Spicy grilled chicken with crunchy fennel salad recipe

Ingredients for Spicy grilled chicken with crunchy fennel salad

• 680 g skinless, boneless chicken thighs

• kosher salt

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets (optional)

• 1 red chile, deseeded, coarsely chopped

• 30 g tomato purée

• 10 ml finely chopped oregano

• 75 ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for grilling

• 2 lemons, halved

• 2 medium fennel bulbs, tough outer layers removed, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise

• 1 small white onion, very thinly sliced into rounds

• 30 ml unseasoned rice vinegar

• 15 g toasted white and/or black sesame seeds

How to make Spicy grilled chicken with crunchy fennel salad

1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt. Set aside on a plate.

2. Smash the garlic under the flat side of a chef’s knife on a chopping board. If using, add the anchovies, chilli, and a couple of pinches of salt, then continue smashing with the side of your knife until a paste forms. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle.

3. Transfer the paste to a large bowl and stir in the tomato paste, oregano, and 45 ml of oil. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the grill for medium heat. Clean and oil the grate.

5. Grill the chicken, turning once, until lightly charred and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.

6. While the chicken is cooking, grill the lemons, cut side down, until lightly charred and starting to caramelise, about 4 minutes. Transfer the lemons to a platter.

7. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to the platter with the lemons and let it rest for 5 minutes.

8. While the chicken is resting, toss the fennel, onion, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 30 ml of oil, season with a generous pinch of salt, and toss once more.

9. Mound the fennel salad next to the chicken and sprinkle sesame seeds over both. Squeeze the grilled lemons over the chicken and fennel salad before serving.

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.