Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

There are certain restaurant meals that lodge themselves in your memory, becoming a benchmark for flavor that you crave time and time again. For my family and me, the Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is one of those dishes. I remember the first time I ordered it, skeptical that a chain restaurant salad could be that memorable. But from the first bite, I was hooked. It was the perfect symphony of textures and tastes: the satisfying, deep crunch of the romaine lettuce and wonton strips, the tender, savory pulled chicken, the bright burst of fresh cilantro, and that absolutely divine Asian sesame vinaigrette that tied everything together. It was sweet, tangy, nutty, and umami-rich all at once. It became my go-to order, but the craving didn’t stop at the restaurant door. I found myself wanting it for lunch at home, for light dinners, and for gatherings. That’s when the mission began: to perfectly replicate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. After countless attempts, tweaking the dressing, and finding the perfect balance of ingredients, I finally cracked the code. When I served my final version to my family, the reaction was unanimous. My husband, usually a man of few words when it comes to food, looked up from his bowl and said, “This is better than Panera’s.” That was the ultimate seal of approval. This recipe isn’t just a copycat; it’s an homage that gives you the power to recreate that beloved flavor profile anytime, with the added benefit of knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s fresher, more vibrant, and infinitely more satisfying to make yourself.

The Ultimate Copycat Panera Asian Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe

This recipe is the culmination of careful testing to replicate the signature tastes and textures of the original Panera classic. We’ve broken down the components—the salad base, the chicken, and the all-important dressing—to ensure each element is perfect before they come together in one glorious bowl.

A Symphony of Flavors: The Ingredients You’ll Need

Success lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a critical role, from the sturdy lettuce that holds up to the dressing to the toasted almonds that provide a nutty depth.

For the Asian Sesame Vinaigrette:

This dressing is the star of the show. Making it from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and quality of ingredients. Don’t be tempted by store-bought versions; the fresh ginger and garlic make all the difference.

• 1/2 cup Canola Oil or other neutral oil: This forms the base of the vinaigrette, allowing other flavors to shine without overpowering them.
• 1/3 cup Rice Vinegar: Provides the bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the oil and sesame.
• 3 tablespoons Honey: This is the key to the dressing’s signature sweetness, balancing the vinegar and soy sauce. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Delivers the deep, savory, umami flavor that is essential to any Asian-inspired dressing. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way. This oil imparts a powerful, nutty, and aromatic flavor that is unmistakable.
• 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a warm, zesty spice that you simply can’t get from a powder.
• 1 large clove Garlic, finely minced: Adds a pungent, savory depth that rounds out the dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: For a subtle touch of heat.
• 1/4 cup Water: Helps to thin the dressing to the perfect consistency for coating the lettuce leaves.

For the Savory Pulled Chicken:

Panera’s chicken is tender, moist, and subtly seasoned. Poaching is the best method to achieve this texture.

• 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2 large breasts): The lean protein that makes this salad a complete meal.
• 4 cups Water or Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water will infuse the chicken with more flavor as it cooks.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: To season the chicken from the inside out.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: For basic seasoning.
• 2 cloves Garlic, smashed: Infuses the poaching liquid with a mild garlic aroma.
• 1 bay leaf (optional): Adds another layer of subtle, savory flavor.

For the Salad Assembly:

This is where the magic of texture comes into play. The combination of crisp, soft, and crunchy elements is what makes this salad so addictive.

• 1 large head of Romaine Lettuce: The ideal base. Its leaves are crisp and sturdy, holding up well to the dressing without becoming soggy too quickly. You’ll want about 8-10 cups, chopped.
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh Cilantro, chopped: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for an authentic taste. It adds a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
• 1/2 cup sliced or slivered Almonds, toasted: Toasting the almonds is crucial. It releases their natural oils and deepens their nutty flavor, adding a warm, fragrant crunch.
• 1/4 cup toasted Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a huge punch of nutty flavor and add a delicate textural element.
• 1 cup Crispy Wonton Strips: The signature crunch! These are essential for replicating the Panera experience. You can find them in the Asian food aisle or near the salad toppings at most grocery stores.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Recreate Panera Perfection

Follow these instructions carefully, paying attention to the separate preparation of each component. The key to a great salad is ensuring each part is perfectly executed before assembly.

