Cool cucumber salad topped with seared chicken and spicy chili crisp. Quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Creamy Cucumber Salad
01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon honey
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
→ Seared Chicken
10 - 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Assembly and Garnish
16 - 4 tablespoons chili crisp
17 - 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, optional
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
19 - Extra sesame seeds for garnish
20 - Lime wedges for serving
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Toss sliced cucumbers with salt in a colander and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until smooth. Add drained cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine and refrigerate until assembly.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil if needed. Sear marinated chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
04 - Divide chilled cucumber salad among four serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken on top of each salad. Add cooked jasmine rice or noodles to each bowl if desired. Spoon chili crisp generously over the chicken and cucumber components.
05 - Sprinkle each bowl with additional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
