Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Paillards
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some posh grilling ideas that don't involve incinerating sausages? honestly, have you ever thought of elevating your usual grilled chicken recipes ? this grilled lemon herb chicken paillards with charred asparagus and whipped feta dip will make you the envy of every barbie this summer.
Brief Overview
This mediterranean inspired dish is easier than you think. it involves pounding chicken, slapping on a marinade and grilling. this chicken dishes recipes takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, and feeds four hungry souls.
Get ready to impress!
Main Benefits
Lean chicken and asparagus means this is healthy ish, right? this chicken dinner recipes is absolutely perfect for a sunny garden party, or any dinner.
What makes this recipe special, you ask? the whipped feta dip recipe takes it to the next level. you know?
Right, let's talk chicken. we're using boneless, skinless breasts. four of them to be precise. if you buy them ready done as chicken breast recipes , you can use them directly, or trim them up as you want to.
Next up: the marinade. it's a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. rosemary and thyme bring that classic mediterranean vibe.
Don't have fresh? dried oregano will do in a pinch. add a pinch of salt and pepper, because, flavour!
Now, for the grilled chicken paillard part. this is where the meat mallet comes in. bash those chicken breasts until they're about 1/4 inch thick.
This helps them cook evenly and quickly. marinate for at least 20 minutes. the longer, the better, mate.
And now for the delicious and simple Charred Asparagus Recipe to create the best Grilled Dinner to enjoy with friends.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted
Okay, so you wanna ace those grilled lemon herb chicken paillards ? first, we gotta get our bits and bobs in order.
It ain't rocket science, but quality ingredients make a world of difference, honestly. especially when it comes to grilling ideas for summer barbies.
Main Ingredients: The Starters
Right then, for the chicken, you'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. we’re talking about 6-8 oz (170-225g) each. look for plump breasts, nice and pink, not pale or slimy.
That’s your quality indicator, alright? for the marinade, grab 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of decent olive oil, and the same of lemon juice.
Don't be stingy with the juice; it's the lemon in lemon herb grilled chicken , you know? plus 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt, and ¼ teaspoon (1g) of pepper.
For the asparagus, get 1 pound (450g) of fresh stuff, nice and firm. Then you'll need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Finally, for that lush whipped feta dip: 4 ounces (115g) of feta cheese, crumbled, plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of milk (or water if you’re feeling fancy), and a pinch of black pepper.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bomb Time
This recipe lives and breathes on fresh herbs and that zesty lemon. Don't skip on the rosemary and thyme; they're essential! If you're in a pinch, you can use Italian seasoning (about 2 teaspoons ), but fresh is always best, yeah? A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade? Oh my gosh, yes!
That adds a lovely warmth!
Remember that we are making Mediterranean Grilled Chicken , So be generous with your herbs.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need the queen's silverware for this. a meat mallet or rolling pin (for flattening the chicken), a large resealable bag, a grill (or grill pan), and a blender or food processor.
No need for special kit; if you haven't got a mallet, a rolling pin does the job just fine! if you have a blender, try to make that whipped feta dip recipe .
It is incredible.
Now, Get your Grilled Chicken Recipes and let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Grilling Like a Pro, Mate!
Alright, let’s talk grilling. not just chucking a sausage on the barbie, but proper grilling ideas to elevate your weeknight dinners, especially to make delicious grilled chicken recipes .
I once ruined a bbq for the whole street by setting fire to some sausages. lesson learned! now, i'm all about flavour, finesse, and frankly, not burning the house down.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place? absolutely crucial . chop your herbs, mince your garlic, and have everything ready before you even think about lighting the grill.
It's like prepping for a proper cup of tea no soggy biscuits allowed! for our grilled lemon herb chicken paillards, that means getting that glorious marinade sorted.
Time saving tip? use a garlic press. honestly, game changer. and safety? don’t be a numpty! keep a water spray handy in case of flare ups.
step-by-step: Grilling Glory
We are aiming for perfect Chicken Dinner Recipes here!
- Marinate: Combine the olive oil , lemon juice , minced garlic , chopped rosemary , chopped thyme , oregano , salt , and pepper in a bag. Give it a good shake.
- Pound: Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes them extra tender.
- Soak: Bung the chicken into the marinade. Seal the bag and massage that flavour in. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes .
- Asparagus Time: Toss your trimmed asparagus with olive oil , salt , and pepper . Keep it simple.
- Grill Prep: Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
- Chicken on the Grill: Grill for 3- 4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C . Use a thermometer to be sure!
- Asparagus Char: Grill the asparagus for 3- 5 minutes , turning until tender crisp. You want a little char!
