Thai-Style Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

By Dr_Mom

To get out of the mayo rut and come up with dinner-size chicken salad recipes with fresh, bold flavors, we turned to vinaigrette dressing. We found that a properly chosen third ingredient, an emulsifier (pureed roasted red peppers, pureed sun-dried tomatoes, or peanut butter), not only provided stability but also contributed interesting flavor. Using a blender to mix the dressings provided insurance against separation. With bright, creamy dressing at the ready, we just stirred in handfuls of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted nuts along with the chicken for a great chicken salad recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 - 3 1/2 pound Whole Chicken
• 1/2 c canola oil
• 3 tbs Smooth Peanut Butter
• 1/2 c fresh lime juice from 3 to 4 limes
• 2 tbls water
• 3 small cloves garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
• 2 tsps finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbls light brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp Hot Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 inch by 1/4-inch matchsticks (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated on large holes of box grater (about 1/2 cup)
• 4 scallions, white and green parts, sliced thin
• 3 tbls minced fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 c chopped toasted peanuts

Preparation

Step 1

1) 1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Roast in a 375-degree oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 165 to 170 degrees, about 1 hour, 10 minutes. When cool, pull the meat off the bones in 2-inch shreds, discarding fat and sinew. Reserve 5 cups for this recipe; set the rest aside for another use. (The chicken can be roasted, shredded, and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.)

2. Puree oil, peanut butter, lime juice, water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in blender until combined. Transfer to large bowl. (Dressing may be made ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated overnight. Whisk to recombine before using.)

3. Add cucumber, carrot, scallions, and cilantro to vinaigrette; toss to combine. Add chicken and toss gently to combine; let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve immediately.