CRISPY RICE CHICKEN SALAD

This protein-packed crispy rice salad, is insanely good! The crispy golden rice adds the most incredible

crunch, the juicy spiced chicken makes it super satisfying, and the creamy peanut dressing brings everything together. Fresh, colourful and full of flavour, it's the perfect healthy lunch or dinner you'll want to make all summer long.

Ingredients

For the crispy rice:

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice

• 2 tsp tamari

• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper

For the salad:

• 1 cucumber, finely sliced

• 1 cup edamame beans or peas

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 3 spring onions, finely sliced (or ½ small red onion)

• ½ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped

• ½ cup fresh coriander or mint, chopped

For the peanut dressing:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter

• 2 tsp tamari

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1–2 tbsp warm water, to loosen

Method

1. Cook the chicken:

   Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Rub the chicken with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chilli flakes (if using), salt and pepper. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

   
   

2. Make the crispy rice:

   Line a baking tray with baking paper. Toss the cooked rice with the tamari and sesame oil, then spread into a thin, even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

   
   

3. Make the dressing:

   Whisk together the peanut butter, tamari, sesame oil, garlic, lemon juice and maple syrup. Add warm water a little at a time until smooth and pourable.

   
   

4. Assemble the salad:

   In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, edamame, celery, spring onions, almonds and coriander (or mint). Add the crispy rice and sliced chicken, drizzle over the peanut dressing and toss everything together until well coated.

   
   

✨ Top tip: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime, extra coriander, sliced chilli and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for even more flavour.