Why flatten chicken before cooking?

1. Faster Cooking Time: Flattening chicken reduces its thickness, allowing heat to penetrate the meat more evenly and quickly. This means your chicken will cook faster, especially when using methods like pan-frying or grilling.

2. More Even Doneness: By flattening the chicken, you ensure all parts of the meat reach a safe internal temperature at the same time. This reduces the chances of some parts being overcooked while others remain undercooked.

3. Enhanced Flavor and Texture: Flattening chicken helps create a crispier exterior, thanks to the increased surface area that comes into contact with heat. It also allows for a more even browning and creates a juicier, more tender texture.

4. Easier to Marinate: Flattened chicken is easier to marinate because the marinade can penetrate the meat more effectively and evenly. This results in more flavorful chicken.

5. Better Presentation: For some dishes, like chicken parmesan or chicken piccata, flattened chicken provides a more visually appealing presentation.

Common Techniques for Flattening Chicken:

* Pound with a meat mallet: This is the most common method. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to the desired thickness.

* Use a rolling pin: A rolling pin can be used in a similar way to a meat mallet.

* Place between plastic wrap and flatten with a heavy object: This method is particularly useful for larger chicken breasts.

Remember: When flattening chicken, aim for an even thickness, but avoid pounding it too thin. Also, be careful not to tear the meat.