This Asian Chicken Slaw is the perfect balance of deliciousness and nutritiousness. It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare and is perfect for meal prep for lunch or dinner. With just a handful of simple ingredients including an easy three-ingredient honey peanut dressing, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to recipe for when you’re craving something healthy and fresh.
I saw a similar recipe on Instagram by @emthenutritionist and for some reason it took me ages to make, but in the time between first seeing it and first making this Asian Chicken Slaw, it was constantly on my mind. I knew that once I made it, my life would be changed forever. Okay – that’s a bit dramatic, but honestly, this recipe is THAT good.
This is not a cut and paste of the original recipe, of course, but is highly inspired by her recipe only adjusted to be easier and better (in my very humble opinion).
This recipe is packed full of vegetables like carrots and cabbage for fiber and crunch, sweetcorn for an extra crunchy element and a touch of sweetness, chicken thighs (because let’s be real – it’s the best part of a chicken) and a delicious dressing made from honey, peanut butter and soya sauce. The flavours and textures are NEXT LEVEL and I seriously think it’s one of my favourite meals. I’ve literally made it twice in the past week.
This Asian Slaw is a perfect weeknight dinner as it takes 20 minutes to prepare, but it’s also just as good to meal prep in advance for lunch throughout the week. I seriously think you’re going to love it.
Why you’re going to love this Asian Chicken Slaw
- It’s ready in 20 minutes.
- It’s a perfect weeknight dinner.
- It’s great for a meal-prep lunch.
- It’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients.
- The textures and flavors are phenomenal.
- It leaves you feeling satisfied and well-nourished.
- It’s gluten-free and dairy-free (ensure soya sauce is gluten-free if needed).
- It’s good for your soul and your body.
Ingredients and Substitutes
I’ve listed the ingredients below, to see the measurements and the full recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page!
For the dressing:
Peanut Butter – This adds such an irresistible flavor to the slaw that pairs so well with the rest of the flavors. It also adds extra protein and healthy fats. You could alternatively use any other nut butter or sunflower seed butter to make this slaw nut-free.
Honey – Adds a delicious sweetness to the slaw without the use of refined sugars.
Soya Sauce – Pairs deliciously with the peanut and honey flavor and adds a salty element to complement the sweetness from the honey. Ensure your soya sauce is gluten-free if needed.
For the Asian Chicken Slaw:
Asian Slaw Mix – You can buy this in most grocery stores. I like to buy a rainbow slaw which consists of shredded carrot, red cabbage and kale (rainbow slaw). You can also buy these ingredients separately and cut the up finely yourself, as this would be a lot more affordable!
Red Onion – This is optional, but I adore red onion so I like to slice up fine strips of red onion and add it in for extra texture and flavor.
Sweetcorn – Adds a delicious sweetness, crunch and extra fiber. I use frozen sweetcorn and soak it in some boiling water for a couple of minutes before draining and adding it in. You can also use tinned sweetcorn or fresh, cooked sweetcorn. If you don’t like sweetcorn you can use edamame beans or omit it completely.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Although higher in fat, I would choose chicken thighs over breasts ANY day. It’s quicker and easier to cook, and nearly impossible to make it dry. You can use chicken breasts instead if you like.
equipment needed
Non-Stick Frying Pan OR Airfryer (to cook the chicken)
Chopping Board and Knife
Large Bowl
Small Bowl (for the dressing)
How to make Asian Chicken Slaw with Honey Peanut Dressing
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this Asian Chicken Slaw; I’ve also included some photos, and you can watch the recipe video here. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Make the dressing by adding the peanut butter, honey and soya sauce to a small bowl. Add some water to thin the dressing out.
Step Two:
Heat a frying pan to medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil if your pan is not non-stick then add the chicken thighs in an even layer. Leave to cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Don’t disturb the chicken, unless to just check it’s not burning.
To airfry the chicken: Airfry for twelve minutes at 200C / 375F for twelve minutes or cooked though.
Step Three:
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step Four:
Prepare the vegetables – thinly slice the carrot and cabbage if you’re not using a shop-bought slaw mix, and slice the red onion thinly.
Step Five:
If using frozen sweetcorn: add to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to soak for a few minutes until defrosted, then drain.
Step Six:
Add the prepped vegetables, sweetcorn, chicken and dressing to a large bowl and mix until well combined.
Step Seven:
Enjoy straight away or divide between two meal-prep containers.
Extra Tips for making Asian Chicken Slaw
Prep Ahead – You can easily double the recipe to prepare more portions ahead of time.
Customize to Taste – Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your personal preferences. Taste and adjust the dressing as needed by adding more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or peanut butter for creaminess.
