Chicken Apple Coleslaw

Looking for a dish that’s crunchy, tangy, and packed with flavor? Say hello to this Chicken Apple Coleslaw! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy—think tender, shredded chicken paired with crisp apples, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a fresh and healthy side dish or a light meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy, refreshing, and completely customizable to your taste. Trust me, you’ll want this one in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Apple Coleslaw

This dish isn’t just another salad—it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Flavor Explosion:

The combination of juicy apples, savory chicken, and crunchy cabbage gives each bite a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The tangy dressing adds that extra zing, making it irresistible.

Perfect for Any Meal:

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, topping a burger, or enjoying it as a light main course, this coleslaw is versatile enough to fit into any meal. It’s equally great for lunch, dinner, or even as a picnic dish.

Healthy & Refreshing:

Packed with lean chicken, fiber-rich cabbage, and crisp apples, this coleslaw is a nutritious way to get your veggies in while still indulging in something that feels indulgent.

Easy to Make:

If you’re looking for a quick meal or side dish that’s simple to prepare but still full of flavor, this is the one. The ingredients are easy to find, and the prep time is minimal!

Customizable:

You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences—add extra veggies, swap the dressing, or even throw in some nuts for a little crunch. This recipe is your canvas.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this Chicken Apple Coleslaw:

For the Coleslaw:

• Shredded Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken is the base of this coleslaw. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breast. It adds lean protein and a nice savory flavor.
• Shredded Cabbage: This is the classic crunchy base for any coleslaw. You can use a pre-shredded mix or shred it yourself.
• Apple: A crisp, slightly tart apple (like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) adds a lovely sweetness and crunch to the slaw. Slice or chop it into thin strips.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots give the coleslaw some extra color and a mild sweetness that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Green Onion: A bit of sliced green onion adds a hint of sharpness and freshness.
• Celery: Chopped celery provides some crunch and earthiness to balance out the sweetness of the apples.

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing. It’s rich and velvety, binding all the ingredients together.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy, lighter texture to the dressing. It balances the richness of the mayo and makes it slightly healthier.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The acid in the vinegar helps balance the sweetness of the apples and cuts through the creaminess of the dressing.
• Honey: A touch of honey for sweetness—just enough to complement the apples without overpowering them.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, to enhance all the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get into the steps to make this Chicken Apple Coleslaw:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using cooked, shredded chicken, great! If not, cook a chicken breast (or thighs if you prefer), then shred it into bite-sized pieces using a fork. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Apple

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, sliced apple, celery, and green onions. Toss them together to mix well. The apples should be sliced thin to ensure they’re easy to bite into and integrate well with the other veggies.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference—add a little more honey if you like it sweeter or more vinegar if you want a tangy kick.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the veggies and apples. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine everything. Make sure the chicken and veggies are all coated in that creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step isn’t mandatory, but it does help the coleslaw taste even better. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 15g
Vitamin A: 110%
Vitamin C: 30%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Apple Coleslaw

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw is a great dish on its own, but here are some ways to enjoy it with other meals:

As a Side:

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even a veggie burger for a light, refreshing contrast.

As a Topping:

Use it as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. The crunch and creaminess add an extra layer of flavor that takes your dish to the next level.

In a Bowl:

Make it the star of your meal by adding some extra protein like bacon bits, nuts, or even a hard-boiled egg. Serve it in a bowl for a light, satisfying lunch.

With BBQ:

It’s the perfect pairing for BBQ dishes like grilled ribs, pulled chicken, or burgers. The tangy, creamy slaw cuts through the richness of BBQ meat, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips

Add More Crunch:

Feel free to throw in some roasted nuts (like almonds or pecans) or seeds (like sunflower seeds) to give the coleslaw a bit more crunch and texture.

Make it Lighter:

For a lighter version, swap out the mayo for more Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo alternative. You can also reduce the honey for a less sweet dressing.

Make it a Meal:

To turn this into a complete meal, add some quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled shrimp. It’s versatile and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Prep Ahead:

This coleslaw keeps well for a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Swap the Chicken:

If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can replace it with turkey, tofu, or even shrimp for a different protein option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
A1: Yes! Store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast works great for this recipe. It saves you time and is still delicious.

Q2: How long can I store the coleslaw?
A2: The coleslaw keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! This coleslaw actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

Q4: Can I use a different dressing?
A4: Yes, feel free to experiment with different dressings like ranch, vinaigrette, or a tahini dressing. Just be mindful of how the flavors will work with the chicken and apple.

Q5: What can I use instead of apples?
A5: If you’re not an apple fan, you can swap in pears or even grapes for a different kind of sweetness and crunch.

Q6: Can I add nuts or seeds to this coleslaw?
A6: Yes! Roasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds add a great crunch and additional flavor. You can toss them in just before serving.

Q7: How do I make this coleslaw spicier?
A7: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to bring in some heat. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Q8: Can I make this coleslaw without mayo?
A8: Yes, you can use a yogurt-based dressing or even a vinaigrette if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you’re using certified gluten-free mayo and other ingredients.

Q10: Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?
A10: Yes, use dairy-free yogurt or a vegan mayo in place of the Greek yogurt and regular mayo.

Conclusion

This Chicken Apple Coleslaw is the perfect dish to bring some crunch and flavor to your table. Whether you’re using it as a side, a topping, or a meal on its own, it’s a refreshing and satisfying choice. The creamy dressing, sweet apples, and tender chicken create the perfect balance of flavors. So, grab your ingredients and make this coleslaw today—you won’t regret it!

Print