Crispy Sesame Chicken Schnitzel

Pop a large frying pan on high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. TIP: You want the oil to be hot so the chicken fries properly - heat for 2-3 mins before you add the chicken.

Once hot, carefully lay the crumbed chicken into the pan and fry until golden brown, 2-3 mins on each side. Adjust the heat if necessary.

Meanwhile, boil a full kettle. Wash out one of your used bowls for later.

Once the chicken is golden brown, transfer to a baking tray and bake on the middle shelf of your oven until cooked through, 8-10 mins. Discard the oil from the chicken pan. IMPORTANT: The chicken is cooked when no longer pink in the middle. 

Meanwhile, pour the boiled water from your kettle into a large saucepan with ½ tsp salt on high heat.

Add the rigatoni and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back in the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

Meanwhile, trim the cucumber, then pop onto a board and use a rolling pin to gently smack it a few times until split. Cut into roughly 2cm chunks.

In the (now empty) bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar for the dressing (see pantry for amount) and the remaining sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Add the smacked cucumber, toss to coat, then set aside.

Next, wipe out the (now empty) chicken frying pan. Return to medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.

Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Fry, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5-6 mins.

Once the mushrooms are browned, stir in the miso, wild mushroom paste and water for the sauce (see pantry for amount). Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 3-4 mins. TIP: If your wild mushroom paste has hardened, put the sachet in a bowl of hot water for 1 min to loosen.

Once thickened, mix in the creme fraiche and cheese. Simmer for 1 min.

Stir in the cooked pasta and butter (see pantry for amount). Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of water if it's a little too thick.