Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 large)

2 firm apples

1 English cucumber

1 5-ounce package baby kale (about 8 cups)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon chopped salted peanuts, optional

Directions:

Bring the soy sauce, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 cup water to a boil in a wide saucepan. Add the chicken in a single layer; reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and simmer, turning occasionally, until just cooked through; about 10 to 15 minutes. Move the chicken to a plate (reserve the liquid). Let cool, then shred.

Peel the sweet potatoes, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Add to the liquid in the saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just tender; about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon (reserve the liquid). Let the potatoes and liquid cool.

Cut the apples into matchsticks. Peel the cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, and thinly slice. Combine the apples, cucumber, kale, sesame seeds, chicken, sweet potatoes, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Toss with the reserved cooking liquid and the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with the peanuts, and serve.

Enjoy your meal!