Chinese Shredded Chicken Cucumber Salad

This Chinese Shredded Chicken & Cucumber Salad is light, garlicky, and super refreshing - perfect for hot summer days. It's a classic Chinese cold dish made with shredded chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a sesame vinegar dressing. We always make this when we have leftover chicken - it's quick, healthy, and delicious!

Jump to:

• What is Chinese Shredded Chicken Cucumber Salad
• How to Cook and Shred Chicken
• How Much Shredded Chicken You'll Need
• How to Make Chinese Chicken & Cucumber Salad (Step by Step)
• Storage
• FAQ
• Chinese Shredded Chicken & Cucumber Salad Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Chinese Cucumber Recipes!

What is Chinese Shredded Chicken Cucumber Salad

In Chinese, this dish is called 涼拌黃瓜雞絲 (liáng bàn huáng guā jī sī), which literally translates to cold mixed cucumber and shredded chicken. It's often served as a cold appetizer or side dish during family-style meals or in bento boxes.

How to Cook and Shred Chicken

As mentioned we usually like to make this when we already have shredded chicken (bunch of things you can make with leftover chicken, btw!), but sometimes we do not and you can make the shredded chicken from scratch also. If you want to make some from scratch here's how:

Cooking the chicken

First you want to cook the chicken - you can do this several different ways. For example, you can cook it on the pan fry it, boil it/poach it, or use a slow cooker or instant pot. The most delicious and easy way in my opinion is to pan fry it so that's the instructions I'm providing.

You can also use either chicken breast or chicken thighs. I prefer chicken breast for this recipe.

Heat up cooking oil in pan. Once hot, add chicken to pan. Sprinkle some salt, and then let it cook for about 4 minutes, and then flip it and cook another 4-5 minutes (or until internal temperature is 165˚F.)

Shredding the chicken

Place cooked chicken breast on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks (one in each hand), separate the chicken meat by shredding in opposite directions. Do this until everything is shredded.

How Much Shredded Chicken You'll Need

This really depends on the size of the chicken breast or thigh you are using. Generally speaking, if the chicken breast is about 8 oz, then it should yield about 2 cups of shredded chicken - which is the perfect amount of shredded chicken we need.

If you have smaller chicken breast though, for example, 4 oz ones, then you may need to use 2 chicken breasts for this recipe.

How to Make Chinese Chicken & Cucumber Salad (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 2 medium cucumbers
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 2 scallions aka green onions, chopped (optional)

If you haven't already, shred the chicken breast. If you need instructions on how to cook and shred the chicken because you do not have leftover cooked chicken laying around - see the notes section.

Next, we are going to cut the cucumbers. You can slice the cucumbers julienne-style (long thin strips) or into 1-inch length batons. Either way works! Today, we're doing the quick 1-inch strips.

In a mixing bowl, combine well cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt.  Wait 10 minutes afterwards.  The cucumber will produce liquid, and drain and discard the salty liquid before mixing the salad.

In a bowl, mix up all ingredients well - chicken, cucumber, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, sugar and green onions.

If the dish is not cool because you used chicken that was hot, you can place in the fridge for 10 minutes or so to get it the right temperature.  Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy!

That's it! This dish is so simple, and it keeps well in the fridge too-perfect for hot weather lunches or as a side to grilled meats or noodles.

Storage

• Storage: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Since cucumbers release water, the salad may become a little watery over time. You can drain excess liquid before serving again.
• Reheating: This dish is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so there's no need to reheat. If you prefer the chicken a bit warmer, you can gently reheat the shredded chicken separately before tossing it back with cucumbers and dressing.
• Meal Prep Tip: If you're making ahead, store shredded chicken and cucumbers separately, then toss with dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and refreshing.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly-just shred the breast or thigh meat and mix it in. It's a great shortcut.

What kind of cucumbers should I use?
I recommend Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers because they're less watery and have fewer seeds. Regular cucumbers work too-just scoop out the seeds if they're big.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu strips or shredded mushrooms (like king oyster mushrooms) for a plant-based version.

What if I don't have rice vinegar?
You can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar-just use a little less since they're stronger.

Can I add other veggies?
Yes! Shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or bean sprouts add extra crunch and color.

Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely-just double all the ingredients. It makes a fantastic make-ahead side for potlucks or summer barbecues.

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More Delicious Chinese Cucumber Recipes!

• If you're looking for a tasty easy veggie side dish, try my Chinese Cucumber Salad (涼拌黃瓜)! A cool and garlicky cucumber salad that's simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
• Switch your pickles up with this Chinese Cucumber Pickles (醃黃瓜) - Crunchy pickled cucumbers with Sichuan peppercorns, rice vinegar, and a hint of spice-a great make-ahead side.
• Have you ever stir fried with cucumbers before? It's actually so good! You can try it with my beef cucumber stir fry or shrimp cucumber stir fry! Tender beef or juicy shrimp with crisp cucumbers - perfectly savory and refreshing!