Chef Ben Devlin from hip hotel Halcyon House creates a warm chicken salad harnessing the zingy flavours of native lemon myrtle and we say thank you to Ben and delicious
- 140ml extra virgin olive oil
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 8 whole black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves, bruised
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 cups (500ml) dry white wine
- 2 tsp Lemon Myrtle Spice
- 2 chicken Maryland’s and 2 chicken breasts (skin on)
- 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves and stalks chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbs chardonnay vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 500g Brussel sprouts, halved
- 2 tbs macadamia oil
- 2/3 cup (100g) roasted macadamias, chopped
Method
- Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thyme, peppercorns, and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the lemon, wine, and lemon myrtle. Bring to a simmer, then add 1.5L (6 cups) water and increase heat to high. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken Maryland’s and simmer for 20 minutes or until partially cooked, then add breasts and simmer for a further 12-15 minutes until legs and breasts are cooked through.
- Remove from heat and allow chicken to cool slightly in the liquid, then remove chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large frypan over medium heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 3 minutes or until skin is golden. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, place the parsley stalks and leaves, mustard, vinegar and remaining 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil in a small food processor and whiz to a paste. Season.
- Meanwhile, heat a chargrill pan or barbecue to high heat. Drizzle sprouts with macadamia oil and cook, turning, for 4-5 minutes until caramelised. Toss with 1/4 cup parsley sauce.
- Divide the chicken and sprouts among four serving plates. Drizzle with the remaining parsley sauce and top with macadamias to serve.