SOUTHERN STYLE CHICKEN SALAD RECIPES

Steps:

• Make the spice mix by combining the paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic granules, onion granules and celery salt in a bowl. Season and mix to combine. Add half the spice mix to a large bowl with the buttermilk and chicken. Mix to coat the chicken, then cover and leave to marinate in the fridge overnight. Reserve the remaining spice mix. 

  Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 6. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Mix the reserved spices with the flour, and put the beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, and spiced flour in three separate bowls large enough to dip the chicken in.

  Take each piece of marinated chicken, dip in the spiced flour first, then the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Tap to remove excess crumbs and place on a large baking tray. Once all the chicken thighs are coated, bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until dark golden and cooked through.

  When the chicken has been in the oven for 15 minutes, bring 400ml water to the boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the rice from the heat and leave to steam with the lid on for another 10 minutes.

  Remove the lid and fold through the beans, coriander, carrot, cabbage and lime juice, taste and check for seasoning. Serve the chicken with the warm rice salad.

Steps:

• Choose a heavy pot or Dutch oven with a tightfitting lid. It should be large enough to hold the chicken snugly, but not much bigger. Fill pot about 2/3 full with cold water, but don’t put the chicken in yet. Boil some extra water in a teakettle.
• Add scallions and peppercorns to water, cover and bring to a rolling boil. Turn off heat and slip chicken pieces into the hot water. If needed, add boiling water from the kettle to cover chicken with water by 2 inches. Replace the lid and let chicken rest in the hot water for about 2 hours. Do not turn the flame back on: The pot will retain enough heat to cook chicken thoroughly and safely. (To test, cut into 1 piece of chicken and check the meat near the bone. If it is still pink, return the pot to low heat, bring the water to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes more.)
• Lift chicken out of the pot. Remove and discard bones, skin and fat. Pat the meat dry with paper towels, then cut or shred into small bite-size pieces and transfer to a bowl. (Meanwhile, simmer cooking liquid until tasty, strain and refrigerate or freeze to use as chicken stock.)
• In a bowl, whisk together juice of 1/2 lemon, mayonnaise and sour cream. If using, whisk in mustard or brine. Taste and adjust the seasonings and thickness to your liking. Pour over chicken, scraping the bowl clean with a rubber spatula.
• Add celery, onion if using, nuts, herbs and salt and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with herbs before serving.