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Chicken Paillard Recipe
Make your weeknights special with this tasty recipe. It’s a French technique that turns simple chicken breasts into a delicious, tender dish. By pounding the chicken thin and pan-frying it quickly, you get a light, juicy meal that’s great for busy nights.
This Chicken Paillard recipe is quick and easy for a healthy dinner. The chicken cooks fast, so you can have a tasty meal ready in no time. It’s topped with a tangy sauce, crunchy almonds, and fresh arugula, making it a feast for your senses.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken Paillard is a French culinary technique that involves pounding chicken breasts thin for quick, even cooking.
- This recipe delivers a light, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- The pounded chicken breasts cook in just a few minutes, making it a fast and easy meal.
- The dish is topped with a bright and tangy caper, olive, and shallot sauce, along with crunchy toasted almond flakes and a fresh arugula salad.
- This Chicken Paillard recipe is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a homemade chicken dinner.
What is Chicken Paillard?
The term “paillard” comes from old French cooking. It means pounding or flattening meat, like poultry or veal, into thin slices. This makes the flattening the chicken even. It helps the seasonings to infuse the meat, ensures even cooking, and keeps the meat juicy.
Traditional French Culinary Technique
Chicken paillard is a beloved French dish loved around the world. The culinary paillard technique has been used for centuries. By pounding the meat, chefs make a thin cutlet that cooks fast and evenly. This results in a juicy and tasty dish.
Pounding Chicken for Even Cooking
Pounding the chicken is key in the paillard technique. By flattening the chicken into thin slices, it cooks better. This prevents the meat from drying out or being undercooked inside. It ensures the meat is tender and delicious all the way through.
Benefits of Pounding Chicken
Pounding chicken breasts makes them thin and even. This method lets the meat soak up seasonings well. It also helps cook the chicken evenly, so it stays juicy.
Infuses Seasonings
When you pound chicken breasts, you make them flat. This lets seasonings get deep into the meat. Your chicken will taste richer and more balanced.
Promotes Even Cooking
Flattening chicken breasts makes them cook evenly. Heat spreads quickly and evenly, so the inside cooks right. This way, your chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry.
Prevents Dryness
Chicken breasts can get dry if not cooked right. Pounding them thin helps avoid this. It cooks faster and more evenly, keeping the chicken juicy.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Infuses Seasonings | Pounding chicken creates a larger surface area for seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more pronounced and well-balanced flavor. |
| Promotes Even Cooking | Flattening the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness ensures that heat energy travels quickly and evenly into the meat, eliminating temperature gradients. |
| Prevents Dryness | The reduced cooking time and even heat distribution from pounding help prevent the chicken from drying out before reaching the ideal internal temperature. |
Using the benefits of pounding chicken, you can make tender and juicy paillards. This simple trick can make your chicken dishes much better.
Tools for Pounding Chicken
To make a tasty chicken paillard, you need a few basic tools. Pounding the chicken breasts is key to getting them thin and evenly cooked. You don’t always need a meat mallet to do this.
Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
A meat mallet is great for pounding chicken into a thin paillard. Its textured surface tenderizes and flattens the meat. If you don’t have a mallet, a French rolling pin works too.
Just cover the chicken with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then, roll over it firmly to get the right thickness.
Improvised Tools for Pounding
- Potato ricer: The ridged surface of a potato ricer can be used to pound chicken breasts, producing a delicate, even texture.
- Wooden spoon: Grab a sturdy wooden spoon and hold it flat to use as an improvised meat mallet. Gently pound the chicken until it’s the desired thickness.
- Cans or wine bottle: In a pinch, you can use the bottom of a heavy can or an empty wine bottle to roll over the chicken and flatten it.
It’s important to pound the chicken to a consistent thickness. Aim for ½ to ¼ inch to ensure even cooking and a juicy dish. With a bit of creativity, you can find the right tools to make a perfect chicken paillard without a meat mallet.
Chicken Paillard Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a tasty Chicken Paillard, a classic Italian-inspired chicken dish great for a quick easy weeknight meal. This recipe is all about pounding chicken breasts thin, then frying them until they’re juicy. It’s served with a delicious caper, olive, and shallot sauce.
This Chicken Paillard recipe is quick, taking only 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. It serves four, making it perfect for impressing your loved ones. Its elegant look and tasty flavors will win everyone over.
Ingredients:
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (around 250g/8.8ozs per breast)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons/40ml/1.4flozs of oil
- 40g/1.4ozs of butter, divided in two
- 1 peeled and diced shallot
- 3 teaspoons of capers
- 90g/3ozs of pitted green olives, halved
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup/125ml/4flozs of white wine or chicken stock
- 1/4 cup of toasted almonds and rocket or frisée salad to serve
Instructions:
- Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/4-inch thick, creating even paillards.
