Smashed Pea and Chicken Toast

Last Tuesday I stood in my kitchen at 7pm, exhausted and staring at a bag of frozen peas and leftover rotisserie chicken. Sometimes the best meals happen when you stop overthinking and just start smashing things together with a fork.

My roommate walked in, sniffed the air, and immediately asked what I was making. When I told her it was just toast with stuff on top, she looked at me like I was hiding something. But one bite later and she was standing at the counter making her own version.

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices rustic bread: Sourdough or country loaf gives you that sturdy foundation that will not get soggy under the toppings
• 1½ cups frozen peas: Thaw these first so they mash easily into that perfect chunky creamy texture
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: This ties everything together and adds that luxurious mouthfeel
• ½ lemon juiced: Fresh lemon cuts through the richness and makes the peas taste brighter
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Start here and add more after tasting the mixture
• Freshly ground black pepper: Add as much as you like, this brings everything forward
• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast shredded: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here or use any leftover cooked chicken
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes: Adjust this to your heat preference, it really wakes up the whole dish
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint or parsley chopped: Completely optional but adds such a nice fresh finish
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese: Also optional but worth it if you want that tangy creaminess

Instructions

Get your bread ready:

Toast those thick slices in a toaster or grill pan until they are golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them. You want them seriously crispy because they are about to carry some weight.

Make the pea base:

In a mixing bowl, grab a fork or potato masher and smash the peas with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Do not go completely smooth, leave some texture and whole peas for interest.

Bring it together:

Fold the shredded chicken into the smashed peas until every piece is coated in that bright green mixture. Taste it now and add more salt or pepper if it needs a little something.

Assemble the toast:

Spoon the pea and chicken mixture generously over each slice of warm toast, really pile it on because it will settle a bit.

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh herbs, and crumbled cheese if you are using them, then serve immediately while that bread is still warm and crunch.

Save

Now this toast has become my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly. It looks impressive but takes zero mental energy to pull together.

Making It Your Own

I have made this with leftover roasted turkey instead of chicken and it was just as satisfying. Sometimes I swap in grilled tofu and skip the cheese to keep it vegan friendly.

Timing Matters

Serve this right after assembling because the contrast between warm crisp bread and cool creamy topping is the whole point. Leftovers will keep in the fridge but the peas and chicken mixture is best eaten the same day.

Worth The Extra Step

Take a raw garlic clove and rub it all over your warm toasted bread before adding the toppings. It adds this subtle aromatic background note that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.

• Use a potato masher for the fastest chunky pea texture
• Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so flavors meld
• Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning

Save

Simple food does not have to be boring food. Sometimes the best things in life are just smashed peas on really good bread.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work beautifully. Blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and cool before mashing. Fresh peas may require slightly less mashing as they're naturally softer than frozen varieties.

→ What type of bread works best?

Rustic breads like sourdough, country loaf, or ciabatta provide the ideal sturdy base. The thick slices hold up well under the creamy topping while maintaining crunch. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it may become soggy quickly.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

The smashed pea and chicken mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, it's best served fresh. Store the mixture separately from toasted bread to prevent sogginess. Toast fresh bread when ready to assemble.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the shredded chicken with grilled tofu, mashed white beans, or chickpeas. The smashed pea mixture provides plenty of creaminess, and you can add extra texture with nuts or seeds for a satisfying plant-based version.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with half the recommended chili flakes and taste before adding more. For a milder version, omit chili flakes entirely and add black pepper or fresh herbs instead. For more heat, consider adding fresh minced chili or a drizzle of chili oil.