Chicken Paillard: The Ultimate Healthy Delight You’ll Love!
Chicken paillard is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your table! This tender, thinly pounded chicken breast is grilled to perfection, creating a juicy and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, each bite is a celebration of taste. Serve it with a vibrant salad or some roasted veggies for a colorful plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated dish!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Light and healthy, yet incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile—pair it with your favorite sides or salads.
- Full of flavor, thanks to simple, fresh ingredients.
- A great way to impress family and friends with minimal effort!
chicken paillard
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly!
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the pounded chicken and coat it well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it juicy!
- Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. A little sizzle is what you’re aiming for!
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear!
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it tender and juicy!
- Slice the chicken paillard and serve it with a fresh salad or your favorite veggies. Drizzle with a bit more lemon juice for an extra zing. Enjoy your healthy delight!
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 10g | 30g | 5g |
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Course |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free, Low-Carb |
| Serves: | 2 |
| Best Served: | With a fresh salad |
Ingredients
- Chicken breast – Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy when pounded thin.
- Olive oil – Adds healthy fats and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor; use fresh for the best taste.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Fresh herbs – Such as parsley or basil; they add freshness and color.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Vegetables – Such as arugula or cherry tomatoes; they make a great side or salad topping.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious chicken paillard that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the pounded chicken and coat it well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps it juicy!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Pan
Heat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. A little sizzle is what you’re aiming for!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear!
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it tender and juicy!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the chicken paillard and serve it with a fresh salad or your favorite veggies. Drizzle with a bit more lemon juice for an extra zing. Enjoy your healthy delight!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken evenly for quick cooking.
- Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Cook on high heat for a nice sear and juicy interior.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal.
How to Serve
Elevate your chicken paillard experience with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette for a refreshing kick.
- Serve alongside a vibrant arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and avocado.
- Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Wrap in a whole-grain pita with fresh greens and tzatziki sauce for a fun twist.
- Accompany with quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, nutritious meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
- Offer a side of sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.
- Enjoy with a cool cucumber and yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
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 3 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.
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
FAQs
What is chicken paillard?
Chicken paillard is a delicious dish made from thinly pounded chicken breast, which is then grilled or pan-seared. This cooking method ensures the chicken cooks quickly and remains juicy, making it a perfect option for a healthy meal.
How do I ensure my chicken paillard is tender?
To achieve tender chicken paillard, make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and prevents drying out. Marinating the chicken briefly 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 quinoa for a balanced meal. You can also add a light sauce or dressing to elevate the flavors.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can use turkey or even thinly sliced beef or pork as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the protein is cooked through but still tender.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—chicken paillard, a dish that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor! It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-rewarding to make. Picture yourself savoring each bite, feeling proud of your culinary skills. Gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful meal, and create some delicious memories together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure!
