Smashed Pea & Chicken Toast (Printable)

Creamy smashed peas and shredded chicken piled high on crisp toast with a hint of chili heat and fresh herbs.

# Components:

→ Toast

01 - 4 thick slices rustic bread, such as sourdough or country loaf

→ Pea Mixture

02 - 1½ cups frozen peas, thawed
03 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 - ½ lemon, juiced
05 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Chicken

07 - 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie or poached)

→ Toppings

08 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, adjustable to preference
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint or parsley, chopped (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

# Method:

01 - Toast bread slices in a toaster or grill pan until golden and crisp.
02 - In a mixing bowl, mash the thawed peas with olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper using a fork or potato masher until chunky in texture.
03 - Fold the shredded chicken into the smashed pea mixture until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - Spoon the pea and chicken mixture generously over each toasted bread slice.
05 - Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh herbs, and cheese if desired.
06 - Serve immediately while the toast remains warm and crunchy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms humble pantry staples into something that feels restaurant-worthy without any fuss.
  • The contrast between creamy smashed peas and crunchy toast is ridiculously satisfying.
  • You can make it in the time it takes to brew coffee, perfect for those mornings when you need real food fast.
  • It works beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, and nobody will guess it started with frozen peas.
02 -
  • Don't over-mash the peas into a smooth puree, you want some chunks for texture and visual appeal.
  • If your bread is thin or soft, it will turn soggy fast, so always choose thick, sturdy slices with a good crust.
  • Warm chicken folds in more easily and tastes better than cold, so if yours is straight from the fridge, give it a quick zap in the microwave.
03 -
  • Use day-old bread if you have it, it toasts up even crunchier and holds the topping better than fresh soft loaves.
  • A microplane of lemon zest over the finished toast adds an extra burst of brightness that really makes it pop.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, set out all the components and let everyone build their own, it turns into a fun, interactive meal.
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