ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD WITH GREENS

Asian Chicken Salad with Greens image

Yield makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons peanut butter or tahini (sesame paste)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 small garlic cloves, peeled
A few drops of hot sauce, like Tabasco
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or other mild vinegar
1 cucumber
6 cups salad greens
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

Start a grill or preheat the broiler. Cut the chicken meat into 1/2- to 1-inch chunks and thread it onto skewers (if you're broiling, you can forget the skewers and simply use a roasting pan). Put the skewers on a plate and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce.
In a blender, combine the remaining soy sauce with the peanut butter, sesame oil, garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste, sugar, and vinegar. Add 1/3 cup of warm water and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. (You can add as much as you like; garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil also can be added to taste.) Put the dressing in the refrigerator to cool.
Grill or broil the chicken, turning once or twice. Total cooking time will be 6 to 8 minutes for breasts, 10 to 12 minutes for thighs. Meanwhile, peel the cucumber (if it is waxed), slice it in half the long way, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut it into 1/2-inch dice and combine in a bowl with the dressing. When the chicken is done, let it rest and cool on a cutting board for a few minutes, then toss it with a tablespoon or two of the dressing and cucumber.
Toss the dressing and cucumbers with the greens, top with the chicken, garnish with the cilantro, and serve.
Add minced bell pepper (preferably red or yellow), celery, and/or zucchini to the mix.
Garnish with fresh basil (Thai basil is especially good), mint, or minced scallion in place of or in addition to the cilantro.