Chicken Paillard with Lemon Butter Sauce

Have you ever found yourself staring at chicken breasts in your refrigerator, wondering how to transform them into something spectacular without spending hours in the kitchen? Enter Chicken Paillard – the elegant yet surprisingly simple French dish that’s about to become your new weeknight staple. With its tender, perfectly cooked chicken topped with a silky lemon butter sauce, this Chicken Paillard delivers restaurant-quality results in just about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Paillard

• ✅ Quick chicken paillard weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
• ✅ Perfect healthy chicken paillard dinner ideas that are low-carb and protein-rich

Ingredients for Chicken Paillard

The beauty of Chicken Paillard lies in its simplicity. You’ll need:

• 2 (8-oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or 1.5 tablespoons for a milder lemon flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with ghee or a high-quality olive oil
• If you prefer marinated chicken paillard for grilling, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary make excellent additions to the grilled chicken paillard with herbs

How to Make Chicken Paillard – Step by Step

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap.
2. Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this ensures proper browning).
4. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pounded chicken breasts.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
8. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
9. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
10. Add butter and allow it to melt.
11. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
12. Stir in lemon juice and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
13. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
14. Plate the Chicken Paillard and drizzle with the lemon butter sauce.
15. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Pro Tips

• Even thickness is key: Take your time when pounding the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. Uneven thickness leads to overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
• Don’t skip drying the chicken: Pat the chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning for the best browning results.
• Control the heat: If your pan is too hot, the butter sauce will brown too quickly. Medium-low heat ensures a silky, not broken sauce.
• Rest the chicken: Letting the chicken paillard rest under foil for 5 minutes helps retain juices before slicing.
• Make ahead tip: You can pound and season the chicken a day ahead, keeping it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Best Ways

Chicken Paillard is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

• For a classic presentation, try chicken paillard served with salad – an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired meal with chicken paillard with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
• For the best sauces for chicken paillard beyond the lemon butter, try a rustic tomato sauce, herb pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.
• The dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light quinoa salad.
• For a complete meal, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 680mg

This healthy chicken paillard dinner idea is naturally low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free, making it perfect for those following specific dietary patterns.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Paillard in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture and sauce quality.
• Meal prep: Prepare several chicken paillard variations for meal prep by cooking the chicken without sauce, then adding different toppings throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicken paillard?

Chicken paillard is a French dish consisting of chicken breast pounded thin, seasoned, and quickly cooked in a pan or on a grill. The thin, even thickness ensures quick cooking and tender results. The term “paillard” refers specifically to the technique of pounding meat thin.

How do you cook chicken paillard?

The best way to cook chicken paillard is to first pound boneless chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness, season them, then cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. This easy chicken paillard cooking method ensures tender, juicy results every time.

Conclusion

This Chicken Paillard recipe proves that sophisticated, delicious meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of tender chicken and bright, lemony butter sauce, this dish has earned its place in my regular dinner rotation – and I’m betting it will in yours too.

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