Steirischer Backhendl Salat
A popular Styrian dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, often with a tangy vinaigrette and pumpkin seed oil.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken breast(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 150 g Breadcrumbs
- 200 g Mixed salad greens
- 1 medium Cucumber(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(wedged)
- 0.5 medium Red onion(thinly sliced)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 4 tbsp Pumpkin seed oil(for dressing)
- 2 tbsp White wine vinegar(for dressing)
- 1 tsp Mustard(Dijon, for dressing)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is dry for better coating adhesion - 2
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour and breadcrumbs - 3
Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken for a crispy crust - 4
Heat about 2-3 cm of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 170°C (340°F). Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan - 5
Remove fried chicken and drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: Keep warm in a low oven if frying in batches - 6
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin seed oil, white wine vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - 7
Add mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, wedged tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Add vegetables just before serving to prevent wilting - 8
Divide the dressed salad among plates. Top with the crispy fried chicken pieces.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for best texture
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Styrian touch, use high-quality Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
- ✓You can add toasted pumpkin seeds to the salad for extra crunch.
- ✓If you prefer a lighter option, you can pan-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
🔄 Variations
- Add some crumbled Styrian mountain cheese (Bergkäse) to the salad.
- Include boiled potatoes or croutons for a more substantial meal.