Name: Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 3 Cups Water; 1 Bayleaf; ½ Inch Ginger; 1 – 2 Star Anise; ½ Teaspoon Peppercorns; ½ Teaspoon Coriander Seeds; 1 Teaspoon Lime Juice; 1 Teaspoon Salt; 2 Chicken Boneless Breasts (Approx. 275 Gms); 2 Cucumbers (Diagonally Cut And Sliced); ¼ Cup Skinless Roasted And Coarsely Crushed Peanuts (Preferably Unsalted); ½ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves; ½ Cup Fresh Coriander Leaves; 2 Tablespoons Chopped Spring Onions; 1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds; 1 Tablespoon Garlic (minced); 1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter; 1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce; 1 Teaspoon Crushed Sichuan Peppercorns; 1 Teaspoon Chilli Flakes; 1 Teaspoon Korean Chilli Powder (Gochugaru, can substitute with regular chilli powder); ¼ Teaspoon Salt; 1 Teaspoon Honey; 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil (Groundnut, Canola, Rice Bran, or Sunflower Oil); 2 Teaspoons Vinegar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

If you love bold flavors paired with refreshing textures, then this Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a vibrant dish that perfectly balances the cooling crispness of cucumbers with the warm, fiery kick of a homemade chili oil dressing. Tender poached chicken mingles with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts, making it a dazzling plate full of contrasts. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a standout dinner side, this salad delivers intense flavor without overwhelming your palate. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe, it’ll be a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a dark reddish-brown sauce that has many small white sesame seeds floating on the surface. A silver spoon is resting in the bowl, holding some of the sauce, showing its thick, shiny texture with sesame seeds mixed in. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface and there is a folded gray cloth nearby. The sauce looks rich and dense with small bits of ingredients visible through the liquid photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right is key to nailing this salad’s fresh and spicy profile. Each component is carefully selected to bring out the perfect harmony of heat, freshness, and crunch.

3 Cups Water: The base for gently poaching the chicken to juicy perfection.
1 Bayleaf: Adds subtle earthy aroma while poaching the chicken.
½ Inch Ginger: Gives a warm, zingy undertone that complements the chicken.
1 – 2 Star Anise: Infuses a mild licorice-like fragrance to the poaching liquid.
½ Teaspoon Pepper Corns: Adds a gentle peppery spice in the broth.
½ Teaspoon Coriander Seeds: Light citrus notes boost the flavor of the poached chicken.
1 Teaspoon Lime Juice: Brings a bright, tangy freshness to balance the heat.
1 Teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and seasons the chicken perfectly.
2 Chicken Boneless Breasts (Approx. 275 Gms): The main protein, kept tender and juicy through poaching.
2 Cucumbers (Diagonally Cut And Sliced): Crisp and refreshing, providing a cool contrast to the spicy dressing.
¼ Cup Skinless (Roasted And Coarsely Crushed Peanuts, Preferably Unsalted): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
½ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves: Offers a burst of herbal coolness.
½ Cup Fresh Coriander Leaves: Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness.
2 Tablespoon Chopped Spring Onions: Sharp, oniony notes for extra flavor layers.
1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds toasty nuttiness and visual appeal.
1 Tablespoon Garlic: Key for making that spicy, aromatic dressing.
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter: Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the dressing.
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce: Brings salty umami depth and balances sweetness.
1 Teaspoon Crushed Sichuan Peppercorns: Adds tingling numbing heat for complexity.
1 Teaspoon Chilli Flakes: Delivers pure spicy punch.
1 Teaspoon Korean Chilli Powder (Gochugaru, Sub With Regular Chilli Powder): Provides smoky heat and vibrant color.
¼ Teaspoon Salt: Balances the dressing flavors perfectly.
1 Teaspoon Honey: A touch of sweetness to mellow the heat.
2 Tablespoon Cooking Oil (Groundnut, Canola, Rice Bran, or Sunflower): Essential for creating the spicy chili oil that ties it all together.
2 Teaspoon Vinegar: Adds sharp acidity to brighten the salad.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil with your bayleaf, ginger, star anise, peppercorns, and coriander seeds. This aromatic broth infuses the chicken with delicate layers of flavor. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts and immediately turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let the chicken gently cook in the hot water for 20 to 25 minutes. This method keeps it juicy and tender without drying it out.

