Instructions: Fill a large saucepan three-fourths full with water and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and return to a boil, skimming off any scum that forms on the surface, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Remove the skin from the chicken breasts, bone the breasts and hand shred the meat with the grain into strips about 1/2 inch thick and 2 inches long.

Refill the large saucepan three-fourths full with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and add the salt. Gently pull the strands of noodles apart, then drop them into the boiling water, stirring to separate the strands. When the water comes to a second boil, boil for 1 minute longer. Pour the noodles into a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold running water. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with the peanut oil to keep the noodles from sticking together. Set aside.

If using white sesame seeds, toast them in a small, dry frying pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. If using black sesame seeds, leave them untoasted.

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, bell pepper, carrot, cilantro and toasted or raw sesame seeds. Arrange the cooked noodles in a wide shallow bowl. Scatter the cucumber over the noodles and top with the chicken mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make the dressing, in a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sesame paste, sugar, soy sauce and vinegar. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut or corn oil, sesame oil and chili oil. When hot, add the garlic, ginger and green onion; saute gently until fragrant but not browned, about 15 seconds. Stir in the peanut butter-sesame paste mixture and cook until the mixture begins to form a light syrup, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool to lukewarm.

Pour the warm dressing over the chicken salad and sprinkle with the peanuts. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: Cold shredded chicken in a peanut-sesame dressing is a common component of the exquisitely arranged cold appetizer platters served at Chinese banquets. This salad is as popular among Westerners as it is with the Chinese, and many variations of it are offered in casual dining spots throughout the West.

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