- Dredge the paillards in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the oil and 20g/0.7ozs of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the paillards to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 20g/0.7ozs of butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the capers, olives, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute, then pour in the white wine or chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Return the paillards to the skillet and coat them in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with the toasted almonds and a side of rocket or frisée salad.
Enjoy this delightful Chicken Paillard recipe, which showcases the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and rich, savory sauce. It’s a true Italian-inspired chicken dish that’s both easy to prepare and sure to delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken paillard goes well with many side dishes. Potatoes, like Brabant or home fries, are a classic choice. The thin, crispy chicken and starchy potatoes are a great match. A fresh green salad also pairs well, adding a bright, crunchy contrast to the chicken.
Potatoes and Classic Green Salad
For a full meal, serve chicken paillard with potatoes. Choose from fingerling, Yukon Gold, or baby new potatoes for a creamy contrast. A classic green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch.
This combination of chicken, potatoes, and salad makes a balanced and appealing dish. It’s easy to make at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend with friends and family.
Mise en Place for Efficiency
Having a well-organized mise en place is key to a tasty chicken paillard. Mise en place, a French term, means preparing all ingredients and tools before cooking. This step makes cooking smooth and efficient, letting you focus on the task.
Preparing ingredients in advance boosts your cooking efficiency. This includes chopping veggies, measuring spices, and arranging your tools. When you start cooking, you’ll have everything you need right there.
Spending a few minutes on mise en place can greatly improve your dish. For a chicken paillard, it means you can quickly pound the chicken, fry it, and make the sauce. This way, you get a meal that’s both delicious and perfectly cooked.
Adding mise en place to your cooking routine is a smart move. It makes meal prep easier and boosts your cooking skills. With this practice, even complex recipes become manageable, and you can make a top-notch chicken paillard at home.
“Mise en place is the single most important thing for a home cook to adopt and maintain.”
– Jacques Pépin, renowned French chef and author
Tips for Removing Capers
Working with capers in the Chicken Paillard recipe can be a bit tricky. The small jars make it hard to scoop out capers with a regular spoon. Try decanting the capers into a shorter, wider jar to make it easier.
Decanting into Wider Jars
Transferring capers to a wider container makes it simpler to use a standard spoon. This small change can save you time and make the dish easier to prepare. The wider jar lets you easily grab the capers and add them to your recipe.
The wider jar also gives you more space to see how much capers you’re using. This is especially helpful when you need to measure out exactly 2 tablespoons for the Chicken Paillard recipe.
By making this simple change, you can make the cooking process smoother. Your Chicken Paillard dish will be more flavorful and easy to make.
Ingredient List
To make this delightful Chicken Paillard recipe, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients. The star of the dish is the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are the foundation of this Italian-inspired chicken dish. You’ll also need all-purpose flour for lightly dredging the chicken, and olive oil and butter for pan-frying the paillards.
For the tantalizing Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette, you’ll need shallots, capers, green olives, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and white wine or chicken stock. To finish the dish, you can top it with toasted almonds and a fresh arugula or frisée salad.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| All-purpose flour | ⅓ cup |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp, divided |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Shallot | ½ small, diced |
| Capers | As needed |
| Green olives | As needed |
| Garlic | As needed, minced |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp |
| White wine or chicken stock | ¾ cup |
| Toasted almonds | As needed |
| Arugula or frisée salad | 4 cups |
With these simple, yet flavorful ingredients, you can create a delightful Chicken Paillard dish. It will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the perfect Chicken Paillard is a delightful culinary experience. It shows the beauty of simplicity. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful and visually appealing dish.
Pounding the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy pan to gently pound the chicken. Pound until it’s evenly thin, about 1/4-inch in thickness.
This tenderizing process ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. It results in a tender and juicy final product.
Pan-Frying the Paillards
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary.
Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the seared paillards to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the shallots until fragrant and translucent. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken stock. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the garlic-Dijon-honey-lemon paste, capers, and a handful of chopped olives. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finally, whisk in a knob of butter to create a rich, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.
Serve the Chicken Paillards warm, drizzled with the flavorful pan sauce. Pair it with a fresh arugula salad and enjoy this quick and easy French-inspired meal.
Variations and Substitutions
The Chicken Paillard recipe is very versatile. You can make it your own by changing it up. This makes it perfect for when you want something different or when you’re short on ingredients.
Salad Greens Alternatives
Don’t be afraid to try different greens for your salad. If arugula is too strong, try spring mix, spinach, or romaine lettuce. These greens are milder and still pair well with the Chicken Paillard.
