Kou Shui Ji Style Chilli Oil Chicken Salad
Cool, juicy chicken poached in master stock and tossed with cucumber, sesame and a fragrant chilli oil dressing.
Made with Chinese master stock and Chinese chilli oil. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min plus cooling
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.05 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Prepare your ready made Chinese master stock and Chinese chilli oil (see the base recipes). Put the stock and the water in a wide pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 2
Lower in the chicken breasts so they are fully covered. Simmer very gently for 12 minutes, then switch off the heat, cover and leave for 15 minutes. The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and the thickest part reaches 75C.
27 min - 3
Lift the chicken out, cool for 15 minutes, then chill for at least 30 minutes. Boil the poaching liquid for 5 minutes and strain it before storing.
- 4
Stir the chilli oil, tamari and sugar together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
- 5
Shred or slice the cold chicken and toss it with the cucumber, spring onions and the dressing.
- 6
Pile onto a plate and scatter over the sesame seeds and coriander. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Do not rinse the chicken after poaching. A cooling rest keeps it moist.
- Chill the chicken completely before dressing it, or the oil will make the cucumber go soft.
- Add a small spoon of the cold poaching stock to the dressing to loosen it and add depth.
Storing and freezing
Keep the dressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the undressed chicken for up to 3 days. Keep the cucumber separate for the crispest texture.
Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Use 6 boneless skinless thighs and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. They stay juicier than breast and cook to the same safe temperature of 75C.
Is it very hot?
It has a moderate, fragrant heat that depends on your chilli oil. Use half the amount for a milder dressing and add more at the table.
Is the salad gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free master stock and tamari, and it is also dairy free, egg free and nut free. Check your chilli oil label if you buy it ready made.
More made with chinese master stock
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.