Go Back

Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

A refreshing salad featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that offers a vibrant mix of flavors.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 pieces) Tender and juicy, these chicken breasts form the core of your salad.
  • 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced Bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet, they add a refreshing crunch.
  • 1 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced Cool and crisp, they provide a hydrating element.
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned Sweet, crunchy strips that add color and texture.
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped A burst of herbaceous flavor that elevates every bite.

For the Dressing

  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter Rich and nutty, it forms the base of the dressing.
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce Adds umami and a savory depth.
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed Zing of acidity that brightens the flavors.
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup A touch of sweetness to balance savory notes.
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil Provides a hint of nuttiness.
  • to taste Sriracha A kick of heat for those who enjoy a spicy finish.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Chicken

  • Heat a dash of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts and sear for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Letting the Chicken Cool

  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing the Vegetables

  • Chop the bell peppers, slice the cucumbers, and julienne the carrots into thin strips.

Making the Dressing

  • In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and Sriracha until smooth and creamy.

Combining the Salad

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced chicken and all the prepared vegetables.
  • Pour the peanut dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat every ingredient well.

Serving

  • Garnish the salad with the chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

For added crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top. For a creamier dressing, increase the peanut butter slightly or mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt. For more robust flavor, marinate the chicken in the dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
Keyword Easy Chicken Salad, Healthy Salad, meal prep, Peanut Dressing, Thai Peanut Chicken Salad