Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins available, beloved for its adaptability across countless culinary styles. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, it’s essential to understand the variety of chicken cuts available to achieve perfect results in the kitchen. Among the popular cuts, thin chicken breast slices are particularly sought after. However, many people still wonder, What is thin cut chicken breast called?
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore not only what this cut is but also its various names, how to use it in the kitchen, the benefits of incorporating it into your cooking routine, and much more. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of how to work with thin chicken breast and all its culinary possibilities.
What Is Thin Cut Chicken Breast Called?
When we refer to thin cut chicken breast, we are describing a chicken breast that has been sliced horizontally to make it thinner. The most common culinary terms for thin cut chicken breasts are chicken cutlets or butterflied chicken breasts.
Chicken Cutlets vs. Butterflied Chicken Breasts
To clarify further, there are slight differences between chicken cutlets and butterflied chicken breasts:
- Chicken Cutlets: These are thin pieces of chicken breast cut horizontally. Often, after cutting, they are also pounded to ensure even thickness. This even thickness is beneficial because it promotes uniform cooking and prevents any part of the chicken from becoming overcooked or underdone.
- Butterflied Chicken Breasts: These are chicken breasts that have been cut open to create a larger surface area. They are usually sliced horizontally but not all the way through, allowing the breast to be opened like a book.
The thinness of these cuts makes them particularly effective for certain cooking styles, allowing for a more even cooking process and significantly shorter cooking times. For a more detailed tutorial on slicing and butterflying chicken breasts, check out guides from trusted culinary websites such as The Kitchn and Bon Appétit.
Other Names for Thin Cut Chicken Breast
Depending on the recipe or even region, thinly sliced chicken breasts can be known by a few other names:
- Escalope: Common in European countries, this term is used to refer to thinly sliced meat, particularly poultry or veal. It’s widely used in French and Italian cooking.
- Paillard: This term is French in origin and refers to a thinly pounded meat, typically grilled or quickly sautéed. Paillards are especially popular in French cuisine for their tenderness and adaptability to sauces.
- Scaloppine: In Italian cuisine, thin cut chicken is often referred to as scaloppine, a term that is also used for other thinly sliced meats, like veal or pork. It’s commonly seen in recipes such as Chicken Marsala.
These names are useful to know, especially when following a recipe from a different region or culture. While the cut is essentially the same, the terminology may vary, which could help when shopping for ingredients or understanding recipe directions.
Why Choose Thin Cut Chicken Breast?
There are multiple advantages to choosing this cut of chicken breast over traditional, thicker pieces.
Quick Cooking Times
One of the primary advantages of thin chicken breasts is speed. They cook much faster than traditional whole breasts. Typically, a thin breast will cook in about 4-6 minutes total (2-3 minutes per side) compared to the 20-25 minutes a thicker breast might require. This makes this cut perfect for quick weeknight dinners when time is limited, especially for families or anyone juggling a hectic schedule.
Even Cooking
Cooking thick chicken breasts can be tricky because they often cook unevenly. The outside may be done, while the interior can still be undercooked, which is both inconvenient and a food safety risk. By using thinner pieces, you ensure a more even cook, which minimizes the risk of overcooking or undercooking any portion of the meat. This consistency is crucial when preparing dishes for guests, as it eliminates the guesswork and ensures everyone’s meal is thoroughly cooked.
Versatility in Recipes
Thin cut chicken breast is extremely versatile. It can be used for a wide variety of dishes that require quick, even cooking:
- Stir-fries: Thin slices cook very quickly in a stir-fry, retaining moisture while absorbing the flavors of your sauce. You can use a simple soy-ginger sauce or a spicier Szechuan-style mixture to get a lot of flavor in just minutes.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Because they’re thin and easy to handle, these chicken pieces are perfect for chicken sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and use them to assemble a quick lunch.
- Healthy Low-Fat Cooking: Thin pieces can be grilled or broiled without much oil, keeping the dish light while maximizing flavor. This is an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake but still wanting a hearty, satisfying meal.
Marination Benefits
Thin cut chicken breasts are ideal for marination. Their thin surface allows marinades to penetrate quickly and evenly, providing enhanced flavor in a shorter amount of time. You can marinate them for as little as 15 minutes to an hour, and the chicken will still absorb the full flavors, which is a significant advantage when you’re short on time.
Popular Marinades for Thin Cut Chicken Breast:
- Lemon-Garlic Herb Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary. The acidity from the lemon helps tenderize the chicken while the garlic and herbs infuse deep flavors.
- Teriyaki Marinade: Use soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to create a deliciously sticky teriyaki flavor. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, then grill or pan-fry for a sweet and savory dish.
- Mediterranean Marinade: Mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, and a hint of garlic for a flavorful, tangy option. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the herbs and lemon bring freshness.
Portion Control and Serving Size Benefits
Thin cut chicken breast is also beneficial for portion control. Because the breast is sliced thinner, it appears larger on the plate without adding more calories. This can be a useful tool for those watching their portion sizes or trying to control their calorie intake while still enjoying a full-looking meal.
Health Benefits of Thin Cut Chicken Breast
Thin cut chicken breast is one of the healthiest options for those looking to maintain a balanced diet rich in lean protein. Below, we’ll explore the health benefits in greater detail.
Lean Source of Protein
Chicken breast, especially when cut thin, is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is crucial for the growth, repair, and maintenance of muscle tissue, making it an essential macronutrient for everyone, from athletes to people simply aiming to maintain their health.