Tomato Varieties
Tomatoes can also be swapped out. Use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. Or, mix in different colored tomatoes for a pop of color and taste.
| Chicken Paillard Recipe Variations | Salad Greens Alternatives | Tomato Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
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|
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These simple changes let you make the Chicken Paillard your own. You can try new flavors and enjoy the dish in a whole new way.
Nutritional Information
Chicken paillard is a healthy and tasty dish. It has lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each serving has about 330 calories, 10 grams of fat, 13 grams of carbs, and 46 grams of protein.
This Chicken Paillard recipe is great for those watching carbs. It has only 10 grams of net carbs per serving. You need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are about 1.5 pounds of lean protein.
To cook the chicken right, pan-fry the paillards for 3 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach 165°F with a meat thermometer.
The dish comes with a fresh salad. It has 2 cups of peppery greens, 12 halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion. The dressing is a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
This Chicken Paillard is a nutritious meal. It’s full of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a healthy choice for dinner or a French-inspired meal.
Meal Prepping with Leftovers
The thin, pounded chicken paillards make great leftovers. They can be used in many ways, like in sandwiches or salads. This is perfect for quick meals on busy weeknights.
After cooking the Chicken Paillard, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They last 3-4 days. This makes it easy to add pre-cooked chicken to different dishes, saving time.
- Slice the Chicken Paillard leftovers and add them to a hearty salad with fresh greens, chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
- Use the cooked chicken to make a satisfying sandwich on whole-grain bread, layered with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your favorite condiments.
- Shred the Chicken Paillard and mix it with cooked pasta, pesto, and roasted vegetables for a quick and flavorful weeknight pasta dish.
Chicken Paillard leftovers are very versatile for meal prepping. Having this pre-cooked chicken ready means you can quickly make healthy meals. This saves time and energy on busy weeknights.
Make the most of Chicken Paillard leftovers for meal prepping. With a few ingredients and some planning, you can create many tasty meals. This makes your weeknights easier and more enjoyable.
French-Inspired Dining Experience
Making a weeknight dinner French-inspired is simpler than you think. The chicken paillard recipe is a perfect mix of flavors and textures. It takes you straight to the heart of European cooking, proving that French cuisine can be easy.
Many people (50%) think French cooking is hard or scary. But, the same number (50%) loves French food that’s easy and simple to make. The chicken paillard recipe is both flavorful and easy to make, making it a great choice.
Adding sautéed red onion and briny olives on top makes the chicken even better. It creates a perfect mix of tastes that will impress your guests. Indeed, 1 out of 2 people (50%) think a good topping can make a dish even better.
Pair this French-inspired cuisine with a fresh salad for a full European-style dining experience. The recipe is simple, making it perfect for a dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal.
“This chicken paillard recipe is a game-changer for those who love the flavors of French cooking but are intimidated by the perceived complexity. It’s a delicious and approachable way to enjoy the best of European cuisine in the comfort of your own home.”
So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a French-inspired meal, the chicken paillard recipe is a great choice. It will make your taste buds and your guests very happy.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Looking for a quick and easy dinner? Try this Chicken Paillard recipe. It’s fast, simple, and tastes like a restaurant meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
To make it, pound the chicken breasts thin. This makes them tender and cooks evenly. Then, just fry the paillards and make a tasty sauce.
For a complete meal, add a green salad and roasted potatoes. The juicy chicken and fresh greens make a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Paillard Recipe:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Canola oil for frying
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 2 cups arugula lettuce
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Flaky sea salt
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts, Boneless and Skinless | 2 |
| Canola Oil for Frying | As needed |
| Kosher Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Arugula Lettuce | 2 cups |
| Shallot, Thinly Sliced | 1 |
| Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sliced Almonds, Toasted | 1/4 cup |
| Flaky Sea Salt | To taste |
| Tomato, Diced | 1 large |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 lemon |
This quick chicken dinner is perfect for busy nights. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal any night with simple ingredients and a quick cooking process.
Chicken Paillard Recipe
This Chicken Paillard recipe is a great way to make tender, flavorful chicken breasts. The pounding technique makes sure the meat cooks evenly. It also infuses the chicken with seasonings. The caper-olive sauce and fresh salad on top make it a delicious Italian-inspired dish.
The recipe is quick, ready in under an hour. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. The chicken is pounded to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking in about two minutes per side. The sauce, made with lemon, shallots, garlic, and chives, is simmered until it’s rich and flavorful.
With simple tools like a sauté pan, meat mallet or rolling pin, and a sharp knife, this recipe is easy to make. It serves 4 people. Adding toasted almonds and a fresh rocket or frisée salad adds a nice contrast in textures and flavors. It’s a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Try this Italian-inspired Chicken Paillard recipe for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
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