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Chicken Paillard

A perfectly grilled, juicy chicken breast, thinly pounded for quick and even cooking, seasoned simply and brightened with lemon juice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French, Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Cutting board
  • Grill or skillet
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap to prevent splatter.
  2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound each breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Pour olive oil over the chicken and rub it in, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
  4. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat (about 400°F) until hot.
  5. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes for a total of 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, drizzle lemon juice over the chicken.
  7. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not skip resting; it ensures juiciness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.