Light Chinese Chicken Salad With Hoisin Vinaigrette - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 6 ounces each
salt & fresh ground pepper
4 teaspoons peanut or vegetable oil
1/3 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 medium napa cabbage, sliced thin crosswise about 4 cups
1/2 large red bell pepper, stemmed seeded and sliced thin about 1 cup
1 cup bean sprouts
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup chow mein noodles

Preparation

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add the chicken and cook until browned on the first side, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken over, add 1/2 cup water, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and continue to cook until the thickest part of the breast is no longer pink and registers about 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Poke a few vent holes in the plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken while preparing the other ingredients. When the chicken is cold, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Meanwhile, shake the vinegar, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, hoisin, soy sauce, and ginger together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; set aside.
Toss the shredded chicken, carrot, cabbage, red pepper, sprouts, scallions, and cilantro in a large serving bowl. Shake the dressing to recombine, pour it over the chicken salad, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the chow mein noodles before serving.