Easy pulled chicken salad

Marinate the chicken in spice mix overnight for even fuller flavour.

PULLED CHICKEN SALAD

❚ 800g potatoes, scrubbed and sliced 0.5cm ❚ 650g skinless, boneless chicken thighs ❚ 2 tablespoons chicken spice mix ❚ 1 bunch asparagus ❚ 1 capsicum ❚ 2 cloves garlic ❚ cup water ❚ 120-150g baby spinach leaves ❚ Juice of 1 lemon ❚ cup pumpkin seeds ❚ 100g basil pesto (store-bought)

CHICKEN SPICE MIX

❚ 2 teaspoons cumin ❚ 2 teaspoons smoked paprika ❚ 1 teaspoon garlic powder ❚ 1 teaspoon dried oregano ❚ 1 teaspoon dried basil ❚ 1 teaspoon dried tarragon Each week Nadia gives you another easy recipe for your family and you’ll find all the ingredients in My Food Bag. myfoodbag.co.nz Preheat oven to 220C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Preheat barbecue grill to high (if using).

Toss potatoes with a drizzle of oil on prepared tray and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Turn once during cooking. Heat a dry fry-pan on medium heat and toast pumpkin seeds for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crunchy. Set aside and reserve pan. Pat chicken dry with paper towels, toss with chicken spice mix and season with salt and pepper. Return pan to medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes each side (depending on thickness), or until cooked through. Set aside, covered in foil, to rest. Reserve pan.

While chicken cooks, prepare the rest of the meal. Trim woody ends off asparagus, about 2cm and discard. Cut asparagus spears in half; remove core and seeds from capsicum and slice 1cm; roughly chop garlic. Return pan to medium heat with a drizzle of oil, if needed.

Cook asparagus, capsicum and garlic for about 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Add water and cook a further 2 minutes, until asparagus is bright green and capsicum is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Remove foil from chicken and shred, using two forks, then toss with any resting juices. Season to taste with salt and pepper then add to a large bowl with asparagus, capsicum, baby spinach leaves and lemon juice. Toss to combine.

To serve: divide potatoes between plates and top with pulled chicken salad. Top with a dollop of basil pesto and toasted pumpkin seeds.