Chicken Paillard is a classic French dish where thinly pounded chicken breasts are quickly seared to golden perfection, creating a light, flavorful meal that’s elegant yet simple. The thin cutlets cook evenly and stay tender, with a deliciously crisp exterior. Paired with a fresh salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon, this dish is a wonderfully balanced and versatile meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and lets the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens, for serving
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Repeat with the second chicken breast.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with Salad: Place the cooked chicken on a plate. Squeeze lemon juice over each piece, then top with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta, if desired.
Enjoy this Chicken Paillard as a fresh, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive to serve!