Serve with Garnishes – Serve the Asian Chicken Slaw with extra garnishes like lime wedges, chopped scallions, or fresh cilantro on the side. This allows everyone to customize their dish according to their taste preferences.
By incorporating these extra ideas and tips, you can elevate the flavors and textures of the Asian Chicken Slaw and create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting and happy cooking!
Spice up your Slaw
Here are some additional ideas to spice up the Asian Chicken Slaw recipe.
Extra Spices and Seasonings – Experiment with adding spices and seasonings to the chicken before cooking, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Chinese five-spice powder. This will add depth of flavor to the dish.
Sauce Variations – Instead of the honey peanut dressing, try other Asian-inspired dressings such as a sesame ginger dressing, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a tangy hoisin sauce. You can also mix and match dressings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Crunchy Toppings – Add extra crunch and flavor by topping the slaw with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried shallots, or crunchy chow mein noodles.
Fresh Additions – Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint for an added burst of freshness and flavor. You can also add thinly sliced jalapeños or red chili peppers for a spicy kick.
Protein Options – Instead of chicken thighs, try using grilled shrimp, thinly sliced beef or pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Marinate the protein in Asian-inspired flavors for added taste.
Additional Vegetables – Amp up the vegetable content by adding shredded lettuce, thinly sliced bell peppers, julienned cucumbers, or snap peas for extra color and texture.
Customize the Slaw Mix – Customize the slaw mix by adding other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli slaw, Brussels sprouts, or thinly sliced kale. You can also mix in some thinly sliced fruits like apples or mangoes for a touch of sweetness.
Double the Dressing – If you like your slaw extra saucy, double the dressing recipe and toss the slaw generously to coat it evenly. You can always reserve extra dressing for serving on the side.
How to store this Asian Chicken Slaw
To store Asian Chicken Slaw with Honey Peanut Dressing, follow these instructions to maintain its freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration: Store the prepared slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slaw can be stored for up to 3-4 days without compromising its quality.
Separation: If possible, store the dressing separately from the slaw to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Place the dressing in a small, airtight container or jar and keep it in the refrigerator.
Assembly Before Serving: If you’re meal prepping for multiple days, assemble individual portions of the slaw with the dressing just before serving. This ensures that the vegetables remain crisp and fresh.
Avoid Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Asian Chicken Slaw as the texture of the vegetables and the dressing may change upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
Refreshing: If the slaw seems a bit wilted before serving, you can refresh it by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or tossing in some additional fresh herbs like cilantro.
Extra Dressing: If you have leftover dressing, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Before using it again, give it a good stir or shake to recombine any separated ingredients.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of Asian Chicken Slaw with Honey Peanut Dressing for several days, whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner.
FAQ
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the chicken or substitute it with tofu or tempeh. For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives for honey (such as agave nectar or maple syrup) and soy sauce (ensure it’s labeled as vegan).
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or even grilled fish. Marinate the protein in Asian-inspired flavors for best results.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter in the dressing?
Certainly! You can use any nut or seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives. You can also omit the nut butter entirely if needed.
How can I prevent the slaw from becoming soggy?
To prevent the slaw from becoming soggy, avoid mixing it with the dressing until just before serving. Store the dressing separately and toss it with the slaw right before eating to maintain its crispiness.
Can I customize the vegetables in the slaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the slaw by adding or omitting vegetables according to your preference. You can include additional vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture (read the “Additional Extras” section for more ideas!)
more easy and healthy meal-prep recipes
- The BEST Sushi Burritos (perfect for meal-prep)
- Easy and Healthy Bolognese Tacos (perfect for meal prep!)
- Easy Pumpkin and Couscous Salad
- Chickpea Pesto Couscous Salad
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Asian Chicken Slaw with Honey Peanut Dressing
Equipment
- Frying Pan or air-fryer
Ingredients
Honey Peanut Dressing
- 30 g Smooth Peanut Butter (2 tbsp)
- 20 g Honey 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp Soya Sauce
- 3-4 tbsp Water
Slaw Ingredients
- 260 g Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs 4-5 thighs (see notes for protein substitutes)
- 300 g Slaw Mix (3 cups – see notes)
- 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 160 g Sweetcorn, frozen, tinned or fresh (1 cup)
Instructions
- Add dressing ingredients to the small bowl and mix with a fork until smooth. Add more water as needed to thin.
- Heat frying pan to medium-high heat then add cook the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (or air-fry for 12 minutes @200℃/390℉, flipping halfway).
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the frozen sweetcorn in a bowl and cover with boiling water for a few minutes until defrosted OR drain and rinse tinned sweetcorn.
- Add slaw, red onion, sweetcorn, chicken and dressing to the large bowl.
- Mix well and enjoy!
