandarin oranges, in my opinion. I like to use canned mandarin oranges — just be sure that they don’t contain added sugars, or the salad will be too sweet!
    • Rotisserie Chicken:  I like to keep my recipes (especially my salads) as easy to throw together as possible, which is why I love using a rotisserie chicken to make things simple.
    • Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds may be small, but they add the perfect finishing touch to this recipe!
    A hand whisks a brown sauce in a white bowl, surrounded by small dishes of oil, minced garlic, pepper, sesame seeds, sliced vegetables, seasonings, and a wooden pepper grinder on a light surface.
    While the crispy rice is in the oven, prepare the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients (the soy sauce, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, onion powder, and ground black pepper) to a small bowl and whisk to fully combine.

    How to Make This Fresh Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe

    To make this salad, start by preparing the crispy rice. Cook the rice according to your preferred method and allow it to cool completely. Then, preheat your oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the cooked and cooled rice on top, spreading it out in an even layer.

    Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup to the rice, tossing it until it’s fully coated.
    Transfer the rice into the oven and allow it to bake for 25-30 minutes, until it’s crispy and golden. Be sure to toss it halfway through to ensure that it doesn’t burn.

    While the rice is in the oven, prepare the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients (the soy sauce, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, onion powder, and ground black pepper) to a small bowl and whisk to fully combine.

    A colorful salad bowl with chopped red bell peppers, diced chicken, shredded purple cabbage, mandarin orange slices, fried onions, chopped green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
    Then, build the salad. Wash and chop the napa cabbage, purple cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and red bell pepper, and add it to a large bowl alongside the mandarin oranges and the rotisserie chicken.
    A colorful salad with chopped lettuce, shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, green onions, diced chicken, mandarins, crispy toppings, and sesame seeds is being drizzled with a dark dressing from a small pitcher.
    Finally, add the cooled crispy rice to the salad and toss in the sesame seeds. Pour the dressing on top and toss the salad to fully combine. Serve it immediately and enjoy!

    Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then set it aside while you prepare the salad. Wash and chop the napa cabbage, purple cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and red bell pepper, and add it to a large bowl. Drain the mandarins and shred the rotisserie chicken, then add them to the salad bowl.

    Once the crisp rice is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before tossing it into the salad, alongside the sesame seeds. Finally, pour the dressing on top. Toss until the salad ingredients are fully combined, then serve and enjoy!

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

    ** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim

    Home | Recipe | Salads

    No ratings yet

    Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad

    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Nut Free
    • Refined Sugar Free
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    The newest addition to my repertoire of Viral Crispy Rice Salad recipes is here! Introducing my Chinese Chicken Crispy Rice Salad, a fresh and modern twist on the classic Chinese Chicken Salad. This salad is loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, juicy mandarin oranges, and fresh red bell pepper slices, which are loaded up on a bed of shredded cabbage and tossed in a delicious creamy dressing. Oh, and let's not forget the most important part — the crispy rice that truly takes this salad to the next level!
    print pin
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    For the Crispy Rice:
    • 2 Cups Rice, cooked and cooled
    • 2 Teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil
    • 2 Teaspoons Maple Syrup
    • 2 Teaspoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce
    For the Dressing:
    • ½ Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
    • ¼ Cup Champagne Vinegar, or substitute rice vinegar
    • ¼ Cup Avocado Oil
    • 3 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil
    • 1 Tablespoon Ginger, freshly grated
    • 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
    • ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
    For the Salad:
    • 3 Cups Napa Cabbage, finely chopped
    • 1 Cup Purple Cabbage, finely chopped
    • ½ Cup Cilantro, finely chopped
    • 1 Bunch Green Onions, sliced (this is approximately 3/4 cup)
    • 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
    • 1 Cup Mandarins, no sugar added and drained
    • 1 ½ Cups Rotisserie Chicken, chopped
    • 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds

    Instructions 

    1. To make this salad, start by preparing the crispy rice. Cook the rice according to your preferred method and allow it to cool completely.
    2. Then, preheat your oven to 400 F.
    3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the cooked and cooled rice on top, spreading it out in an even layer.
    4. Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup to the rice, tossing it until it's fully coated.
    5. Transfer the rice into the oven and allow it to bake for 25-30 minutes, until it's crispy and golden. Be sure to toss it halfway through to ensure that it doesn't burn.
    6. While the rice is in the oven, prepare the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients (the soy sauce, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, onion powder, and ground black pepper) to a small bowl and whisk to fully combine.
    7. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then set it aside while you prepare the salad.
    8. Wash and chop the napa cabbage, purple cabbage, green onions, cilantro, and red bell pepper, and add it to a large bowl.
    9. Drain the mandarins and shred the rotisserie chicken, then add them to the salad bowl.
    10. Once the crisp rice is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before tossing it into the salad, alongside the sesame seeds.
    11. Finally, pour the dressing on top.
    12. Toss until the salad ingredients are fully combined, then serve and enjoy!

    Recipe In Action

    Nutrition Hide Nutrition
    Calories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1044mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1263IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 1mg
    Hey I’m Nicole!

    Founder of Kale junkie

    Your go-to girl for bold, nourishing eats that actually taste good.

    more goss
    follow along
    newest recipes
    • High Protein Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread

      High Protein Cinnamon Apple Banana Bread

    • Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

      Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

    • Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls with Lemon Tahini Sauce

      Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    • 3-Ingredient Pistachio Milk

      3-Ingredient Pistachio Milk

    avoid the fomo

    The unfiltered Kale Junkie experience. Real-life bits you won’t find anywhere else, it’s all happening here.

    subscribe
    trending recipes
    The sliced beef tenderloin, sitting on a plate next to crispy smashed potatoes and grilled broccolini
    The Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin
    A big pot of the one-pan "Marry Me" chicken orzo, sitting on a countertop with a spoon resting inside of it
    One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

    More Recipes Like This

    Salads

    Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad

    A bowl filled with shawarma-style chicken, sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, red onion, and diced herbs, all drizzled with a creamy white sauce. A spoon rests on the bowl's rim, and a small dish of olive oil is nearby.
    Salads

    Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

    A colorful salad with shredded chicken, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, green onions, and chopped peanuts, garnished with cilantro. A bowl of dressing and a cutting board with cilantro are in the background.
    Salads

    Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad

    Salads

    Crispy Rice Southwest Chicken Salad

    Rate & review

    SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!

    Delicious, nourishing
    and totally doable!

    Get the inside scoop

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    • About
    • Cookbook
    • The Edit
    • Hype
    • Contact
    instagram
    TikTok
    Facebook
    YouTube
    Pinterest
    © 2025 Kalejunkie. All Rights Reserved.

    Website by Saevil Row + Made To Thrive

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required