Griddled Chicken Salad

A simple chicken salad with a spicy Indian twist

15 minutes, plus marinating time prep, 12 minutes cook

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 large skinless chicken breast

1½ tbsps rapeseed or extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large garlic clove, finely grated

1 tsp cumin seeds (roast and ground)

Good fistful of chopped coriander

1½ tbsp lemon juice, or to taste

½ medium-large tomato

½ ripe avocado

¼ red onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced

Handful of chopped lettuce, such as Little Gem

1½ tsp chaat masala

¼ small Indian green finger chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced

1½ tbsp salted peanuts, lightly chopped

Method

Marinate the chicken breast with 1 tsp of the oil, seasoning and the garlic. Leave for 30 minutes if possible.

Heat a griddle pan or frying pan, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side or until done. I like to cover the pan (with another pan) 2 minutes in, to keep the chicken moist. Meanwhile, mix together the remaining olive oil, seasoning, roast cumin and a little each of the coriander and lemon juice.

Chop the tomato and avocado into even 1–2cm cubes. Place in a bowl and add the onion, lettuce, chaat masala, chilli and most of the dressing. Toss well to mix and season to taste. It should be tangy, spicy and well-seasoned. Add more lemon juice if necessary.

When the chicken is done, you can slice it thinly and place on top of the salad, drizzled with the remaining dressing and remaining coriander, or chop into small bites and mix with the salad, dressing and remaining coriander. We also like the flavours to marinate for a bit before serving, so make it up 10–15 minutes before serving if possible. Scatter over the peanuts and serve