Kitchen How To: Pounding Out a Chicken Breast

Okay so you stumble upon an awesome chicken recipe that you must make but there is one little snag it requires that you pound out a chicken breast.

Huh?

Have no fear, I’m hear to clear this up a bit for you.

To pound out a chicken breast is just another way of saying make it thinner. There are a few reasons making a chicken breast thinner is a great idea. Pounding chicken until thin increases the surface area allowing you to more thoroughly spice, season or bread the chicken. Pounding chicken breasts thin helps to tenderize the meat. Also thinner breasts cook faster and  have the appearance of a heartier portion because as they are pounded thin they become wider.

Shorter cooking time is great when your are in a hurry and a heartier looking portion is great when you are trying to save a buck or two and trick your eyes into thinking your are eating more than you really are. Knowing how to pound out chicken , is quick and easy and can help you save a buck or two as well as more easily feed a crowd. Reasons  that not only appeal to the mom in me, but also the budget conscious home cook.

Okay, now you know why so here is the how:

Step 1: Spread one large piece of plastic wrap or wax paper on your counter.

Step 2: Place chicken on plastic wrap or wax paper. *You can also butterfly (cut the breasts in half) to make 2 thinner pieces of chicken to start with before pounding the breasts as well, though this is not required.

Step 3: Cover chicken with a second piece of plastic wrap or wax paper.

Step 4: Starting in the center of each chicken breast and using a heavy skillet, a rolling pin, or a mallet pound the chicken to your desired thickness.

Four simple steps and you are in pounded chicken heaven, or at the very least you are on your way to making delicious chicken dishes in minutes.