Refreshing Bon Bon Chicken Recipe with shredded chicken, crunchy cucumber, and a savory sesame-soy dressing. Simple, flavorful, and easy!
Some recipes just stick with you. You know the kind—where one bite transports you right back to a moment? That’s what Bon Bon Chicken does for me.
I first had this dish at a tiny, no-frills restaurant that specialized in Sichuan cold dishes. It was the middle of summer, and my friend insisted that this was the thing to order. I didn’t argue—I love a good chicken dish. When it arrived, I was a little skeptical. Just a plate of shredded chicken and cucumbers? But the moment I took a bite—wow. The chicken was tender, the cucumbers were crisp, and that sesame-soy dressing? Absolute magic. It was the kind of dish that felt simple but had layers of flavor that kept me coming back for more.
Naturally, I had to recreate it. The first time I made it, I didn’t quite get the balance right. Too much sesame oil, not enough vinegar—it was fine, but it didn’t have that same wow factor. After a few tweaks (and a couple of taste-testing nights with my very patient family), I finally found the perfect balance. Now, it’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
So, if you’re looking for something easy yet shockingly good, this Bon Bon Chicken Recipe is it.
Why You’ll Love This Bon Bon Chicken Recipe?
- It’s foolproof. Seriously—steam, shred, mix, and you’re done.
- Light yet flavorful. The crisp cucumber and juicy chicken make a great contrast.
- Perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit!
- Customizable. Like it spicy? Want a different protein? Easy tweaks make this your own.
- Ridiculously refreshing. This is the dish for when it’s too hot to cook a heavy meal.
Ingredient Notes:
The best recipes don’t need fancy ingredients—just the right ones. Here’s why each one matters:
- Chicken Breast: Lean, simple, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors in the sauce. Steaming keeps it juicy.
- Japanese Cucumber: Slightly sweeter and crunchier than regular cucumbers. Prepping it with salt makes the texture even better.
- Hot Water, Sugar & Salt (◎): A little pre-seasoning goes a long way in making the chicken tender and flavorful.
- White Sesame Seeds (★): Toasting them for a few seconds unlocks their real nutty, rich flavor.
- Soy Sauce (★): Adds that deep, salty umami kick.
- Oyster Sauce (★): Just a small amount makes the dressing richer and slightly sweet.
- Sesame Oil (★): You have to have this. It gives the dish its signature nutty aroma.
- Vinegar (★): The acidity balances out the richness. Rice vinegar works best, but apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
- Sugar (★): Just a touch makes the dressing smoother and rounds out the flavors.
How To Make Bon Bon Chicken?
This recipe is all about keeping it simple but making it taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Step 1. Prep the Chicken
Flatten the chicken breast slightly so it cooks evenly—trust me, it makes a difference.
Step 2. Steam and Chill the Chicken
Mix hot water, sugar, and salt in a ziplock bag, add the chicken, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then steam it until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
After steaming, let the chicken cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep it juicy and makes it easier to shred.
Step 3. Prep the Cucumber
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Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt on a cutting board, roll the cucumber over it while pressing down gently. This technique draws out excess moisture and gives the cucumber the perfect crunch. Wrap it in a paper towel and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Once it’s chilled, slice it diagonally, then cut those slices into thin strips.
Step 4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together all the ★ ingredients: sesame seeds, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5. Assemble and Serve
On a plate, layer the shredded chicken and sliced cucumber. Drizzle the dressing generously over the top. Toss gently, and you’re ready to eat!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits!
- Freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers won’t hold up well, and the dressing will lose its freshness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Here are some easy swaps:
- Add some heat: Stir chili oil or red pepper flakes into the dressing.
- Try a different protein: Shredded poached shrimp or even tofu work great.
- Use a different cucumber: Persian cucumbers work just as well if you can’t find Japanese cucumbers.
- Less sweet? More tangy? Adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
What to Serve with Bon Bon Chicken?
This dish is light but pairs perfectly with a few sides:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Because sauce + rice = perfection.
- Chilled Soba Noodles: A refreshing and filling combo.
- Miso Soup: A warm, comforting contrast to the cool chicken and cucumber.
- Edamame: Simple, protein-packed, and complements the flavors.
- Pickled Vegetables: The extra tang pairs beautifully with the sesame dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Definitely! Thighs are juicier, but they’ll take a little longer to steam.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just stir before using.
Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?
Of course! It’s traditionally served cold, but it’s great warm too. Just skip the chilling step.
And that’s it! A Bon Bon Chicken Recipe that’s light, flavorful, and way easier than it looks. Give it a try, and let me know—did you stick to the recipe, or did you put your own twist on it? Either way, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 100 grams chicken breast
- 1 Japanese cucumber
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt for cucumber
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken breast slightly with a knife to ensure even cooking. This step helps the chicken absorb the marinade more effectively.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a resealable plastic bag, combine the hot water, sugar, and salt (◎). Place the chicken inside, seal the bag, and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Allow it to rest while preparing the other ingredients.
Steam the Chicken
- Transfer the marinated chicken to a steamer and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the heat, allow it to cool slightly, and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling enhances the texture and flavor.
Prepare the Cucumber
- Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of salt on a cutting board and roll the whole cucumber over it while applying light pressure. This technique removes excess moisture and enhances the crispness. Wrap the cucumber in a paper towel and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Slice the Cucumber
- Once chilled, cut the cucumber diagonally into thin slices, then stack and cut them into fine strips.
Prepare the Sesame Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the white sesame seeds, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar (★). Stir well until fully blended.
Assemble the Dish
- Shred the chilled chicken into thin strips and arrange it on a serving plate along with the prepared cucumber. Drizzle the sesame dressing evenly over the top.
Serve
- This dish is traditionally served chilled, making it ideal for warm days. Enjoy as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Soy Sauce: Substitute with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
- Oyster Sauce: Ensure you use a gluten-free version, as some brands contain wheat.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!