How to Make the Best Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad at Home

Hey there! Is it just me, or does the “what’s for dinner” question sometimes feel like the hardest part of the day? I’ve had so many evenings where I’m staring into the fridge, wanting something exciting and delicious but without the energy for a complicated meal. That’s exactly how this incredible spicy peanut chicken salad became a staple in my kitchen. It’s the perfect answer for a quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness. This isn’t your average, boring salad; it’s a full-on flavor explosion that will leave you feeling satisfied and proud of the beautiful dish you just made.

So, if you’re ready to transform your salad game, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15M
• Cooking Time: 15M
• Total Time: 30M
• Type of dish: Salad, Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai-Inspired, American
• Recipe Yield: 4 Servings
• Calories: 550 kcal

Recipe Highlights

Why This Recipe Just Works

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to get it just right, and what I love most is its reliability. The dressing is the true star here. We’re not just thinning out peanut butter; we’re building layers of flavor. The soy sauce brings the salt (the savory “umami” flavor), the honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance everything, the lime juice provides a necessary bright, acidic kick, and the sriracha… well, that brings the heat! It all comes together to create a dressing that coats every single ingredient in the most delicious way.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. Think of this ingredient list as a starting point. I’ll give you my favorite combination, but feel free to swap in whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.

For the Thai Peanut Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: I find that standard creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best here. Natural peanut butters can sometimes separate, but if that’s what you have, just give it a very thorough stir first.
• 1/4 cup Warm Water: This is key to getting a smooth, pourable consistency.
• 3 tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Using low-sodium gives you more control over the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
• 2 tbsp Honey (or Maple Syrup): For that perfect touch of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: This adds a mild, bright tang that really wakes up the dressing.
• 1-2 tsp Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Start with one teaspoon and add more if you like it extra spicy!
• 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way and adds a wonderful, nutty aroma.
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced: Fresh is best!
• 1 tsp Grated Fresh Ginger: This adds a warm, zesty background note.

For the Salad:

• 3 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken: This is the perfect use for a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this a super quick weeknight meal. You can also poach or bake two chicken breasts.
• 1 head of Romaine Lettuce, chopped: I love the crisp crunch of romaine, but butter lettuce or any mixed greens work well too.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced: For sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 cup Shredded Carrots: You can buy these pre-shredded to save even more time.
• 1/2 English Cucumber, sliced into half-moons: They are less watery than regular cucumbers and you don’t have to peel them.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped: This adds a huge burst of freshness that is essential to the salad’s flavor profile.
• 4 Green Onions, thinly sliced: Both the white and green parts add a mild, oniony bite.
• 1/4 cup Chopped Peanuts: For garnish and extra crunch.
• Lime Wedges: For serving.

Let’s Make a Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad! (Step-by-Step)

I like to break this down into three simple stages: making the dressing, prepping the salad components, and putting it all together. It makes the whole process feel organized and effortless.

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dreamy Peanut Dressing

This dressing is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the peanut butter, warm water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Start whisking everything together. At first, it might look a little clumpy or separated—don’t worry! Just keep whisking. The warm water will help the peanut butter loosen up and emulsify with the other ingredients. In about a minute, you’ll have a smooth, creamy, and gloriously fragrant dressing.
3. Taste and Adjust: This is your moment to be the chef. Does it need more heat? Add a bit more sriracha. A little sweeter? A drizzle more honey. Set it aside while you prep the salad.

My Pro Tip: If your dressing is too thick, whisk in another tablespoon of warm water until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable but still thick enough to cling to the chicken and lettuce.

Step 2: Prep and Assemble the Salad

If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, this step comes together in minutes.

1. Shred the Chicken: If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like to use two forks to pull the meat apart. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Dressing: Pour about half of the prepared peanut dressing over the chicken. Toss it gently until every piece is coated. Letting the chicken marinate in the dressing for a few minutes while you chop your veggies really infuses it with flavor.
3. Chop Your Veggies: Wash and chop your romaine lettuce, slice the bell pepper and cucumber, and chop the cilantro and green onions. Having everything ready to go makes assembly a breeze.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

This is the final, rewarding step!

1. Combine Everything: To the large bowl with the dressed chicken, add the chopped romaine, sliced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and cucumber.
2. Toss Gently: Use tongs to gently toss everything together. You want to mix it well without bruising the lettuce. If the salad seems a little dry, drizzle in more of the remaining dressing until it’s coated to your liking.
3. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, stir in most of the fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, saving some for the top. Divide the spicy peanut chicken salad among your plates, garnish with the extra cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. Serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side for a final squeeze of freshness.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is another reason I love it.

• Large Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Tongs for tossing

A Recipe to Keep in Your Back Pocket

This spicy peanut chicken salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution. It’s for those busy weeknights when you deserve something special, for a healthy lunch that actually keeps you full, and for those moments when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s a dish full of life, color, and flavor that I truly hope you love as much as my family and I do.

Happy cooking!

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