Chinese Chicken Salad

Name: Chinese Chicken Salad
Ingredients: For the chicken:; 2 quarts water; 1/2 tablespoon sea salt; 1 star anise; 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorn; 1 head garlic, sliced in half; One 1-inch piece ginger, crushed with the side of a knife; A few sprigs cilantro; 1 scallion, cut into 3 to 4 pieces; 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound); For the salad and dressing:; 1 napa cabbage; 1 medium carrot, cut into matchstick-size slivers on a mandoline; 1 cup mung bean sprouts; 1 cucumber, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch moons; 2 scallions, both the white and green parts, cut thin on the bias; 1/3 cup matchstick-sized slivered radishes; 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1/2 cup whole cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup whole mint leaves (optional); 1/2 cup whole Thai basil leaves (optional); 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots (optional)