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Want to add some pep to your Chicken Paillard? Don't just stop at lemon zest. Oranges and fresh spring vegetables work wonders aganst a chicken breast canvas, all while adding nutrients and color. Add Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, for a side that doesn't distract from the chicken's flavor. 

Recipe by Southern Living January 2015

Gallery

Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Recipe Summary

hands-on:
30 mins
total:
1 hr 25 mins
Yield:
Makes 4 servings
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth and well blended. Stir in parsley and thyme leaves. Reserve 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp. vinaigrette for use in couscous and salad.

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  • Prepare Chicken: Place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap, and flatten to about 1/2-inch thickness, using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet. Place chicken in a zip-top plastic bag, and pour remaining vinaigrette over chicken, turning to coat. Seal and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Turn bag over after 15 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, prepare Couscous: Melt butter with 1 1/2 tsp. oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add couscous; cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes or until toasted. Stir in broth. Bring mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Uncover and fluff. Stir in 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper and reserved 2 Tbsp. vinaigrette.

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Place chicken on a wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle with 3/4 tsp. each salt and pepper.

  • Bake at 400° for 12 to 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 165°. Let chicken stand at room temperature 5 minutes.

  • Prepare Salad: Cook beans in boiling salted water 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Halve beans, lengthwise; toss with arugula, next 4 ingredients, and remaining 1/3 cup vinaigrette.

  • Divide couscous among 4 plates; top each with a chicken breast, and serve with salad.

Chef's Notes

We tested with Peloponnese All Natural Grande Pearl Shaped Couscous.

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