Chicken paillard is a delightful dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. By pounding the chicken thin, you ensure a quick cook time while locking in all those juicy flavors. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, each bite bursts with brightness. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a meal that feels both indulgent and light. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, making it a must-try for any home chef looking to elevate their culinary game!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly tender and juicy, making every bite a delight.
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Versatile and pairs beautifully with salads, veggies, or grains.
- Healthy and low in calories, without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
chicken paillard
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Grab a meat mallet or rolling pin and gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender!
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add your pounded chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors!
- While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. A little sizzle is what we’re after!
- Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear!
- After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender. Patience is key!
- Slice the chicken paillard and serve it with your favorite sides. A fresh salad or roasted veggies pair beautifully. Dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Course |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With salad or vegetables |
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – the star of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
- Olive oil – for marinating and grilling, adds a rich flavor.
- Garlic – minced for a fragrant kick, enhances the overall taste.
- Lemon juice – brightens the dish, use fresh for the best flavor.
- Fresh herbs – such as parsley or basil, for garnish and added freshness.
- Salt – essential for seasoning, enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Black pepper – adds a bit of heat, freshly ground is best.
- Capers – for a tangy punch, they complement the chicken beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes – for a sweet and juicy side, they add color and flavor.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create a delightful chicken paillard that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Grab a meat mallet or rolling pin and gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add your pounded chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Pan
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. A little sizzle is what we’re after!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear!
Step 5: Let it Rest
After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender. Patience is key!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the chicken paillard and serve it with your favorite sides. A fresh salad or roasted veggies pair beautifully. Dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken evenly for a tender texture.
• Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
• Cook on high heat for a quick sear, locking in juices and keeping it moist.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance tenderness.
• Serve with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a vibrant meal.
How to Serve
- Top with a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a fresh kick.
- Serve alongside a vibrant arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado.
- Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Enjoy with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower.
- Wrap in a whole grain pita with tzatziki sauce for a fun twist.
- Accompany with quinoa or couscous for a hearty grain option.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
- Serve with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad to cool things down.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Allow chicken paillard to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
• Wrap chicken paillard tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for even warming.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
• Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
What is chicken paillard?
Chicken paillard is a French dish made from thinly pounded chicken breast, which is then grilled or sautéed. This technique ensures the chicken cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
How do I ensure my chicken paillard is tender?
To achieve tender chicken paillard, it’s essential to pound the chicken breasts evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents drying out. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes can also enhance tenderness and flavor.
What can I serve with chicken paillard?
Chicken paillard pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Can I make chicken paillard ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken paillard ahead of time! Simply pound and marinate the chicken, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just grill or sauté it for a quick and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own chicken paillard, ready to impress! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and simplicity. Picture yourself savoring each tender bite, perhaps with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of making this dish. You’ll be glad you did, and your taste buds will thank you!
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