Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad - Copycat - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 wonton wrappers
canola oil, for frying
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
4 cups loosely packed bite-size pieces romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
3 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled and sliced thin)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Asian Sesame Dressing
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup canola oil or 3/4 cup vegetable oil

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0.
Cut the wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips.
Heat about 2 inches of canola oil to 365\u00b0 in a heavy skillet. Fry the wonton strips in the oil until they are crisp, about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5 minutes, toss them around, and then toast for 5 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let cool.
To make the dressing, in a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except the oil. Use a wire whisk to blend well and then slowly drizzle in the oil to create an emulsion.
To assemble the salad, in a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, cilantro, fried wonton strips, chicken and dressing.
Transfer to plates and top with the sesame seeds and almonds.