Crispy on the outside and incredibly tender within, this grilled chicken gets its bold flavor from a quick rub of cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns. Pounding the meat flat ensures it cooks fast and stays juicy on the hot grill. A crisp side salad of shredded white cabbage, red onion, and fresh chili provides a bright contrast to the savory poultry. A quick dressing of sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar ties the whole plate together. You'll love how the reserved dressing doubles as a savory dipping sauce.
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Course
Dinner
Ingredients
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp each chilli flakes, cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ small white cabbage, finely shredded
1 red onion, sliced
1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 slice most of the way through each chicken breast lengthways and open out like a book. Cover with cling film and gently beat with a rolling pin until flattened. Rub 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil all over the chicken.
Instructions
1Slice most of the way through each chicken breast lengthways and open out like a book. Cover with cling film and gently beat with a rolling pin until flattened. This ensures the meat cooks evenly and quickly on the grill.
2Rub 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil all over the chicken, then coat evenly with the chili flakes, cumin seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns.
3Whisk the remaining sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice together in a small bowl. Combine the shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped chili in a separate large bowl.
4Pour half of the liquid mixture over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat. Set the leftover dressing aside to serve later as a dipping sauce.
5Preheat the grill to high heat. Arrange the prepared chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Grill the meat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
6Plate the hot chicken alongside the dressed cabbage salad, fresh lemon halves, scattered coriander, and the reserved dipping sauce.
Nutrition
33g
Protein
7g
Fat
12g
Carbs
12g
Sugar
0.9mg
Sodium
Notes
Make ahead: You can shred the cabbage and slice the onions up to a day in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tip: Toast the cumin seeds and Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan for a minute before using them to release deeper flavors.