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Chicken Paillard with Summer Salad

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There are some recipes that just belong to summer, and this Chicken Paillard with Summer Salad is absolutely one of them. It’s crisp, fresh, colorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy — exactly what you want after a long day in the sun.

This has become one of our quintessential warm-weather dinners because it keeps everyone happy and well fed, yet comes together easily enough for a weeknight. Thin, golden chicken cutlets topped with a bright, juicy salad? It’s the kind of combination that never gets old.

Pounding the chicken thin ensures quick cooking and tender results. A simple flour-egg-panko coating gives you that irresistible crispy exterior, while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. And the fresh summer salad spooned over the top adds sweetness, crunch, and a pop of citrus that ties everything together beautifully.

It’s simple. It’s vibrant. It tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup flour

  • 2 large eggs, whisked

  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • Canola or vegetable oil, for the pan

For the Summer Salad:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced

  • 1 ear of corn, kernels cut off the cob

  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place one chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/3-inch thick and evenly flattened. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.

  2. Season each chicken breast with 1/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt.

  3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

  4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat with all pieces.

  5. Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more oil as needed for additional batches.

  6. Transfer cooked chicken to a cooling rack and let rest slightly.

  7. In a mixing bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and remaining salt.

  8. Place chicken on serving plates and top generously with the summer salad. Serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Pounding the chicken evenly ensures quick, uniform cooking and maximum tenderness.

  • For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before frying.

  • This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is crisp and the salad is fresh.

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Recipe Rebuild is a community and newsletter written by real people who are parents, having real conversations about our families, cooking traditions, and cultures. We are passionate about raising healthy and happy kids while navigating the challenges of picky eaters, dietary restrictions, busy schedules, and daily life.