Chicken Thighs with Crunchy Summer Veg

Ingredients for Chicken Thighs with Crunchy Summer Veg

• 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 800g total)

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

• 3 small cucumbers (such as Persian or kirby), cut into 1" pieces

• 1 watermelon radish or kohlrabi, 1/2 fennel bulb, or 4" piece daikon, very thinly sliced

• 1 bunch red radishes, trimmed, very thinly sliced

• 1 bunch spring onions, sliced 1/2" thick

• 3 tablespoons (or more) red wine vinegar

• Lightly crushed salted pita chips (for serving)

Heat a medium heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium.

Meanwhile, place chicken thighs, skin side down, on a work surface. Using a paring knife and working one at a time, cut a 1/2"-deep slash along both sides of thigh bone. This will help the thighs cook a little more quickly and evenly. Add oil to pan.

Season chicken on both sides with salt, then sprinkle all over with mustard seeds and fennel seeds, patting to adhere. Place chicken in skillet skin side down, and cook, undisturbed, until skin is very deeply browned and crisp and chicken is about 75 percent cooked through, 18–20 minutes. Some seeds will end up in the pan, which is fine as they will flavour the oil. Spoon out any that are burning. Turn chicken and cook on second side until just cooked through, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer to a platter and let rest 10 minutes.

While the chicken rests, toss cucumbers, watermelon radish, red radishes, spring onions, vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.

Cut chicken off the bone, then slice crosswise into 1 1/2"–2" pieces.

Gently toss chicken and pita chips into salad. Taste and season with more vinegar and/or salt if needed.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.