Name: Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Yunnan
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 1 ” inch ginger, sliced; 2 scallions, halved; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 clove garlic, grated; 1/4 purple onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar; 1 lime, juiced; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn; Pinch of salt; 1 small batch cilantro, chopped (yields 1/4 cup loosely packed); 1 Thai chili pepper, sliced; Thinly sliced lime pieces, for garnish (Optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your mealtime with something vibrant, bold, and bursting with flavor, then Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad is the dish for you. This celebrated salad from China’s Yunnan province combines juicy shredded chicken with fresh herbs, zesty lime, crunchy onions, and just the right kiss of heat—it’s equal parts refreshing, satisfying, and addictive. Every bite feels like a hearty embrace of springtime, packed with tangy zest, aromatic herbs, and a pleasant tingle thanks to Sichuan peppercorns. Get ready for a recipe that’s as joyous to make as it is to eat!

Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad is a masterclass in simplicity, where each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of taste and color. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh additions, you’ll build incredible depth and brightness in under thirty minutes.

Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it creates the perfect shred for soaking up all those bold flavors.
Shaoxing wine: Adds unique, aromatic flavor to the poaching liquid, lending subtle complexity to the chicken.
Ginger (1” piece, sliced): Poached with the chicken for gentle warmth and fragrance.
Scallions (2, halved): Also poached, they lightly infuse the chicken with a sweet oniony undertone.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the dressing.
Garlic (1 clove, grated): Raw and punchy, it brings a savory bite to the salad.
Purple onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Offers crunch and a touch of sweetness, plus gorgeous color.
Light soy sauce: Savory, salty, and essential for umami in the dressing.
Chinkiang vinegar: Adds a deep, malty tang that’s a signature of Chinese dressings.
Lime (juiced): The star that gives the salad an irresistibly bright, sour punch.
Sugar (1 tsp): Just enough to balance the sharpness of lime and vinegar.
Ground Sichuan peppercorn (1/4 tsp): Delivers a gentle numbing heat and citrusy aroma.
Pinch of salt: For final seasoning and balance.
Cilantro (small batch, chopped): Brings a fragrant hit of freshness to every mouthful.
Thai chili pepper (sliced): Your dose of fiery heat—customize it to your adventurousness!
Thinly sliced lime pieces (optional): A beautiful garnish and extra zing on top.

How to Make Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad

Step 1: Poach Your Chicken to Perfection

Start by placing the chicken breast in a medium pot, covering it with water by about an inch. Add Shaoxing wine, ginger slices, scallions, and a hearty spoonful of salt. Bring the water just up to a simmer over medium-high heat, then immediately drop the heat to allow the chicken to poach gently. This gentle simmer keeps the chicken juicy and tender—don’t let it boil furiously! Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the thickest part hits 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, poke it with a sharp knife; clear juices mean it’s done.

Step 2: Chill and Shred

When the chicken is almost ready, set up a bowl with ice water. As soon as the chicken is cooked through, plunge it right into that icy bath. This not only stops the cooking instantly, keeping the chicken moist, but it also helps firm up the texture. Once cooled to room temperature, drain and use your hands or forks to shred it into bite-sized, splintery pieces—perfect for grabbing sauce and mix-ins later.

Step 3: Mix in the Aromatics

Transfer your freshly shredded chicken to a big mixing bowl. Toss in the grated garlic and sliced purple onion, giving the whole thing a gentle toss. This step ensures the chicken starts to absorb all those zippy, sharp flavors right from the start.

Step 4: Blend the Zesty Dressing

Pour in the light soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorn. Add a pinch of salt. Use a big spoon—or go hands-on with a pestle—to massage the mixture gently, ensuring each strand of chicken is coated in that tangy, tingling sauce. Taste and adjust: maybe a touch more salt or sugar, depending on your lime’s tartness.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Heat, then Finish

Last but never least, add a generous handful of chopped cilantro and your sliced Thai chili pepper to the salad. Mix again, breathing in that fresh, herby aroma. If you want extra color and zing, toss in those optional thin lime slices. Serve your Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad immediately as a refreshing starter—or tuck it away for later; it only gets better as the flavors meld!

How to Serve Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad with a scattering of fresh cilantro leaves, extra lime wedges or slices, and (if you’re feeling brave) a few chili rings. Not only do these add eye-popping color, but they also give every serving that extra hit of freshness and vibrancy.

Side Dishes

This salad is perfectly bright and light on its own, but it also loves some company. Try pairing it with a bowl of jasmine rice to soak up the dressing, some crunchy pickled vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad. For a modern twist, tuck it into lettuce cups or serve with thin rice noodles for a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Change up your presentation with these playful ideas: pile the Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad on a platter over a bed of baby greens, fill endive leaves for bite-sized appetizers, or layer it into a Mason jar for a picnic-ready lunch. You can even roll it into rice paper wraps for a grab-and-go option—it’s endlessly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors deepen and become even more delicious as they mingle—just be aware that the freshness of herbs and crunch of onions may soften over time.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze shredded chicken, this salad truly shines fresh. The raw onion, cilantro, and lime don’t thaw well, so if you must freeze, do so before adding the dressing and aromatics. Then simply defrost, toss with the sauce, and add fresh herbs and onion just before serving.

Reheating

Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, which means there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve taken it straight from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10 minutes to lose its chill; this helps the flavors bloom and makes for a more satisfying bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and richer flavor, making them a great alternative for Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad. Just adjust your poaching time as needed—thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Do I need Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine adds a lovely aroma, but if you don’t have it on hand, try using a splash of dry sherry or leave it out altogether—the chicken will still be delicious, just a touch less fragrant.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is completely customizable. Thai chili pepper can be pretty feisty, so start with a small amount (or substitute with a milder pepper) if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always sprinkle more on at the table!

What makes Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad unique?

This dish stands out because of its perfect harmony of savory, sour, numbing, and herbaceous notes. The use of both Sichuan peppercorn and fresh lime gives it a signature complexity that you just won’t find in your average chicken salad.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! In fact, making Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad a few hours ahead lets the flavors meld wonderfully. Just hold off on adding the cilantro and chili until just before serving to keep things bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a salad that’s worlds apart from the usual, I can’t recommend Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad enough. With its electric flavors, endless customization, and effortless elegance, this dish is guaranteed to become a real star at your table. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new obsession!

Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Yunnan Lime Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines poached chicken with zesty lime, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Instructions

Poach the Chicken: Add chicken breast, Shaoxing wine, ginger, scallion, and salt to a pot. Simmer until cooked through. Cool in an ice bath.
Prepare Salad: Shred the cooled chicken into a bowl.
Make Dressing: Combine garlic, purple onion, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, peppercorn, and salt. Mix well.
Finish Salad: Toss chicken with dressing, cilantro, and chili. Adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with lime slices and enjoy as an appetizer.