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Chicken Salad with Cabbage, Carrots, and Cilantro
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5 from 4 votes

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad

This delicious and crunchy Thai chicken salad is super easy to make. It's healthy, refreshing, and delicious. This Thai salad is a also a great make ahead or meal prep salad.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 6 people
Author: Tania

Ingredients

Chicken (or you can also use rotisserie chicken instead)

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Salad

  • 5 to 6 cups sliced Napa cabbage
  • 2 cups chopped cilantro
  • 2 cups shredded or matchstick carrots
  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, tops removed and sliced
  • 3/4 cup roasted peanuts

Thai Sweet Chili Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce (I like using Mae Ploy's brand)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons rice vinegar, plus more as desired
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise. Then, add the chicken breasts and the chicken broth to a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover with the lid, reduce to a simmer, and cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 15-18 minutes, depending on how thick the chicken breasts are. Transfer the chicken to a plate (leave the broth behind) and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, shred the chicken. Set aside.
  • Make the sweet chili dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or a container with a lid. Cover and shake until well-combined. Taste and adjust ingredient proportions if needed. I like my dressing on the less tangy so I go easy on the vinegar, so definitely adjust to taste. Set aside.
  • Assemble the salad: Add all the salad ingredients and shredded cooked chicken to a large bowl. Gradually add the prepared dressing (the amount you want) and toss to combine. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Special Equipment: microplane zester, salad spinner (to wash and dry the Napa cabbage).
  • Chicken: Feel free to use a rotisserie chicken breast instead of cooking the chicken on the stove. Be sure to remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken first.
  • Make ahead: All ingredients can be prepped ahead of time and stored in airtight containers. When ready to serve, add the dressing and toss to combine.