Cold Sesame-Garlic Shredded Chicken

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Method: Boiling, Mixing, Sauteing

Courses: Chicken Recipes, Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 100 C

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: $ 12

Calories: 420

Best Season: Summer

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:

2 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
1 stalk green onion (tied into a knot)
4 slices ginger
1 tbsp cooking wine
Water to boil
Ice cubes for ice bath

For the Aromatic Oil:

½ red onion, diced
3 green onion stalks, white and green parts separated
½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp chopped scallions
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 tbsp white sesame seeds
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sugar
Salt to taste
3 tbsp hot scallion oil (from above)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Chicken

1
Place chicken thighs into a pot of cold water.
2
Add tied scallion, ginger slices, and cooking wine.
3
Bring to a boil and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked.
4
Transfer chicken immediately to an ice bath and let cool for 10 minutes to lock in moisture.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

5
Once cooled, remove skin if desired.
6
Shred the chicken into bite-sized strips and pile into a shallow dish or bowl.

Step 3: Make Aromatic Oil

7
In a pan, heat neutral oil over medium-high heat.
8
Add red onions and scallion whites, fry until golden.
9
Strain and reserve the fragrant hot oil.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

10
In a bowl, combine chopped green onion, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
11
Pour in hot scallion oil to sizzle the aromatics and bring out fragrance.
12
Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble

13
Pour the sauce evenly over shredded chicken.
14
Toss gently to coat.

Step 6: Serve

15
Garnish with extra sesame seeds or scallions if desired.
16
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!

Keywords: cold sesame chicken recipe, Chinese shredded chicken, garlic scallion sauce, poached chicken salad, summer Asian recipes

💙 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

Read it online: https://foodievibe.com/recipes/cold-sesame-garlic-shredded-chicken/

Shopie Lane

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Sophie Lane — a food lover, curious traveler, and storyteller at heart. I’m passionate about inspiring others to live healthier, happier lives through simple, nourishing meals and mindful exploration of the world.