Grilled Chunky Guacamole & Cajun Chicken Ciabatta

Dominic Franks fires up the barbecue to make a Mexican-inspired ciabatta full of freshness and spice.

We’ve been phenomenally lucky with the weather this summer and I see September as no exception (cue wind and rain the second we go to print…) This year I’ve been trying to use my barbecue a bit more. I always think that the BBQ should be thought of as an extension of the kitchen. Another grill where you can cook your supper rather than an alien space reserved only for when the masses come round. Of course, it’s fab for big gatherings but this doesn’t have to mean 500 burnt sausages and some raw chicken drumsticks – I think we’re a little more evolved than that now!

This guacamole has a touch of smokiness to it as you grill the chilli, red onion and avocado first.

The chicken marinades in a wonderfully spicy Mexican-inspired sauce which complements the guac perfectly.

METHOD
• Place all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix together. Ensure the chicken is fully coated in marinade. Transfer to a sealable storage container and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, if not longer.

• Once it’s ready, fire up the BBQ. Grill the chicken breasts on both sides for at least 8 mins or until fully cooked. If you’re unsure, cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink. Set aside the cooked chicken whilst you grill the ciabatta.

• Cut the ciabatta in half longways, then drizzle a little olive oil onto the cut sides and place them face down onto the grill for at least 4 mins or until they are scorched and golden.

• Cut the baby gem in half, leaving the stalk in place which will hold the lettuce together. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and place them on the grill until they have light scorch marks on them. Then set aside.

• Peel and slice the onion into thick rings and place them into a large bowl along with the chillies and avocados. Give them a generous squeeze of lime and a pinch of chilli flakes and salt, then a glug or two of olive oil.

• Mix them gently until all the veg are covered in oil and seasoning and set aside whilst you fire up the BBQ. Once your BBQ is nice and hot lay the veg out onto the grill and grill them until they’re all lightly golden. You don’t want anything too soft. Gather them up and take them back into the kitchen.

• On a large chopping board, roughly chop your tomatoes, then tip the grilled veg onto the board along with some coriander leaves and get chopping. You can go as small or chunky as you like. I prefer this on the chunky side but ensure you chop and mix and chop and mix until it’s all combined.

• Place it all into a bowl, add some more olive oil, salt and lime juice and stir well.

• Now it’s time to assemble. Take an open side of ciabatta and slather it generously with the chunky guac. Then lay the grilled lettuce on top followed by a chicken breast. I’ve also used a generous squish of mayo to bring it all together. Cut in half and serve!

• Tip: Prep the Cajun chicken the day before you want to eat as it tastes so much better once it’s had 24 hours bathing in the wonderful marinade.

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