If you’re longing for the famous Panera Chicken Salad, you can now recreate this beloved dish at home! This recipe perfectly captures the flavors of the now-discontinued Panera Spicy Thai Chicken Salad. Featuring juicy grilled chicken, fresh greens, and a mouthwatering Thai peanut dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy option that can be made low-carb.
Why You’ll Love This Panera Chicken Salad Recipe:
- Authentic Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, just like the original Panera Chicken Salad.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level to your taste—make it mild or add extra heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This Panera Chicken Salad is great for quick lunches or as a light dinner option.
Ingredients for Panera Spicy Thai Chicken Salad
Here’s a complete list of ingredients for your Panera Chicken Salad:
- Chicken Breast: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced.
- Fresh Greens: 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce and 1 cup of shredded red cabbage.
- Veggie Additions: 1 cup of cooked shelled edamame, 1 red bell pepper (chopped), and a handful of fresh cilantro (chopped). Feel free to substitute parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
- Toppings: Chopped peanuts or optional wonton strips and sliced almonds for added crunch.
- Thai Peanut Dressing: Made from scratch using:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or low-sugar)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or a sugar-free sweetener for low-carb)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency
How to Make Your Own Panera Chicken Salad
1. Prepare the Thai Peanut Dressing:
The key to this Panera Chicken Salad is the dressing. Here’s how to make it:
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, honey (or a sugar-free alternative), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Whisk together until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water until it reaches your desired consistency. This dressing brings the sweet and spicy flavor that makes the Panera Chicken Salad unforgettable.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Alternatively, you can bake or pan-sear the chicken if grilling isn’t an option.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- Start with a generous base of chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Add the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, cooked edamame, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro.
- Top with the grilled chicken slices.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle the Thai peanut dressing generously over the salad.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or your choice of wonton strips and sliced almonds for that satisfying crunch.
Tips for Making This Panera Chicken Salad Low-Carb
- To make your Panera Chicken Salad low-carb, substitute honey with sugar-free sweeteners like golden monkfruit or Lakanto’s maple syrup.
- Opt for natural peanut butter that contains no added sugars to keep the carb count low.
- While edamame adds protein and texture, you can omit it if you want to further reduce the carb content.
Meal Prep Tips for Your Panera Chicken Salad
This Panera Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to store it effectively:
- Use a 32oz mason jar for optimal freshness. Start by pouring the dressing into the bottom of the jar.
- Layer the grilled chicken and chopped peanuts next.
- Follow with your vegetable toppings: shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, and bell pepper.
- Finally, pack the romaine lettuce at the top. This prevents the greens from getting soggy and ensures everything stays fresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Panera Chicken Salad, simply shake the jar or pour the contents into a bowl for a perfectly layered, delicious meal.
Read More:
Easy Turkey Chili Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
What to Serve with Your Panera Chicken Salad
While this Panera Chicken Salad is hearty enough on its own, you can enhance your meal with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower: A flavorful and low-carb side dish.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crisp and tasty, perfect for veggie lovers.
- Green Beans Almondine: A classic side dish that pairs well with any meal.
For dessert, indulge in Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls or Air Fryer Brownies for a sweet finish to your meal.
Enjoy this homemade Panera Chicken Salad whenever you’re craving that unique mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it as a low-carb option or sticking to the classic recipe, this salad is sure to be a hit and will become a staple in your recipe collection!
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