Chicken Coleslaw

Some people might only know coleslaw as shredded cabbage and other vegetables mixed with a mayonnaise-based dressing. This recipe for Thai chicken coleslaw showcases the depth of the coleslaw catalog.

This dish is an absolute delight for the senses, bringing complementary and contrasting flavors together in perfect harmony. It’s tangy from the lime juice with a hint of umami from the soy, and the Sriracha‘s heat balances the honey’s sweetness. You get pungency from the ginger and garlic, and a lovely nuttiness from both the peanut butter and sesame oil.

The dressing is simply combined with premade coleslaw mix and grocery-store rotisserie chicken, so it all comes together without too much effort. Fresh cilantro is essential to livening up the palate, and peanuts sprinkled over the top add a solid crunch.

Chicken Coleslaw Ingredients

• Lime juice
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Creamy peanut butter
• Honey
• Sriracha chili sauce
• Garlic
• Fresh gingerroot or ground ginger
• Sesame oil

Salad:

• Coleslaw mix
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Green onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Honey-roasted peanuts (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Make the dressing

Whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, chili sauce, garlic, ginger and sesame oil until everything is well blended.

Editor’s Tip: Instead of a bowl, consider using a glass jar with a sealable lid. Pour all the ingredients into the jar and shake until the dressing is well blended. Use the jar itself to store any leftover dressing.

Step 2: Combine the coleslaw ingredients

Place the coleslaw mix, chicken, green onion and cilantro in a large bowl, and toss them with the dressing. Refrigerate the coleslaw, covered, for one hour. If desired, sprinkle each serving with the honey-roasted peanuts.

Editor’s Tip: Refrigeration is a crucial step that allows the coleslaw and chicken to absorb the dressing, letting all the flavors meld together.

How to Store Chicken Coleslaw

Keep the Thai chicken coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to four days. If the flavors taste a little flat after being in the fridge, toss in a little more dressing before serving to liven it up.

Chicken Coleslaw Tips

How do you serve chicken coleslaw salad?

While this is a great dish to have on its own, you can also put it on soft tortillas and make your own Thai chicken tacos. One of our favorite ways to use this Thai chicken coleslaw is to wrap it in rice paper to make fresh spring rolls. You could also add it to cold sandwiches or serve it with barbecue recipes for a refreshing touch.

Is there a difference between coleslaw and slaw?

There is a difference, although it’s a minor one. The main thing that separates coleslaw from slaw is that coleslaw always includes cabbage, while slaw can be made from various raw, shredded vegetables like carrots, kale and broccoli. Cabbage or no cabbage, coleslaw mix recipes will liven up any meal they’re served with.

Can you use other proteins besides chicken in this chicken coleslaw salad?

You sure can. Thinly slice some grilled steak, using cuts like sirloin or skirt steak, and add it to the coleslaw to replace the rotisserie chicken. Alternatively, you could use grilled shrimp or tofu if you don’t eat red meat.

Can you make chicken coleslaw ahead of time?

You can make this recipe ahead of time, but we suggest keeping the dressing and the slaw mix separate and mixing them an hour before serving. This will prevent the coleslaw from losing its crunchy texture.