Popcorn Chicken Salad with Peri-Peri Hot and Sesame Roasted Sauce

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Popcorn Chicken Salad featuring a zesty Peri-Peri Hot Sauce and a delightful Sesame Roasted Sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this salad is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Popcorn Chicken

  • 1 lb (450 g) popcorn chicken (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Sauces

  • Peri-Peri Sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Sesame Roasted Sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • Sesame seeds for garnish

Grocery List

  • Popcorn chicken (frozen or fresh)
  • Whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • Almond meal
  • Eggs
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Red onion
  • Feta cheese (optional)
  • Peri-peri sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the Popcorn Chicken:
    • Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C).
    • In three separate bowls, place the breadcrumbs in one, the beaten egg mixed with sriracha in another, and the almond meal in the last.
    • Dredge each piece of popcorn chicken first in almond meal, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
    • Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Make the Salad:
    • While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad by combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion in a large bowl.
    • If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
  3. Prepare the Sauces:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the peri-peri sauce ingredients.
    • In another bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to create the sesame roasted sauce.
  4. Assemble:
    • Once the popcorn chicken is done baking, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
    • Drizzle both sauces over the salad and toss gently to combine.
    • Garnish with sesame seeds.

Cooking Time

Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Preparation: 10 minutes
Baking: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Assuming this recipe serves 5, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fat: 22 g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.)

Tips and Notes

  • For extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds to your salad.
  • Adjust the heat level of the peri-peri sauce according to your preference.
  • This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the sauces separate until serving to maintain freshness.

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This Popcorn Chicken Salad with Peri Peri Hot and Sesame Roasted Sauce is indeed a bombastic combination that you must try! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish that brings together crispy chicken and fresh veggies in harmony.