Part 1: Crafting the Signature Asian Sesame Vinaigrette

The dressing can be made ahead of time, which actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the canola oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper.
2. Emulsify the Dressing: Whisk the ingredients together vigorously for about 30-60 seconds. If using a jar, seal the lid tightly and shake until the oil and vinegar are fully combined and the dressing looks creamy and emulsified. The mixture should be a uniform color and slightly thickened.
3. Adjust and Chill: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might prefer it a little sweeter (add a touch more honey) or tangier (a splash more rice vinegar). Add the 1/4 cup of water and whisk or shake again to reach the desired consistency.
4. Rest the Flavors: For the best results, let the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the flavors of the ginger and garlic to fully infuse the vinaigrette. This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Part 2: Preparing the Flavorful Pulled Chicken

Poaching is a gentle cooking method that ensures your chicken stays incredibly moist and tender, perfect for shredding.

1. Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the water or chicken broth, salt, pepper, smashed garlic cloves, and the optional bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts into the simmering liquid. Ensure they are fully submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the chicken cook gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid boiling the water, as this can make the chicken tough.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the poaching liquid and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
4. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, pull the chicken breasts apart into bite-sized shreds. Alternatively, for a quick and easy method, you can place the rested chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 15-20 seconds until perfectly shredded. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Part 3: Assembling Your Masterpiece Salad

The final assembly should happen just before serving to ensure every ingredient remains at its peak freshness and crunch.

1. Toast the Nuts (If Not Already Toasted): Place the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove from the pan immediately and set aside to cool.
2. Combine the Salad Base: In a very large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the chopped fresh cilantro. Toss them together gently to distribute the cilantro evenly.
3. Add the Key Ingredients: Add the cooled, shredded chicken, the toasted almonds, and the toasted sesame seeds to the bowl with the lettuce and cilantro.
4. Dress the Salad: Give your vinaigrette one last vigorous shake or whisk. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad to start. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the leaves are lightly and evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed until you reach your desired level of sauciness. Be careful not to overdress, as this can make the salad heavy.
5. Final Touch: Just before serving, add the crispy wonton strips to the bowl. Give it one final, gentle toss to incorporate them without letting them get soggy.
6. Serve Immediately: Divide the salad among four large plates or bowls and enjoy the fruits of your labor right away.

Nutrition Facts: A Healthier Homemade Choice

One of the greatest benefits of making this salad at home is the complete control you have over the ingredients, especially sugar, sodium, and fat. This homemade version is generally a healthier alternative to the restaurant original.

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4 large, meal-sized servings.
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 520 calories per serving.

A Note on Nutrition: This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, the exact size of the chicken breasts, and the amount of dressing you apply. By making it yourself, you avoid the hidden preservatives and higher sodium levels often found in restaurant dressings and prepared chicken. This salad is packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the almonds and sesame oil, and vitamins from the fresh greens.

Timing is Everything: Preparation and Cook Time

This salad comes together relatively quickly, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • This includes chopping the lettuce and cilantro, mincing the garlic and ginger, and mixing the dressing. You can reduce this time by using pre-chopped lettuce.
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • This is the time required to poach and shred the chicken. While the chicken is cooking, you can complete all of your prep tasks.
• Total Time: 45 minutes
  • From start to finish, you can have this stunning, restaurant-quality salad on the table in under an hour.

How to Serve Your Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

While perfect on its own, this versatile salad can be served in several creative ways to suit any occasion.

