Dinner

Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken Recipe

Name: Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 cups shredded chicken; 2 English cucumbers; 3 green onions (sliced green and white parts); 1 tablespoon chili crisp; 2 teaspoons 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)

ByRita Bennet February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

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Introduction

This Thai Cucumber Salad with Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal. Crisp cucumbers combined with tender shredded chicken and a rich peanut dressing make for a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

A close-up image shows a silver fork holding a mix of sliced cucumbers and a creamy, orange-colored sauce with small bits. The cucumber slices are green with dark green edges, layered together with the sauce that looks thick and soft. There are small green onion pieces sprinkled on top of the forkful, with some shiny dark brown sauce drizzled over it. The background shows the same mix in a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo is bright and detailed, focusing on the mix on the fork. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Use a mandolin or a sharp kitchen knife to slice the cucumbers into uniform, thin slices. Lay them in a single layer between paper towels, roll them up, and set aside for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the peanut sauce ingredients—peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili crisp, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth. Add the cucumbers, shredded chicken, and sliced green onions, then toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
Step 3: Garnish the salad with additional green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and extra drizzles of chili crisp before serving.

Tips & Variations

If the dressing is too thick, add water or coconut milk a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra cucumbers or tofu.
Adjust the amount of chili crisp to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release more water over time, so toss the salad again before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of thickly sliced cucumber pieces with green skin and pale green insides, mixed with shredded light orange chicken. The cucumber and chicken are coated in a shiny, oily chili sauce with dark red chili flakes and sesame seeds scattered throughout. Small rings and pieces of bright green onion are mixed among the layers, adding contrast to the colors and textures. The overall look is glossy and richly colored, with a mix of smooth, crunchy, and tender textures visible against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cucumber?

Yes, you can use regular slicing cucumbers if English cucumbers are not available. Just be sure to peel and remove the seeds if they are particularly watery to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Is this salad spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much chili crisp you add. You can start with a small amount and increase it to suit your taste for a mild to spicy kick.