Effortless Entertaining: Char-Grilled Chicken with Zesty Fennel and Walnut Salad
For those laid-back weekends when you’re expecting family or friends, a simple yet impressive meal is key. This char-grilled chicken, infused with the bold flavours of anchovy and dill, paired with a vibrant fennel and walnut salad, is the perfect centrepiece. Add some crispy roast potatoes, and you’ve got a feast that’s both delicious and wonderfully unfussy. For an extra tender result, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
Ingredients for the Star of the Show: Anchovy and Dill Chicken
- 85 gm (2/3 cup) of thick, creamy Greek-style yoghurt
- 6 anchovy fillets (approximately 20gm), mashed into a smooth paste with the back of a knife
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, for a subtle smoky depth
- 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped fresh dill leaves and stems (this is roughly half a bunch)
- 1.4 kg free-range chicken, butterflied for even cooking
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 Spanish onion, sliced into thin wedges
For the Refreshing Fennel and Walnut Salad
- 2 small fennel bulbs, with their feathery fronds reserved for later
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) of good quality extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, to add a little tang
- Finely grated zest of ½ a lemon, plus 60ml (¼ cup) of fresh lemon juice for that essential zing
- 130 gm (1 cup) of pitted Sicilian olives, halved lengthways for a beautiful presentation
- 75 gm (½ cup) of roasted walnuts, roughly chopped for a delightful crunch
- 1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh parsley and dill, plus a few extra sprigs for garnishing
The Simple Steps to Deliciousness
Marinating Magic: In a large bowl that won’t react with acidic ingredients (non-reactive), combine the Greek yoghurt, mashed anchovy fillets, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, and chopped dill. Add the butterflied chicken to this flavourful mixture and toss well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes. For optimal flavour and tenderness, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight.
Char-Grilling Perfection: Heat a lightly greased char-grill pan over a medium-high heat. Drizzle the marinated chicken with a little extra-virgin olive oil and season it generously. Place the chicken onto the hot grill pan, skin-side up. Char-grill for approximately 30 minutes.
Next, carefully turn the chicken over. Arrange the Spanish onion wedges around the chicken in the pan. Continue to char-grill for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully charred and tender, and the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a skewer. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with aluminium foil to rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for succulent chicken.
Crafting the Vibrant Salad: While the chicken is resting, it’s time to prepare the fennel and walnut salad. Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, thinly slice the fennel bulbs. Immediately place the sliced fennel into a bowl of iced water. This will help it crisp up beautifully.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season this dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Once the fennel has crisped, drain it thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean tea towel. Add the dried fennel, the reserved fennel fronds, the halved Sicilian olives, chopped roasted walnuts, and the chopped parsley and dill to the dressing. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in the zesty dressing. Season to taste.
Serving Up a Masterpiece: Carve the rested chicken into 8 pieces. Arrange these succulent pieces on a serving platter, along with the wonderfully charred Spanish onion wedges. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken and scatter with a few extra dill sprigs. Serve the char-grilled chicken and onions immediately, with the refreshing fennel and walnut salad served alongside. This dish is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Enjoy your relaxed weekend entertaining!
