What is Grilled Chicken Paillard and How to Make This Flavorful Dish

Grilled chicken paillard is a delicious and simple dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or backyard barbecues. This French-inspired preparation features thinly pounded chicken breasts that cook up quickly on the grill, resulting in a tender and juicy entrée bursting with flavor.

In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about making grilled chicken paillard at home We’ll cover

• What exactly is chicken paillard?
• The history and origins of this dish
• Helpful preparation tips
• Cooking methods for perfect results
• Flavorful marinade ideas
• Serving suggestions and side pairings
• The health benefits of grilled chicken paillard

After reading this, you’ll be ready to put this easy but tasty chicken dish on the grill. Let’s get started!.

What is Chicken Paillard?

“Paillard” is a French cooking method where meat is pounded very thin before cooking. This makes the meat more tender and speeds up the cooking process. A chicken paillard is just a chicken breast that has been pounded very thin, making a flattened cutlet.

Pounding the chicken accomplishes two important things

• It tenderizes the meat by breaking down the fibers. This results in a more tender texture.

• By flattening the breast, you make more surface area, which means the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

Chicken paillards are usually about 1⁄4 inch thick. This thinness allows them to cook through in just 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Despite the short cooking time, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

You can use the paillard method on beef or pork, but chicken breasts are what it’s most often used for. It turns a normal piece of meat into something special with the right amount of char from the grill.

History and Origins

Chicken paillard has its roots in French cuisine, where the paillard preparation technique originated. The word itself comes from the French verb “payer” meaning to beat or pound out.

While veal and pork were initially common meats used for paillards, chefs eventually realized chicken was the ideal choice. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin delivered a large, quick-cooking cutlet that absorbed flavors beautifully.

Over time, the classic French flavors used for chicken paillard expanded to incorporate Mediterranean herbs and spices. The dish also became popular stateside, evolving to include new marinades and grilling methods tailored to American tastes.

Despite the variations, the basic concept remains the same – pounded and grilled chicken cutlets bursting with flavor. This technique ensures a satisfying meal in minutes, making chicken paillard a go-to dinner around the world.

Preparation Tips for Grilled Chicken Paillard

Perfectly prepped chicken paillards will lead to delicious results on the grill. Follow these helpful tips:

Choose the Right Chicken

Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts without any blemishes. Organic and free-range options often have the best flavor.

Butterfly and Pound the Meat

Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast horizontally to butterfly it. Cover with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to about 1⁄4 inch thickness.

Marinate for Flavor

Marinate the paillards for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to infuse flavor. Lemon-herb and Mediterranean marinades work well.

Pat Chicken Dry

Pat the paillards very dry before grilling. This helps achieve the best sear.

Season Generously

Season just before grilling with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices.

Delicious Marinade Ideas

One of the best parts of chicken paillard is that it provides the perfect canvas to showcase fun marinades and spice blends. Here are some tasty marinade ideas to try:

• Lemon-Herb: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley

• Mediterranean: Olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, basil

• Chimichurri: Olive oil, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano

• Tandoori: Yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, garlic, ginger

• Jerk: Brown sugar, allspice, thyme, habanero peppers, lime juice

Get creative and make your own signature marinade! Allow the chicken to soak for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Best Cooking Methods for Chicken Paillard

There are two popular cooking methods that work well for preparing grilled chicken paillard:

On the Grill

The grill adds wonderful smoky flavor and attractive charred grill marks as the chicken cooks over direct heat. Use medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

Pan-Seared

In a skillet over medium-high heat, pan-searing also delivers delicious results. Use just 1-2 tsp oil to prevent sticking. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

For both methods, remember to pat the chicken dry first for optimal browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the paillard reaches 165°F at the thickest point.

Serving Suggestions and Side Pairings

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving grilled chicken paillard. Here are some tasty ideas:

Fresh Salads – Pair your chicken with a light salad of mixed greens, tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a lemony vinaigrette.

Grilled Vegetables – Compliment the paillard with grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers.

Whole Grains – Try whole grain sides like quinoa, farro or brown rice for a fiber boost.

Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes make a hearty, savory side.

Sauces – Drizzle grilled paillard with chimichurri, pesto or tzatziki sauce for added moisture and flavor.

With a simple salad or veggie side, chicken paillard makes for a satisfying, well-rounded meal perfect for everyday dinners.

Health Benefits of Chicken Paillard

Beyond being fast and delicious, grilled chicken paillard also offers great nutritional value:

• It’s a lean, low-fat protein source. Skinless chicken is naturally low in fat.

• Excellent source of protein for building muscle. A 6oz paillard provides over 35g protein.

• Versatile to pair with veggie sides for balanced nutrition.

• Pounding tenderizes chicken without adding calories.

• Grilling imparts flavor without needing extra oils or fats.

As part of a healthy diet, grilled chicken paillard checks all the boxes. It provides a nutritious and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Putting It All Together for Grilled Chicken Paillard

Grilled chicken paillard makes for an easy, weeknight-friendly dinner that feels fancy enough for guests. Here is a recap of the simple process:

1. Prep the chicken: Pound fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts to 1⁄4 inch thickness.

2. Marinate: Mix your favorite marinade and let chicken marinate for 30 min – 2 hours.

3. Pat chicken dry: This helps achieve a nice sear on the grill.

4. Season chicken: Use salt, pepper and any other spices just before grilling.

5. Grill over medium-high heat: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until done.

6. Let rest: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Pair with sides: Serve your chicken paillards with fresh veggies, salads or whole grains.

8. Add sauce (optional): Drizzle with chimichurri or other sauce for extra flavor.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this easy yet impressive grilled chicken dish at home. The paillard technique guarantees tender, juicy results every time. Fire up the grill and whip up this French-inspired recipe that everyone will love. Let us know your favorite marinade combinations and serving ideas once you give it a try!