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15-Minute Chicken Paillards with Red Cabbage and Onion Slaw

These 15-minute chicken paillards offer a fresh and vibrant take on a midweek dinner. By flattening the chicken breasts into thin escalopes, the meat cooks incredibly quickly while remaining tender and succulent. The golden, pan-seared chicken provides a savoury base for the bright, crunchy slaw, which is elevated by a punchy red wine vinegar dressing and a subtle hint of heat from the red pepper flakes.

As a heart-healthy option, this dish relies on extra virgin olive oil and crisp, raw vegetables rather than heavy sauces. It is an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch or a light evening meal when time is short but you still want something homemade and wholesome. Serve it exactly as it is for a low-carb feast, or with a small portion of quinoa or crusty wholemeal bread for extra fibre.

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Ingredients for 15-Minute Chicken Paillards with Red Cabbage and Onion Slaw

  • 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 230g each)

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 80ml olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 small head of cabbage, very thinly sliced (about 650g )

  • 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced

  • 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

How to make 15-Minute Chicken Paillards with Red Cabbage and Onion Slaw

Pound chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4" thick; season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large 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 3 minutes. Turn and cook until cooked through, about 1 minute (second side will not brown). Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining cutlet. Let the cutlets rest while you make the slaw.

Toss cabbage, onion, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl; season with salt. Drizzle in vinegar and remaining 45ml oil and toss again.

Top cutlets with slaw.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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