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Chicken Paillards with Schmaltz Bread Salad

This sophisticated chicken paillards with schmaltz bread salad is a wonderful way to elevate a simple chicken breast into a high-protein feast. By flattening the meat, you ensure a quick, even cook that remains incredibly succulent, while the use of schmaltz—or rendered chicken fat—infuses the golden bread morsels with a deep, savoury depth. Combined with the crunch of fresh radishes and cooling cucumber, it is a dish that balances rich textures with a bright, zesty finish.

Perfect for a nutritious midweek meal or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe celebrates the classic combination of roast chicken flavours in a fraction of the time. The parsley and lemon juice provide a vibrant lift, cutting through the richness of the fried bread. Serve it immediately while the croutons are still warm for the best contrast against the crisp, peppery salad vegetables.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chicken Paillards with Schmaltz Bread Salad

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6–230g each)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

  • 45ml schmaltz (chicken fat) or extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2 thick slices country-style white bread, torn into 1/4"–1/2" pieces (about 475ml loosely packed)

  • 2 mini seedless or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced

  • 3 radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves with tender stems

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

How to make Chicken Paillards with Schmaltz Bread Salad

Working one at a time, pound chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable plastic bag to 1/2" thick; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon schmaltz in a large nonstick or cast-iron 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 4 minutes. Turn and cook until cooked through, about 1 minute (second side will not brown). Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon schmaltz and remaining cutlet.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon schmaltz to same skillet. As soon as schmaltz is hot, add bread and toss to coat. Pour any accumulated juices from plate with chicken over bread and continue to cook bread, stirring constantly, until golden brown and outsides are lightly crisped but centres are still soft, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoons salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoons pepper and toss to combine. Remove skillet from heat.

Toss cucumbers, radishes, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Add bread and toss again to distribute.

Transfer chicken to a platter. Top with salad.

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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