Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 3/4 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons wasabi powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons water
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 2 heads boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1 large Asian pear, halved cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 seedless cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced on the bias
  • 2 scallions, white parts and green parts, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup roasted wasabi peas, coarsely chopped

Method

  • In a large saucepan, cover the chicken breasts with water and bring to a gentle simmer; cook over moderately low heat until the chicken is white throughout, about 12 minutes.
  • Transfer the poached chicken breasts to a plate and let stand until cooled slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the rice vinegar, wasabi powder, Asian sesame oil and 1 1/2 tablespoons of water and season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large serving bowl, toss the lettuce with the Asian pear slices, cucumber, scallions, bean sprouts and 2/3 cup of the wasabi dressing.
  • Slice the chicken breasts crosswise 1/4 inch thick and lay the slices on top of the salad.
  • Spoon the remaining wasabi dressing over the chicken breasts, sprinkle with the chopped wasabi peas and.
  • Serve at once.