Backhendl Salad

The story

Backhendl has been a prestigious Viennese and Styrian fried chicken dish since at least the eighteenth century. Serving boneless pieces over salad developed into a lighter modern restaurant form. The chicken remains juicy beneath a fine breadcrumb crust, while acidic salad and nutty pumpkin seed oil cut through the frying. Backhendlsalat is especially associated with Styrian inns and wine country, where local pumpkin seed oil gives the dish a strong regional identity.

Ingredients

• Main ingredients
• 600 g chicken thightrimmed and cut into even 3 cm pieces · Measured for a four-serving recipe.
• 300 g breadcrumbsweighed accurately · Measured for a four-serving recipe.
• 4 large eggat room temperature · Measured for a four-serving recipe.
• 300 g flourweighed accurately · Measured for a four-serving recipe.
• 100 g mixed leavesprepared as described · Measured for a four-serving recipe.
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seed oilMeasured for a four-serving recipe.

Method

1. Set up and weigh everything

   Read the full method before heating anything. Weigh every ingredient for Backhendl Salad. Put raw meat or seafood on a separate board. Peel onions and cut them into uniform 5 mm dice; mince garlic to roughly 2 mm; cut firm vegetables into equal 2 cm pieces so they cook at the same rate. Pat meat, fish or wet vegetables dry with kitchen paper before seasoning.

   Look for: All ingredients are measured, evenly cut and arranged in cooking order. Tip: Keep salt, oil and the finishing garnish beside the hob so the final seasoning is not rushed. Avoid: Uneven pieces cook at different speeds; never use the raw-meat board for ready-to-eat garnish.

2. Season and start the flavour base

   Season the main ingredient for Backhendl Salad lightly with salt 10 minutes before cooking. Heat a heavy pan over medium heat for 2 minutes, add the cooking fat, then add onion or other aromatics. Fry at about 160–170°C for 6–8 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until softened and lightly golden. Add garlic and ground spices for the final 30–60 seconds only.

   Look for: Onions are translucent with pale golden edges; spices smell fragrant but are not dark. Tip: If the pan colours too fast, lower the heat and add 1 tablespoon of water. Avoid: Garlic and paprika burn quickly and become bitter. Do not add them at the beginning.

3. Brown the main ingredient in batches

   Raise the pan to medium-high. Add the prepared protein in a single uncrowded layer and leave it untouched for 2–3 minutes before turning. Brown a second side for 2 minutes. Work in batches so the pan stays hot; return everything to the pan only when the surface has developed colour.

   Look for: The protein releases naturally from the pan and has a deep golden surface. Tip: Reserve any resting juices and return them to the sauce for flavour. Avoid: Crowding traps steam and prevents browning. Do not force food from the pan before a crust forms.

4. Cook through without drying out

   Continue cooking Backhendl Salad over controlled heat, turning or stirring as required. For shallow-fried items maintain 175–180°C and cook 3–5 minutes per side. For oven finishing use 200°C conventional / 180°C fan until the centre is cooked and the outside is crisp.

   Look for: The centre is cooked and tender while the exterior remains browned or crisp. Tip: Rest thick pieces for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute. Avoid: Excessively high heat burns the outside before the centre cooks.

5. Reduce and balance the sauce

   Remove the lid for the final 5–10 minutes if the sauce is thin. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. Taste in this order: salt, acidity, sweetness, then chilli or pepper. Add fresh citrus juice, herbs or dairy off the strongest heat to preserve aroma and prevent splitting.

   Look for: A spoon drawn through the sauce leaves a clear trail for 1–2 seconds. Tip: If the sauce is too salty, dilute with unsalted liquid rather than masking it with sugar. Avoid: Do not reduce before the main ingredient is tender; it can leave too little liquid to finish cooking.

6. Rest, garnish and serve safely

   Rest Backhendl Salad for 5 minutes where appropriate. Warm plates or bowls, portion evenly, then add the specified fresh herbs, zest, crisp garnish or sauce. Serve hot food above 63°C. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers and use within 2–3 days.

   Look for: The final dish is glossy, evenly seasoned and served at the intended temperature. Tip: Keep crisp elements separate until the moment of serving. Avoid: Do not garnish before checking the final seasoning.

Nutrition

per serving

Estimated from standard ingredient values; actual nutrition varies by brands, trimming, absorption and serving size.