Classic Crispy Chicken Paillard | The Fab 4 Way

Recipes
Classic Crispy Chicken Paillard with Modern Mediterranean Salad

The Classic Crispy Chicken Paillard made the Fab Four way—simple, flavorful, and built to nourish. This balanced dish follows my blood sugar-stabilizing Fab Four method to help you feel satisfied, energized, and at your best.

Chicken paillard is simple, quick, and incredibly versatile. Dress it up or down. It’s equally fitted for fast weeknight dinners as it is for effortless entertaining. By definition, paillard is simply the term for a traditional French cooking technique where meat is sliced – or butterflied – and then pounded thin. This process tenderizes the chicken and allows it to cook quickly and evenly. 

The result? Tender, juicy chicken that acts as the perfect blank slate—ready to take on whatever flavors you love. I’m pairing mine with a light, fresh, yet surprisingly satisfying salad, but feel free to customize the herbs, spices, or greens to make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works (Functionally Speaking)

When you build your meal using Protein, Fat, Fiber, and Greens (the Fab Four!), you slow the absorption of glucose, avoid energy spikes and crashes, and calm your hunger hormones. This Chicken Paillard plate checks every box:

  • Protein: Thin-pounded + crispy chicken breasts seared to perfection
  • Fat: Healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, feta, and olives
  • Fiber: Cucumber, romaine, and avocado help you stay full and satisfied
  • Greens: A crunchy romaine base with bonus herbs to support detox + digestion

The result? A vibrant, blood sugar–balancing plate that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.

The Power of Fresh Herbs

Herbs like dill, parsley, and chives don’t just taste fresh – they offer natural detoxification support, are high in antioxidants, and contain micronutrients that help reduce inflammation and support liver function (which plays a big role in blood sugar balance):

  • Here’s a quick list of the specific detox benefits for each herb:
  • Parsley - Supports kidney function by helping flush out excess toxins, and rich in liver-protective antioxidants
  • Dill - Aids toxin removal and improved digestion, contains monoterpenes that support liver enzyme activity
  • Chives - Contains sulfur compounds (like allicin) that support liver detox enzymes
  • Cilantro - Known for aiding in heavy metal detox (binds to mercury, lead, etc.) and supporting liver detox enzymes

Hungry for more?

This Chicken Paillard isn’t just a weeknight hero – it’s a fully functional meal that leaves you energized, satiated, and steady. 

Want more recipes built with wellbeing in mind? Follow me on Instagram @bewellbykelly for all your family friendly, healthy food inspo. Here are a few poultry-based favorites to get you started: 

  • Prep Time

    10 minutes

  • Total Time

    30 minutes

  • Servings

    4-6

  • Freezer Friendly

    No

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro, chives – whatever you have on hand)

For the Salad:

  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and torn
  • 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup green olives, sliced
  • Optional fresh herbs: chives, parsley, dill, cilantro

Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove (minced or grated)
  • 1-2 tsp capers (chopped or whole)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.
  3. Build the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, avocado, feta, cucumber, olives, and herbs.
  4. Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar.
  5. Assemble: Slice chicken and layer over the salad. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately.