Asian Peanut Crunch Chicken Salad (Sweet & Savory, High-Protein)

Asian Peanut Crunch Chicken Salad is a crisp cabbage-based salad tossed in a bold, sweet-savory asian peanut dressing and topped with juicy chicken thighs and roasted peanuts. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. You can use freshly cooked chicken thighs or substitute with canned chicken for an easy shortcut - and I’ll include exactly what I used.

Ingredients

Servings: 4

Time: 25 minutes

For the Salad

• 6 cups chopped green cabbage

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 1 large cucumber, chopped (not sliced thin)

• 2 green onions, sliced

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 4 cooked chicken thighs (about 1 per serving), sliced(or substitute 3–4 cups canned chicken breast, drained)

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts (for topping)

For the Peanut Dressing (this is double batch)

• 6 tablespoons natural peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use the reduced-sodium one)

• 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 4 tablespoons honey

• 4 garlic cloves, pressed

• 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, chopped carrots, chopped cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Toss well.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, sesame oil, honey, and garlic.

3. Add warm water gradually until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable.

4. Divide salad evenly into 4 bowls.

5. Top each serving with 1 sliced chicken thigh (or canned chicken).

6. Spoon dressing over each serving (about 3–4 tablespoons per serving if using half the batch).

7. Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the top just before serving.

Storage

• Store dressing separately from the salad for best texture.

• Salad (without peanuts) keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

• Dressing thickens in the fridge — whisk in warm water before using.

• Add peanuts right before serving to maintain crunch.

• If using canned chicken, consume within 2–3 days for best freshness.

Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

(Based on 1 chicken thigh, ~3–4 tablespoons dressing, and 1 tablespoon peanuts)

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: ~600–670 kcal

• Protein: ~28–32g

• Carbohydrates: ~35–42g

• Fiber: ~4–5g

• Fat: ~42–48g

What I Used

• Organic Peanut Butter

• Seasoned Rice Vinegar

• Toasted Sesame Oil

• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce

  
  

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