Skip to main content

Chicken Paillards With Schmaltz Bread Salad

A thin chicken cutlet that's been panfried topped with a cucumberradish salad.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova
  • Active Time

    35 minutes

  • Total Time

    35 minutes

Pounding a skinless, boneless chicken breast to an even thickness is the best way to cook it quickly and evenly. For extra chicken flavor, cook it in rendered chicken fat, then use that same fat to toast croutons for a crispy, delicious topping.

Ingredients

2 servings

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6–8 oz. each)
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
3 Tbsp. schmaltz (chicken fat) or extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 thick slices country-style white bread, torn into 1/4"–1/2" pieces (about 2 cups loosely packed)
2 mini seedless or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
1/2 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  1. Step 1

    Working one at a time, pound chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable plastic bag to 1/2" thick; season with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper.

    Step 2

    Heat 1 Tbsp. schmaltz in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high. Carefully place 1 chicken breast in skillet, laying it away from you, and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 4 minutes. Turn and cook until cooked through, about 1 minute (second side will not brown). Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with 1 Tbsp. schmaltz and remaining cutlet.

    Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 Tbsp. schmaltz to same skillet. As soon as schmaltz is hot, add bread and toss to coat. Pour any accumulated juices from plate with chicken over bread and continue to cook bread, stirring constantly, until golden brown and outsides are lightly crisped but centers are still soft, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper and toss to combine. Remove skillet from heat.

    Step 4

    Toss cucumbers, radishes, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Add bread and toss again to distribute.

    Step 5

    Transfer chicken to a platter. Top with salad.

Sign InorSubscribe
to leave a Rating or Review

How would you rate Chicken Paillards With Schmaltz Bread Salad?

Leave a Review

  • I made the salad a hour ahead, and sprinkled it with a pinch of salt. It drew some moisture out of the cucumber, which diluted the lemon juice, making it a refreshing dressing, not lemony sour. The chicken was moist, tender and delicious, and OH! those schmaltzy bread cubes!!!!! Delicious!

    • nutmeg1760

    • Silver Springs, FL

    • 1/22/2021

  • A schmaltz + lemon dressing would be nice on the panzanella light. Never err on the side of too little schmaltz; it can always be reused. A nice recipe.

    • Vero Beach, FL

    • 1/21/2021

  • Delicious and easy! Be sure to keep the fan on when cooking--and be prepared to clean up the stove from the schmaltz vapor!

    • 天哪neliasguest8715

    • CT

    • 4/8/2020

  • Have not tried it but looks easy and flavorful. Will do next week.

    • mtorealty3884

    • Miami, Florida

    • 3/22/2020

  • 完美的。

    • NewEnglandForager

    • Maplehill, CT.

    • 5/8/2019

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Chicken and Potato Skillet
This easy, one-pan chicken and potato dinner is ideal for a weeknight.
One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Rotisserie chicken, store-bought puff pastry, and just one skillet keep this hearty dinner recipe from feeling too fussy—or taking all day to make.
Skillet Chicken With Tangy-Sweet Peperonata
Seared chicken and salty cheese on a skillet of rustic, stewy sweet peppers—this weeknight-friendly dinner goes from the oven to the table with ease.
Masala Skillet Scramble
Meet your new favorite, a cumin-and-jalapeño-spiked take on scrambled eggs. Enjoy them straight out of the skillet or stuff them into tacos.
Ravioli and Mushroom Skillet
Transform two favorite store-bought ingredients—cheese ravioli and crispy fried onions—into a rich and luscious skillet dinner with a crispy, savory top.
Warm Seven-Layer Skillet Dip
This warm, melty, cheesy version of classic seven-layer dip marries the best of refried beans and queso for game day and beyond.
Tahini Hot Fudge Skillet Cake
Cleverly designed to be gluten-, dairy-, and mixer-free, this brownie-like dessert is a great choice for anyone, anytime.
Hong Kong-Style Crispy Rice Skillet
A thin layer of crispy rice, an array of Chinese cured meats, and a drizzle of sweet, seasoned soy sauce makes this a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner.