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Thai Peanut Chicken Salad - A Fresh, Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Meal

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken: 3 cups shredded or chopped (rotisserie or poached chicken works great).
  • Green or purple cabbage: 4 cups, thinly shredded.
  • Carrots: 2 medium, julienned or shredded.
  • Red bell pepper: 1 large, thinly sliced.
  • Cucumber: 1 small, halved and sliced.
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced.
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped.
  • Roasted peanuts: 1/2 cup, roughly chopped.
  • Sesame seeds (optional): 1 tablespoon, for garnish.
  • Creamy peanut butter: 1/3 cup (natural or regular; adjust salt accordingly).
  • Soy sauce or tamari: 3 tablespoons.
  • Fresh lime juice: 2 tablespoons.
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1–2 tablespoons, to taste.
  • Garlic: 1 clove, finely grated.
  • Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon, finely grated.
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon.
  • Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce: 1–2 teaspoons, to taste.
  • Warm water: 2–4 tablespoons, to thin.

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat. For cooked breasts or thighs, chop or shred into bite-size pieces.
  2. Slice the veggies: Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Chop the cilantro.
  3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha. Add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust sweet, salty, or spicy elements.
  4. Toss the base: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Add about half the dressing and toss to coat.
  5. Add the chicken: Fold in the chicken and most of the cilantro. Add more dressing until everything is lightly coated but not soggy.
  6. Finish and serve: Top with chopped peanuts, remaining cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve right away with lime wedges on the side.
  7. Optional protein boost: Add edamame or sliced avocado on top for extra creaminess and nutrition.