Herbed Lemon Chicken Paillard with Arugula Salad
Tender, lemony chicken breasts are pounded thin, seasoned with fresh herbs, and pan-seared to golden perfection, served atop a zesty arugula salad.
Total: 35 minPrep: 20 minCook: 15 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Steps
- 1 Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness.
- 2 In a small bowl, mix parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- 3 Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then press herb mixture onto both sides.
- 4 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 5 Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- 6 Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest.
- 7 In a large bowl, toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with balsamic vinaigrette.
- 8 Divide salad among plates, top with chicken, and garnish with lemon slices and Parmesan shavings.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Plastic wrap
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the skillet for a deglazed sauce.
- Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets for a lighter option.
Substitutions
- Use Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable.
- Substitute arugula with spinach for a milder flavor.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon wedge.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
8g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
3g sugar
Sodium:
300mg sodium
Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs cook a bit faster.