- Whip it Good: Blend the feta, olive oil, lemon juice, milk/water, and pepper until smooth for that smashing dip.
Pro Tips: Ace the Grill!
Don't overcrowd the grill, mate. space is your friend! a common mistake? overcooking the chicken, which turns it into shoe leather.
Use a thermometer and let it rest after grilling. it makes a huge difference. you can even prep the chicken and marinade ahead of time.
This is one of the great chicken dishes recipes to use. prep the dip a day before, and you are set!
So there you have it, grilled dinner sorted! with a bit of prep and attention, you can easily impress your mates with some top-notch mediterranean grilled chicken .
Give it a go, yeah? and remember: keep calm and grill on!
Okay, mate! So you’ve just whipped up those Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Paillards smashing job! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs to make this dish truly sing, yeah?
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Grill Game
Right then, i reckon you're curious. here are a few notes to help you. these will make your meal the best it can be.
We'll cover serving, storing, and variations. we'll even sneak in some nutrition!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation is half the battle. for these chicken dinner recipes , think mediterranean vibes. arrange the grilled chicken paillard artfully on the plate.
Fan out the charred asparagus recipe alongside. dot with a dollop of the whipped feta dip recipe .
A little sprinkle of fresh herbs never hurts. consider a side of fluffy quinoa or couscous. it soaks up all those lovely juices.
To drink, a crisp rosé or lemonade hits the spot.
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Chicken Breast Recipes keep well. Store the chicken and asparagus separately in airtight containers. They'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing cooked chicken isn't ideal. It can get a bit dry. Reheat in the oven or a pan with a splash of broth. This will keep it moist.
Variations: Your Kitchen, Your Rules
Fancy a twist? You got it. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Swap the rosemary and thyme for Italian seasoning. It is still delicious.
Watching your dairy intake? No worries! Use a cashew based "cheese" for the dip. A squeeze of extra lemon will keep it tangy. You could also try turkey cutlets instead of chicken.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness on a Plate
Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. You’ll get a whopping 40g of protein. This makes it a fab, healthy meal.
It's packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Feta provides calcium. The lemon and herbs add a zesty boost. A delicious way to look after yourself.
So there you have it, a few extra tips and tricks to make this dish your own. now go on, get grilling ideas and enjoy! it's time to enjoy your grilled dinner with your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a bit of a novice, any tips for making sure the chicken doesn't dry out when grilling?
Absolutely! Overcooked chicken is the bane of every BBQ, isn't it? First, pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for consistent cooking. More importantly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) pull it off the grill as soon as it hits that mark.
Letting it rest for a few minutes after grilling will also help retain those lovely juices; think of it like a cuppa after a long day, letting everything settle.
What are some good grilling ideas for this recipe if I want to switch things up a bit?
Feeling adventurous, eh? Splendid! You could try marinating the chicken in different herb combinations - perhaps some rosemary and garlic for a classic Italian flavour, or even a touch of chilli flakes for a bit of heat.
As for the asparagus, wrapping it in foil with a knob of butter and some lemon zest before grilling will give it a wonderfully buttery flavour. Alternatively, try grilling some halloumi alongside the chicken for an extra Mediterranean touch, it's a real crowd pleaser.
Can I make the whipped feta dip ahead of time? How should I store any leftovers of the dish?
Good thinking, getting ahead of the game! The whipped feta dip can definitely be made in advance just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As for leftovers, store the chicken and asparagus separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They'll be good for 2-3 days.
Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or the oven to prevent it from drying out.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, are there any substitutions I can make to lower the calories in this recipe?
Of course, a bit of mindful tweaking is always a good shout. You could use a lighter feta cheese or even a low-fat Greek yoghurt in the dip. Using a spray oil instead of olive oil when grilling can also cut back on the calories.
Serving the chicken and asparagus with a generous helping of salad leaves instead of grains like quinoa or couscous will lower the carbohydrate content too.
I don't have a grill. Can I still make this recipe using a grill pan or in the oven?
Absolutely, no need to feel like you're missing out! A grill pan will give you those lovely char marks, just make sure it's nice and hot before you add the chicken and asparagus. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Roast the asparagus alongside for the last 10 minutes, tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper first, of course.
My flatmate is allergic to nuts, does this recipe contain any hidden nuts?
Safety first! This particular recipe doesn't contain any nuts directly, but it's always worth checking the labels of your ingredients (especially the feta cheese) just to be absolutely sure. For example, some feta brands may be produced in facilities that also process nuts, so it's a good practice to be diligent!
If you're particularly concerned, double check with the retailer or producer about their manufacturing practices.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Paillards
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
