Prep Time  10minutes
Cook Time  10minutes
Total Time  10mins

How to Pound out a Chicken Breast

Now you may ask yourself (quite legitimately), why should I pound out a chicken breast?  Well, in addition to the therapeutic benefits of taking out your frustration, several chicken dishes are actually improved by having a uniformly thick (or thin), flat piece of breast meat…which is not the natural shape of a chicken breast.  This technique is your chance to mold nature into the form you need it…perhaps that’s a bit dramatic.

How To pound out a chicken breast

  • I like to place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap that I’ve moistened with a bit of water
  • You can use a meat mallet, but I generally find them to be a bit on the light side.  As you see in the video, I fill an old wine bottle with water and use that as my pounder
  • Starting with the thickest part of the chicken, start to pound on the chicken gently (if you go too hard you may just pulverize rather than flatten the chicken)
  • Move each strike slightly; working from the center, out towards the edges of the breast.  When you get to the outside, start over at the center and move in another direction
  • Repeat that process until you’ve gotten the chicken to the desired thickness – generally about a ½ inch thick
  • Generally, I find more pounding, with lighter hits, works better than trying to get everything done in just a few whacks – but if you’re not making progress, gradually add more pressure with each stroke

TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO POUND OUT A CHICKEN BREAST

Most common is meat mallet, but a lot of people don't have one, and frankly, I don't even think it's the best tool to use use.  While I have a meat mallet, I actually prefer a wine bottle (screw top that I've already drank, and re-filled with water), as it has better weight and more surface area.  You can also use any of the following:

  1. Wine bottle
  2. Pan or pot
  3. Canned food
  4. Rolling pin
  5. Heavy pint glass (be careful not to break it)

Recipes that use pounded out/flattened chicken breasts

Many times, I'll pound out the chicken breast any time, I want simple grilled or sauteed chicken.  It cooks faster and it's easier to make sure you don't over cook it.  But in addition to just plain chicken breasts, there's a ton of recipes that call for pounded out chicken.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Once you’ve gotten the breast flattened out, you’re good to go.  Enjoy!!

Comments (16 )

Reply
Ellen Ellis
October 25th, 2013 - 6:29pm
This was quite clear and helpful and I now feel like I can do this for a recipe tonight. I've been cooking for 30 years and have never tried to pound a chicken breast before. Hope it works! Thanks so much!
Reply
Mark Stallings
August 6th, 2015 - 10:46pm
Worked like a charm. Immediately implemented it for a garlic chicken recipe where I wanted to marinade the chicken in minced garlic.
Reply
Chris
December 6th, 2019 - 9:53pm
Also, pounding chicken breast is called for when making Chicken Katsu (and the sauce is heaven - Tonkatsu).
Reply
온라인바카라
January 2nd, 2021 - 3:12am
Fortunately, if you slip and the iron sword does not die, the compassion that anyone opens the door. http://xn--oi2ba146a24mbtbtvt.vom77.com
Reply
Aira
February 1st, 2023 - 1:36am
It is not my first time to pay a quick visit this web page, i am visiting this website dailly and get fastidious information from here daily. 온라인 카지노 카지노사이트 바카라사이트 토토사이트 호텔 카지노 https://www.j9korea.com/
Reply
Fridge Repairs ...
December 26th, 2023 - 8:11am
I enjoy the helpful information you provide in your articles. <a href="https://www.southarctic.co.za/fridge-repairs-montana-park.html">Fridge Repairs Montana Park</a>
Reply
Fridge Repairs ...
December 26th, 2023 - 8:11am
I enjoy the helpful information you provide in your articles.
Reply
SADIQ HUSSAIN
December 26th, 2023 - 8:11am
cheers for such a brilliant website. Where else could someone get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the watch out for such information. <a href="https://carportcapetown.co.za/carports-capetown.html">Carport Capetown</a>
Reply
SADIQ HUSSAIN
December 26th, 2023 - 8:12am
cheers for such a brilliant website. Where else could someone get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the watch out for such information. [url=https://carportcapetown.co.za/carports-capetown.html]Carport Capetown[/url]
Reply
Fridge Repairs ...
December 26th, 2023 - 8:12am
I enjoy the helpful information you provide in your articles.
Reply
Tax Accountants...
December 27th, 2023 - 2:28am
You have talked some nice information on the subject, are you working to do a FAQ about this issue in the future, as i have some more doubts that will be common to other readers. <a href="https://hydepark-taxshop.co.za/accountants-johannesburg/">Accountants Johannesburg</a>
Reply
Tax Accountants...
December 27th, 2023 - 2:28am
You have talked some nice information on the subject, are you working to do a FAQ about this issue in the future, as i have some more doubts that will be common to other readers.
Reply
<a href="https:...
December 27th, 2023 - 2:29am
You have talked some nice information on the subject, are you working to do a FAQ about this issue in the future, as i have some more doubts that will be common to other readers.
Reply
Accountants Joh...
December 27th, 2023 - 2:30am
You have talked some nice information on the subject, are you working to do a FAQ about this issue in the future, as i have some more doubts that will be common to other readers.
Reply
<a href="https:...
December 27th, 2023 - 3:17am
you use a fantastic blog here! do you wish to earn some invite posts on my small blog?
Reply
Hamza
December 27th, 2023 - 5:48am
That's look into you ought to special groundwork ahead of when authoring. Shall be likely that will even more alluring blog post through this industry. [url=https://www.vapewholesalen.com/vape-wholesale-moldova/]vape wholesale moldova[/url]

Leave a comment

Top Categories

Our most popular recipes in our most popular foods.


Pasta

Our best pasta recipes & techniques will have you cooking like an Italian Grandma.

Chicken

The best chicken recipe, is the well-cooked chicken recipe. Learn our secrets now...

Pork

Tired of dull, dry pork? So are we! Learn how to make the best chops on the block.

Steak

Fear not! The grill, the pan, the oven, we've got you covered with the recipes and techniques to get the perfect steak...