Smashed Pea & Chicken Toast

My roommate Sarah stumbled into our tiny apartment kitchen last spring carrying a bag of frozen peas and leftover rotisserie chicken, muttering something about needing something green and satisfying after a brutal week at work. We smashed those peas together with whatever we had on hand, and the result was so unexpectedly delicious that we made it three times that week. Now it is my go-to whenever I want something that feels fancy but takes zero effort to throw together.

Last month I served these toasts at a casual brunch with friends, and honestly, people acted like I had invented some elaborate restaurant dish. They could not stop talking about the combination of cool minty peas and warm crispy bread. Someone even asked for the recipe before they had finished their first slice.

Ingredients

• Rustic bread: Sourdough or country loaf gives you that sturdy crunch that will not turn soggy when you pile on the toppings
• Frozen peas: Do not bother with fresh peas here, frozen ones actually mash better and are always available
• Extra-virgin olive oil: This brings richness and helps bind everything together into a creamy texture
• Lemon juice: The acidity cuts through the chicken and brightens the whole dish
• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves you so much time
• Chili flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the delicate flavors
• Fresh mint or parsley: herbs add that pop of freshness that makes the dish feel complete

Instructions

Get your bread ready:

Toast those slices until they are golden and seriously crisp, you want them to stand up to the toppings

Make the pea base:

Mash the peas with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until chunky and creamy

Combine everything:

Gently fold the shredded chicken into the peas until evenly distributed

Assemble the toasts:

Pile the mixture generously onto each slice while the bread is still warm

Add the finishing touches:

Sprinkle with chili flakes and herbs, maybe some cheese if you are feeling fancy

Serve immediately:

These are best enjoyed right away while the contrast between warm toast and cool topping is at its peak

Pin it

This recipe has saved me on countless weeknights when cooking feels impossible but takeout feels wrong. There is something so satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes this special.

Making It Your Own

I have tried swapping in crumbled goat cheese instead of feta, and honestly, both bring something totally different but equally delicious to the party. The tang from goat cheese works beautifully with the sweet peas.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness while complementing the fresh herbs. If you are not drinking wine, a sparkling water with lemon works just as well.

Make Ahead Strategy

The pea and chicken mixture keeps well in the fridge for two days, so you can prep everything in advance and just toast the bread when you are ready to eat.

• Mash the peas a little less if storing overnight, they will soften as they sit
• Toast the bread right before serving, no exceptions
• Hold off on the fresh herbs until the last minute so they stay vibrant

Pin it

Hope these toasts find their way into your regular rotation like they did mine.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

The pea and chicken mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, assemble the toast just before serving to maintain the bread's crisp texture. If storing the mixture, bring it to room temperature before spooning onto toasted bread.

→ What bread works best for this toast?

Rustic breads like sourdough, country loaf, or artisanal whole grain slices are ideal because they hold up well under the topping. Choose thick-cut slices that won't become soggy quickly. The bread should be sturdy enough to support the generous topping while maintaining its crunch.

→ Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes, leftover roasted turkey works beautifully as a direct substitute. For a vegetarian version, use grilled tofu or chickpeas instead. The creamy pea mixture provides enough body that these alternatives still create a satisfying and substantial topping.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with a small pinch of chili flakes and taste before adding more. The spice level can easily be customized to your preference. If serving children or those sensitive to heat, you can omit the chili flakes entirely or serve them on the side for individual sprinkling.

→ What can I serve alongside this toast?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness nicely. For a more substantial meal, consider a light soup or roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, as suggested, cutting through the creaminess while enhancing the fresh flavors.

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Fresh peas work wonderfully when in season. Simply blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and proceed with mashing. Fresh peas may require slightly less mashing time as they're naturally more tender than thawed frozen peas.