Pulled Chicken Bowl with Coleslaw and Avocado

Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting

Pulled chicken delivers high-quality complete protein that triggers satiety hormones and supports muscle preservation after a fast. The full-fat coleslaw dressing — made with olive oil mayo and apple cider vinegar — adds fats that slow gastric emptying and keep you full for hours. Avocado contributes both healthy monounsaturated fat and potassium, an electrolyte that's often depleted during fasting. Together, this bowl provides a balanced, nutrient-dense first meal without spiking insulin.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 400g chicken breast or thighs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 120ml chicken stock or water

For the coleslaw:

• 200g white or red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 small carrot, grated (optional — small amount for colour)
• 3 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise (no-sugar variety)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard

To serve:

• 1 large ripe avocado, halved and sliced
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
• Squeeze of lemon or lime

Instructions

1. Season the chicken. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chicken pieces.

2. Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Add the stock, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and tender.

3. Pull the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan. Use two forks to shred it into thin strips. Return to the pan and toss briefly in the remaining juices. Remove from heat.

4. Make the coleslaw. While the chicken cooks, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot (if using) in a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss well to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

5. Assemble the bowls. Divide the pulled chicken between two bowls. Add a generous portion of coleslaw alongside. Fan the avocado slices next to the chicken. Scatter fresh herbs on top and finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrition is approximate and depends on specific ingredients used.

Fasting Compatibility

This bowl suits 16:8, 18:6, and OMAD eating windows equally well. The protein-to-fat ratio supports muscle preservation and sustained energy for the rest of the eating window. The apple cider vinegar in the coleslaw dressing supports digestion and insulin sensitivity — a useful addition immediately after breaking a fast.

Related Recipes

• Salmon and avocado salad
• Chicken caesar salad without croutons
• Tuna stuffed avocado halves

This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.