How to Flatten Chicken Breasts

Flattening chicken breasts is important for some chicken recipes.

Many recipes call for flattened chicken breasts so the chicken can be cooked evenly. Recipes such as chicken marsala, chicken piccata and stuffed chicken all ask for flattened chicken. There are a couple of ways to pound down a chicken breast, and knowing which method to use often depends on the recipe. There is a simple method to flatten a chicken breast that will work for most recipes and another method for stuffed-chicken recipes.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken breasts
• Wax paper
• Meat mallet
• Sharp knife.

Instructions

Flattened Chicken Breast

1. Put the chicken breast on top of a piece of wax paper and cover with a second piece of wax paper.

2. Pound with the meat mallet (flat side only), moving outward from the center.

3. Continue until the chicken breast is evenly thinned.

Flatten for Stuffed Chicken

1. Use a knife to cut the chicken breast lengthwise. Cut the breast nearly in half, but keep it attached on one side.

2. Lay the chicken breast flat and open on a piece of wax paper and place another piece of wax paper on top.

3. Pound with the meat mallet (flat side only), moving outward from the center again.

4. Pound the chicken until it is ¼-inch thick.

5. Follow the recipe to stuff and cook.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash hands and utensils thoroughly before handling chicken. Be sure to wash and sterilize the utensils and cutting board after preparation to remove any bacteria from the raw chicken. Check the dates on chicken before using to make sure it hasn't gone bad.

References

• How to Flatten Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Marsala & Chicken Piccatta