- Protein Content: A typical 100g serving of thin cut chicken provides around 31g of protein. This makes it a great choice for individuals looking to meet their daily protein requirements without excessive fat intake.
- Low Fat Content: With only about 3.6g of fat per serving, thin chicken is a great option for anyone looking to reduce their overall fat intake while still enjoying tasty meals.
Beneficial Nutrients
Thin cut chicken breast also provides several essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health:
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): Helps improve cholesterol levels, brain function, and joint health. Niacin is also known for supporting energy metabolism, which helps convert food into usable energy for daily activities.
- Vitamin B6: Supports brain health, boosts mood, and plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is essential for cognitive health and the proper functioning of enzymes.
- Phosphorus: Important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus works alongside calcium to keep bones strong and is crucial for energy production at the cellular level.
Adding thin chicken breast to your diet is a nutritious choice, particularly when combined with healthy cooking methods like grilling, baking, or broiling.
How to Prepare Thin Cut Chicken Breast
Creating thin slices of chicken breast at home is simple and economical. Below are a few popular methods to help you master the art of cutting and preparing chicken cutlets.
The Butterfly Technique
This technique allows you to create an evenly thin piece of chicken while also increasing the surface area for more seasoning or filling.
- Preparation: Place the chicken breast on a sturdy cutting board. Lay your hand flat on top to keep it steady.
- Slice: Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the chicken breast horizontally, starting from the thicker side, and move slowly through the middle. Keeping the knife parallel to the cutting board is key to achieving an even cut.
- Spread Open: Once you have sliced through, but not completely in half, open it up like a book. You will notice a much larger surface area, perfect for marinating or stuffing.
- Pounding for Even Thickness: If needed, place the butterflied breast between parchment paper and use a meat mallet to pound it to a consistent ¼-inch thickness. Pounding the chicken also helps break down some of the muscle fibers, making it more tender.
The Pounding Method for Tenderizing
This method is ideal if you want a consistent, thin piece of chicken that’s also tenderized.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Place the chicken breast between two layers of plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid mess. Plastic wrap keeps the chicken contained and prevents contamination.
- Use a Meat Mallet: Gently pound the chicken until it reaches a uniform ¼-inch thickness. Be careful not to pound too aggressively, as this could tear the meat.
- Even Thickness is Key: This helps the meat cook evenly and is especially beneficial if you’re frying or grilling the chicken. It also provides a nice, flat surface area, ideal for getting a good sear.
Advantages of Making Your Own Thin Cut Chicken Breast
- Cost Savings: Buying whole chicken breasts and slicing them yourself can save money compared to buying pre-sliced versions. Many pre-packaged options come at a premium due to the convenience factor.
- Customization: When you prepare your own thin cut, you can decide on the thickness and customize it according to the recipe or your preference. Additionally, homemade versions can be fresher and less prone to drying out than store-bought options.
Thin Cut Chicken Breast Cooking Methods
The beauty of these chicken pieces lies in their versatility. Here are some methods for preparing and cooking them, each bringing out different flavors and textures.
Pan-Frying
This is one of the most popular ways to cook thin chicken breast. Using a bit of oil in a skillet can give you a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. The oil should be hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.
- Step 2: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid moving the chicken too much to allow a proper sear to develop.
- Step 3: Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Resting helps retain the juices, making the meat more flavorful.
Grilling
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to thin chicken that works well with marinades or rubs.
- Preparation: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Cooking: Place the chicken directly on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can make the thin slices dry.
- Tips for Success: Ensure that the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. Using a meat thermometer can help you accurately determine when the chicken is done.
Baking
Baking is one of the healthier options, as it allows you to cook without additional oil.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Higher heat ensures that the chicken cooks quickly without losing moisture.
- Step 2: Place the thin breast on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Step 3: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Flavor Tip: Baking works well if the chicken is marinated or covered with a sauce, such as a honey mustard glaze or marinara.
Poaching
Poaching thin cut chicken yields juicy, tender meat without the need for any added fat.
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Adding aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic to the broth can enhance the flavor.
- Step 2: Add the chicken and let it poach gently for about 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the broth and let it rest before slicing. This method results in soft, delicate chicken that’s perfect for shredding or using in salads.
Thin Cut Chicken Breast Recipe Ideas
To make your cooking experience more diverse and flavorful, here are some classic recipes featuring thin cut chicken breast that you can enjoy.
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish featuring thin chicken breast cooked in a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s perfect for an elegant dinner that still comes together quickly. Simply dredge the chicken in flour, cook until golden brown, and make a sauce with mushrooms, wine, and chicken stock. The combination of earthy mushrooms and the rich wine sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Perfect for summer barbecues or as a salad topping, this grilled chicken is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like thyme or basil. Grill for a few minutes on each side, and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time. Serve it with grilled vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing meal.
Stuffed Thin Cut Chicken Breast
Butterflied thin cut chicken breast is excellent for stuffing. You can fill it with cheese (like mozzarella or feta), sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. After stuffing, secure with toothpicks and either bake or pan-fry until fully cooked. This dish is a fantastic way to impress dinner guests while still keeping preparation simple.
Healthy Chicken Fajitas
Thin slices of chicken breast are ideal for fajitas. Simply sauté the chicken with bell peppers and onions, season with fajita spices, and serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa and guacamole. It’s a flavorful dish that’s great for family dinners or entertaining friends.