Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Name: Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded chicken; 2 English cucumbers; 3 green onions (sliced green and white parts); Toppings: chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1-2 tablespoons water or coconut milk (if needed); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

kate

Update : March 24, 2026

Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken in a vibrant bowl garnished with herbs

why make this recipe

This salad is fresh, quick, and full of flavor. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in minutes. It pairs well with rice or noodles and makes a light lunch or a side for dinner.

introduction

This Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken mixes crunchy cucumbers, shredded chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing. The sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and a little spicy from chili crisp. You can make it fast with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.

how to make Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Slice the cucumbers thin and remove extra water by wrapping them in paper towels. Let them sit a few minutes.
Whisk the peanut sauce ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
Add cucumbers, shredded chicken, and sliced green onions to the bowl.
Toss everything so the sauce coats the cucumbers and chicken well.
Garnish with extra green onion, toasted sesame seeds, and drizzles of chili crisp.

Ingredients :

1.5 cups shredded chicken
2 english cucumbers
3 green onions (sliced green and white parts)
toppings: chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili crisp
1 clove garlic (minced)
1-2 tablespoons water or coconut milk (if needed)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions :

Use a mandolin or a sharp kitchen knife to slice the cucumbers into uniform, thin slices.
Lay them in a single layer in between paper towels, roll them up, and set aside to remove excess moisture for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, add in all the peanut sauce ingredients. Whisk together until smooth.
Add the cucumbers, chicken, and green onions, and toss to coat in the sauce until they are well-coated.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzles of chili crisp.

how to serve Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Serve cold or at room temperature. Put it over steamed rice, cold rice noodles, or on a bed of greens. Add extra chili crisp at the table for more heat.

how to store Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will get softer over time. If you plan to keep it longer, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.

tips to make Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken

Pat cucumbers dry to keep the salad from getting soggy.
Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
Thin the peanut sauce with water or coconut milk if it is too thick.
Taste the sauce and adjust lime, honey, or soy to match your preference.

variation (if any)

Add chopped roasted peanuts for crunch.
Swap crunchy peanut butter for smooth if you prefer.
Use thinly sliced bell pepper or carrot for more color and crunch.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with firm tofu.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
A: Yes. Peel and remove seeds if they are large, then slice thin.

Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: It can be mild. Add more chili crisp if you want more heat.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and store it in the fridge up to 3 days. Mix with cucumbers and chicken before serving.

Q: Can I use peanut butter alternatives?
A: Yes. Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have allergies. Adjust salt and sweetness to taste.

Conclusion

For extra recipe ideas and a similar take on this dish, see Thai Chicken and Cucumber Salad – FoodieCrush.com which shows another way to mix chicken and cucumber. For a version made to go with chicken satay and simple tips, check Thai Cucumber Salad (for Chicken Satay) – The Food Charlatan.