Cold Sesame-Garlic Shredded Chicken
Description
This Cold Sesame-Garlic Shredded Chicken is a flavor-packed summer dish featuring tender poached chicken served cold with a bold scallion-garlic dressing. It’s light, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami — a crowd favorite for hot days or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Aromatic Oil:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Chicken
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Place chicken thighs into a pot of cold water.
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Add tied scallion, ginger slices, and cooking wine.
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Bring to a boil and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked.
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Transfer chicken immediately to an ice bath and let cool for 10 minutes to lock in moisture.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
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Once cooled, remove skin if desired.
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Shred the chicken into bite-sized strips and pile into a shallow dish or bowl.
Step 3: Make Aromatic Oil
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In a pan, heat neutral oil over medium-high heat.
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Add red onions and scallion whites, fry until golden.
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Strain and reserve the fragrant hot oil.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
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In a bowl, combine chopped green onion, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
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Pour in hot scallion oil to sizzle the aromatics and bring out fragrance.
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Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Assemble
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Pour the sauce evenly over shredded chicken.
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Toss gently to coat.
Step 6: Serve
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds or scallions if desired.
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Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size ~1 cup shredded chicken with sauce
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 640mg27%
- Potassium 520mg15%
- Protein 42g84%
- Vitamin A 550 IU
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 45 mg
- Iron 2.4 mg
- Vitamin D 10 IU
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Folate 40 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
💡 Tips & Swaps
- Swap thighs for chicken breast if preferred — just reduce cooking time.
- Add chili oil for a spicy version.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days — perfect for meal prep!
💙 Why You’ll Love It
- Light, cold, and full of flavor — ideal for hot days
- No need to fry or bake
- Easy to make ahead for lunch or potlucks
- Pairs perfectly with cold noodles or rice
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just shred and skip to the sauce step.
Not by default — but you can add chili flakes or chili oil to heat it up.
Any neutral oil like canola, corn, or sunflower oil works best.
Yes — but chilling gives it that signature refreshing texture.
Absolutely! It gets even tastier as it sits in the fridge.
Shopie Lane
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