There\u2019s something about a hearty slaw that\u2019s hard to resist. This Thai chicken slaw with crispy rice is hearty enough for a meal \u2013 but also works as a side salad, picnic or potluck dish.<\/p>\n
![\"Thai](\"https:\/\/www.cheaprecipeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Thai-chicken-slaw-with-crispy-rice-recipe.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This slaw is an ideal recipe for when you want to eat something healthy and flavorful \u2013 but also satisfying and filling.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s jam-packed with vegetables. But it also has chicken and almonds. And crispy rice. This slaw really does have it all!<\/p>\n
That said, this is Cheap Recipe Blog. And I\u2019m all about substitutions and omissions, when it helps save you money. While great flavor is important, some recipes will still taste great even if some non-essential ingredients are omitted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
See ingredient list, below, for more information.<\/p>\n
What You\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.cheaprecipeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Thai-Chicken-Slaw-With-crispy-rice.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This Thai chicken slaw is full of bright and flavorful ingredients. You\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Cabbage<\/strong>: The base of this slaw is affordable cabbage. You can shred your own or use a package of shredded cabbage or cole slaw mix.<\/li>\n
- Carrots<\/strong>: Regular or baby carrots will work \u2013 use what you have on hand to save money. As a shortcut, you can also purchase a bag of julienned carrots.<\/li>\n
- Red onion<\/strong>: Fresh red onion adds more flavor and crunch. Dice the onion into very small pieces as to not overwhelm the palette!<\/li>\n
- Sugar snap peas<\/strong>: I\u2019m convinced that sugar snap peas make any dish better! They add crunch and a bit of sweetness to the slaw.<\/li>\n
- Red bell pepper<\/strong>: One of my favorite affordable vegetables. I add it to salads and slaws all the time!<\/li>\n
- Mandarin oranges<\/strong>: You can use canned mandarin oranges or fresh ones (Cuties).\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Green onion<\/strong>: I like adding chopped green onion to salads for more freshness and flavor.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Almonds<\/strong>: Sliced, slivered or chopped almonds will work. Sub chopped peanuts, if desired.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Chicken<\/strong>: Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe. But any cooked, shredded chicken will do.<\/li>\n
- Crispy rice<\/strong>: Have you hopped on the crispy rice bandwagon yet? I made some with leftover rice and was surprised how easy it was to make. While this slaw is great without the addition of crispy rice, it adds some extra pizazz to the dish!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Are any of these ingredients optional?<\/strong> Yes! I\u2019m all about creating recipes that are adaptable, with optional ingredients. Why? Because it can save you money.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This recipe is veggie-heavy. If you don\u2019t have red bell pepper or sugar snap peas, for example, feel free to leave them out. They\u2019re not critical to the success of the recipe.<\/p>\n
![\"Crispy](\"https:\/\/www.cheaprecipeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Crispy-rice-for-Thai-chicken-slaw.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Dressing: A Simple Peanut Sauce<\/h2>\n
What kind of dressing goes on a Thai chicken slaw? Peanut sauce, of course!<\/p>\n
I made a super simple peanut sauce with pantry staples. Keep in mind, this peanut sauce recipe is somewhat adaptable. Don\u2019t have brown sugar? Use white granulated sugar instead. Prefer tamari over soy sauce? Not a problem.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Soy sauce (or tamari)<\/li>\n
- Juice from 1 lime (or bottled)<\/li>\n
- Peanut butter<\/li>\n
- Brown sugar (or white granulated sugar)<\/li>\n
- Fresh grated ginger<\/li>\n
- Sriracha sauce (or Thai chili paste)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Thai](\"https:\/\/www.cheaprecipeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Thai-chicken-slaw-with-crispy-rice-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMaking Crispy Rice<\/h2>\n
Crispy rice is all the rage, and for good reason.<\/p>\n
Cooked rice is tossed with some oil and seasonings, then baked until it\u2019s crispy.<\/p>\n
If you have leftover rice in your fridge, use it to make crispy rice! Otherwise, you\u2019ll have to cook fresh rice, let it cool, then proceed with the recipe, below.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.cheaprecipeblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Thai-chicken-slaw-crispy-rice.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSimilar Recipes<\/h2>\n
If you like cabbage-based slaws that are hearty and meal-worthy, check these out:<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that this Thai chicken slaw with crispy rice tastes great fresh. If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare your ingredients (cut veggies, make peanut dressing, make crispy rice) and assemble right before serving.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n \n\nIngredients<\/h2>\n
- \n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t4 cups shredded cabbage (or cole slaw mix)\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 cup julienned carrots\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\tHandful of sugar snap peas, cut in half\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 red bell pepper, chopped\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1\/4 cup diced red onion\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 green onions, chopped\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1\/3 cup slivered almonds\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 1\/2 cups shredded leftover rotisserie chicken\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For crispy rice<\/h3>\n
- \n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 1\/2 to 2 cups leftover rice\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 tablespoon avocado oil\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 teaspoons soy sauce\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1\/2 teaspoon garlic powder\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For peanut dressing<\/h3>\n
- \n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1\/2 cup peanut butter\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 tablespoons soy sauce\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 tablespoons brown sugar\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 teaspoon grated ginger\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (optional)\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\tJuice from 1\/2 lime\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t1 tablespoon hot water\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n
Instructions<\/h2>\n
- \n
- T\ufeffo make crispy rice<\/strong>: Toss all crispy rice ingredients together in a bowl. Spread onto a large baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until rice is golden brown and toasted. Set aside to cool.<\/li>\n
- T\ufeffo make peanut dressing<\/strong>: Place all dressing into a blender. Blend until creamy and uniform. Store in fridge until ready to assemble salad.<\/li>\n
- T\ufeffo assemble salad<\/strong>: Prepare all vegetables. Place all cut vegetables in a large serving bowl. Add mandarin oranges, green onions, almonds, chicken, and crispy rice on top. Top with peanut dressing and toss to evenly coat; serve. <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n
- T\ufeffo make peanut dressing<\/strong>: Place all dressing into a blender. Blend until creamy and uniform. Store in fridge until ready to assemble salad.<\/li>\n
- T\ufeffo make crispy rice<\/strong>: Toss all crispy rice ingredients together in a bowl. Spread onto a large baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until rice is golden brown and toasted. Set aside to cool.<\/li>\n
- Carrots<\/strong>: Regular or baby carrots will work \u2013 use what you have on hand to save money. As a shortcut, you can also purchase a bag of julienned carrots.<\/li>\n