Crispy Spiced Chicken with Mint Yoghurt Salad

The trick with this chicken is the double coat. A light dusting of wholemeal flour gives the yoghurt something to cling to, and the yoghurt then holds the crumbs in place. Without that middle step the panko tends to slide off in the oven and you end up with pale patches and a pile of crumbs on the tray. Pressing the mixture down firmly with your palm, rather than just sprinkling it, makes a real difference.

Cumin seed is worth crushing before it goes in with the crumbs. Whole seeds stay hard and a bit dusty, but a rough crack releases the warm, earthy oil that perfumes the whole coating. A mortar works well, though a knife on a board does the job too if that is what you have. Coriander and sesame add a nutty, citrusy note that sits nicely against the mint later on.

Potatoes are an old friend in this sort of meal. Chopped and microwaved first, they only need about 20 minutes in the oven beside the chicken to pick up some colour at the edges. Starting them in the microwave means they are soft in the middle by the time the crumb has browned, so nothing has to wait around. Keep the skins on if you like them, since they add fibre and a bit of bite.

Apple in a salad might seem like an odd partner for spiced chicken, but a thin slice of crisp apple cuts through the richness of the coating and the yoghurt. Choose something firm and tart, such as a Granny Smith, and slice it just before you assemble the plate so it stays crunchy and does not brown. The frozen peas can go on the plate straight from the packet once defrosted, and they add a sweetness that surprises people who think of peas as a side vegetable only.

Leftovers keep well if you separate the parts. Store the chicken, potatoes and salad in different containers in the fridge. The crumb will soften over a day or so, so reheat the chicken in a hot oven for a few minutes rather than the microwave to bring back some crunch. Keep the dressing in its own jar, because lemon and mint loosen the yoghurt as it sits.

If you want something lighter to start the meal, a crisp, citrusy salad such as Chicken and Mango Salad with Romaine pairs well with the same mint and lemon notes. For a green side that feels a bit special without much effort, Crispy Asparagus Spears with Creamy Tarragon Sauce is a good companion, since it uses the same panko idea.