• The Classic Main Course: Serve it in a large, wide bowl as a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and greens needs no accompaniment.
• As a Healthy Wrap: Spoon the prepared salad (perhaps with a little extra dressing) into a large flour, spinach, or whole wheat tortilla. Roll it up tightly for a delicious, portable lunch that’s perfect for work or school.
• Lettuce Cup Appetizers: For a lighter, low-carb option or a fun party appetizer, serve spoonfuls of the salad mixture in crisp butter or iceberg lettuce cups.
• A Deconstructed Meal Prep Bowl: To enjoy this salad for lunch throughout the week, pack the components separately.
  • Container 1: The chopped romaine and cilantro.
  • Container 2: The shredded chicken.
  • Container 3: The almonds, sesame seeds, and wonton strips (kept separate to stay crunchy).
  • Small Jar: The dressing.
  • Combine everything right before you’re ready to eat for a fresh, crisp salad every time.
• The Salad Bar Experience: For gatherings or family dinners, set up a “build your own” salad bar. Place each component in a separate bowl—lettuce, chicken, cilantro, almonds, sesame seeds, wonton strips, and dressing—and let everyone customize their own perfect salad. You can even add extra toppings like shredded carrots, edamame, or mandarin oranges.

Pro-Tips for the Perfect Panera-at-Home Experience

These five tips will elevate your salad from a good copycat to an unforgettable homemade dish.

1. The Wonton Strip Secret: While store-bought wonton strips are convenient, you can easily make your own for superior crunch and flavor. Simply slice wonton or egg roll wrappers into thin strips, toss lightly in oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. They are less greasy and have a fresher taste.
2. Let Your Dressing Marry: The Asian sesame vinaigrette is good right after you make it, but it’s great after it has had time to rest. Make it at least an hour ahead of time, or even the day before. This allows the pungent flavors of the fresh ginger and garlic to mellow and meld beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a more cohesive and deeply flavorful dressing.
3. The Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: In a time crunch? A store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Simply discard the skin and shred the breast meat. It’s already seasoned and moist, making it an excellent and fast substitute for poaching your own chicken. Look for a plain or lightly seasoned rotisserie chicken to avoid competing flavors.
4. Don’t Drown Your Greens: The cardinal rule of a great salad is to dress it, not drown it. Always add the dressing gradually and toss thoroughly after each addition. You want to lightly coat every leaf, not create a pool at the bottom of the bowl. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
5. Unleash Flavor by Toasting: We mentioned toasting the almonds, but don’t forget the sesame seeds! Toasting both the almonds and the sesame seeds in a dry pan for just a few minutes until fragrant awakens their essential oils. This simple step dramatically enhances their nutty flavor and adds a warm, aromatic dimension to the salad that is absolutely essential for achieving that authentic Panera taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have as you prepare this delicious salad.

1. Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly easy to adapt. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein. Crispy baked tofu or tempeh, marinated in a bit of soy sauce and ginger, would be fantastic. Edamame is another great addition for a protein boost. For a fully vegan version, follow the vegetarian modifications and swap the honey in the dressing for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.

2. How long can I store the leftover salad?
Once the salad is fully assembled and dressed, it’s best eaten immediately, as the lettuce and wonton strips will begin to lose their crispness. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but be prepared for a softer texture. For best results, if you anticipate leftovers, store the salad components (greens, chicken, toppings, and dressing) separately and assemble just before eating. The separated components will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.

3. What can I use instead of wonton strips for that signature crunch?
If you can’t find wonton strips or want a different kind of crunch, you have several great options. Crispy chow mein noodles provide a similar texture. For a healthier or gluten-free alternative, try using crushed rice crackers, crispy roasted chickpeas, or even a handful of salted pretzel sticks broken into smaller pieces. Any of these will provide that necessary textural contrast.

4. Is the dressing spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The dressing as written is not spicy; it’s sweet, tangy, and savory. The fresh ginger provides a gentle warmth but not “heat” in the traditional sense. If you would like to add a kick of spice, it’s very easy to do! Add 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette when you are mixing it. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more until you reach your desired level of heat.

5. Can I use a different type of lettuce or add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize the salad base! While romaine is classic for its crunch, you could use a mix of romaine and iceberg for extra crispness, or add some Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. This salad is also a great vehicle for other vegetables. Thinly sliced red bell peppers, shredded carrots, shelled edamame, or even mandarin orange segments are all popular and delicious additions that will add more color, nutrients, and flavor to your salad.