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Chicken Paillard

Chicken Paillard is a classic French dish that has become popular around the world for its simplicity and delicious flavors. The term "paillard" refers to a piece of meat that has been pounded thin and cooked quickly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. In the case of Chicken Paillard, the chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness and then grilled or pan-seared, creating a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Additional Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

⅓ cup dry white wine (Optional)

1 lemon, juiced

1 small shallot, chopped

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons lemon zest

½ teaspoon salt, divided

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

4 cups trimmed arugula

8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

Step 1

Marinate the chicken: Pound chicken breasts on a work surface using a meat tenderizer or heavy pan to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Whisk wine, lemon juice, shallot, olive oil, and garlic together in a shallow bowl. Add chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, make the salad: Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Add arugula and tomatoes; toss to combine.

Step 3

Cook the chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate, or heat a skillet over high heat.

Step 4

Remove chicken from marinade; discard remaining marinade. Season chicken with remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 5

Cook chicken on the preheated grill until golden brown and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Plate chicken with arugula salad on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

280

Calories

10g

Fat

Carbs

37g

Protein

Complement

The beauty of Chicken Paillard lies in its versatility and ability to be customized with different herbs, spices, and marinades. It can be served as a main course with a side of vegetables or salad, or sliced and used in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. The dish is also a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional breaded and fried chicken, as it is low in fat and high in protein. With its simple yet sophisticated flavors, Chicken Paillard is sure to become a favorite in any kitchen.