Step 2: Let the Chicken Rest and Shred

After poaching, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent. Then, shred the chicken finely—this will help it blend beautifully with the crunchy cucumbers and spicy dressing later.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Salad Dressing

In a bowl, combine garlic, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, chili flakes, Korean chili powder, half the toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Heat your cooking oil until just smoking hot and pour it right over this spice mix. The sizzling oil unlocks the bold flavors, creating an irresistible chili oil.

Step 4: Make the Dressing Sauce

Next, stir peanut butter, light soy sauce, honey, and chopped spring onions into your spicy mix. If it looks too thick, add a spoonful or two of reserved poaching liquid to loosen it up. This creamy and spicy dressing is the heart of the salad, tying all the flavors together in a silky embrace.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

On a large serving platter, layer your cucumber slices as the foundation. Next, spread the shredded chicken evenly on top. Now sprinkle roasted crushed peanuts, fresh mint and coriander leaves, along with the remaining spring onions. Finally, top the salad generously with the leftover toasted sesame seeds for a toasty finish.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Pour your freshly made spicy chili oil dressing all over the salad. You can serve it right away to enjoy those bold textures separately or toss everything together for a harmonious mix of flavors in each bite. Either way, this vibrant dish bursts with layers of heat, herbs, and crunchiness that keeps you coming back for more.

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe

A white plate holds a fresh salad with three main layers: the bottom layer is leafy green lettuce and mint leaves spread across the plate, the middle layer consists of thin cucumber strips arranged around the edges and on top, and the top layer features white shredded chicken mixed with a chunky reddish-brown spicy sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs and crushed peanuts. Next to the plate is a white bowl with a reddish chili sauce containing sesame seeds and a spoon inside it. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface with scattered chopped green herbs and crushed peanuts, and a gray textured cloth is partially visible near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A great way to elevate this salad is by adding extra fresh herbs like mint or coriander leaves on top. Crushed peanuts not only add crunch but also enhance the nutty flavors. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds finishes it beautifully with subtle earthiness and texture.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone light meal but pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cold noodles to soak up the vibrant spicy dressing. For more variety, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a simple miso soup for a wholesome Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its colorful layers or build mini salad cups using endive leaves for a fun appetizer twist. If you want to impress guests, arrange it on a big platter garnished with edible flowers and extra herbs for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days if stored in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate if possible and toss just before serving to maintain the cucumbers’ crispness.

Freezing

Since the salad relies on fresh vegetables and herbs, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers and herbs lose their texture and freshness when thawed.

Reheating

If you prefer warm chicken salad, gently reheat shredded chicken only (not the salad) in a microwave or on the stovetop before assembling with fresh cucumbers and dressing. Avoid reheating the whole salad to keep the crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the poached chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh. Make sure to keep the spicy dressing and fresh veggies—the core flavors will still shine beautifully.

Is this salad very spicy?

The heat level is adjustable. The combination of chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, and Korean chili powder gives it a moderate kick. You can tone it down by reducing the chili quantities to suit your preference.

What can I substitute for Sichuan peppercorns?

If Sichuan peppercorns are hard to find, you can omit them or replace with a small pinch of black pepper and a dash of lemon zest to mimic the citrusy notes.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

From start to finish, it takes about 55 minutes including poaching and prep. Most of the time is hands-off while the chicken cooks and rests.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie or boiled chicken works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and dressing thickness with a splash of water or lime juice.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad Recipe is truly a flavor bomb that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly spicy. It’s one of those dishes that feel special but come together without fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know—because good food is best enjoyed with friends. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with vibrant, bold flavors!