Baked Spicy Chicken Drumettes with Romesco by Luke Mangan

Ingredients

12 chicken drumettes
80mL vegetable oil
Chicken salt, to taste
250mL Romesco sauce*
1/4 bunch coriander (cilantro), to garnish

Chicken Spice Mix:

35g (1/4 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbs sweet paprika
1 1/2 Tbs smoked paprika
1 1/2 Tbs curry powder
2 Tbs dried oregano leaves

"Romesco is a Spanish red sauce often served with fish dishes; it is also wonderful with chicken and vegetables. For a spicier romesco, add a little more dried ancho chilli." ~ Luke Mangan.

*Romesco Sauce (makes 2 cups):

500g tinned tomatoes
170mL extra virgin olive oil
1 dried ancho chilli
140g hazelnuts, toasted, skins rubbed off with a tea towel while warm
50g blanched almonds
2 slices firm white bread, cut into 1cm cubes
4 large garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 tsp chilli flakes
1 red capsicum (pepper), roasted and peeled
2 Tbs Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar

Method

Romesco Sauce:

Preheat the oven to 200 C (400 F). Line a baking tray with foil, add the tomatoes to the tray and roast in the oven for 10 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the dried ancho chilli and cook for 20–30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant and a brighter red colour. Remove the chilli to a bowl, using a slotted spoon.

Add the hazelnuts, almonds, bread, garlic and chilli flakes to the oil and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes, until the bread and garlic are golden. Add the mixture, including the oil, to the chilli in the bowl and cool slightly.

Transfer the mixture to a food processor. Add the capsicum, vinegar and roasted tomatoes. Process until smooth, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve at room temperature. The romesco will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Chicken Spice Mix:

Combine the chicken spice mix ingredients in a large food bag. Add the chicken to the flour mixture, shaking to ensure the drumettes are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

To Serve:

Preheat the oven to 170 C (325 F). Line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange the chicken on the baking tray and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Drain on paper towel, then season with chicken salt.

Dollop the romesco sauce onto a large serving plate. Arrange the warm chicken on top. Garnish with the coriander and serve.

Credits: Images and recipes from Sharing Plates by Luke Mangan, Murdoch Books, RRP $39.99 with Photography by Nikki To

Photo Credits: Images and recipes from Sharing Plates by Luke Mangan, Murdoch Books, RRP $39.99 with Photography by Nikki To