Probably be ok as long as ya dont "Miss the chicken"
Don't do it on an overhanging ledge--if ya have any.

I wouldn't do it directly on the counter - do it on a cutting board that will absorb the shock.

What weissman said. Even when I had laminate I would always use a cutting board underneath anything I wanted to hit with a mallet, including DH. Just kidding, I never worried about missing when I was aiming at him but I always used it under the chicken or veal.

I know what your suppose to do... like weissman said. But i know I've pounded on my Silestone (not really your question I know). 8 years and still all is well...

Ditto weissman and flseadog - I use a cutting board and I also put a layer of plastic wrap underneath and on top. It keeps chicken juices or small pieces from going anywhere I might not want them and if you're pounding multiple breasts you can turn them all over with one flip.

I've pounded chicken breasts sandwiched in wax paper on my granite counter for years with no problems. Now that I have no kitchen, I do it on my folding table and still not problems. I plan to continue this practice after my soapstone is installed.

Slightly OT...but I save those tough inner bags from boxes of cereal, pancake mix, etc. for pounding chicken breasts in. They contain the mess nicely and are tough enough that one bag will hold up for at least the 4 breasts or so that I usually prepare for a meal.

The last time I tried I couldn't put a dent in a granite rock ao I assume my granite counter will hold up to a little pounding with a meat mallet.

I just did this last night! I used a cutting board underneath the chicken and wondered the samething about the granite. I use wax paper, but Ci lantro - that's a great 'recycling' idea.

fran1523 - yes, granite is hard BUT a given section of counter can have a fissure in it that might crack if pounded on with a mallet - why risk it?

I'e been doing it for about 2 yrs on our granite, and have had no problem. I had no idea you were not supposed to do this. After reading this I will probably be more careful when our new granite is installed.

I'm with weissman; I think that while it's unlikely, a hit and a miss from a metal mallet could at least chip a granite counter and if profoundly unlucky, crack it. Why take the chance? I can easily afford a cutting board, but if something happened to my granite, I would just be miserable, especially knowing it was "self-inflicted". I'm not an expert though, I'd love to know what azstoneconsulting has to say on this.

I feel silly asking this since I am not much of a cook, but why does one pound chicken breasts?

To make them a thin, uniform thickness and easy to roll things inside. Think Chicken Cordon Bleu or Chicken Kiev.

Or to make them smaller and quicker cooking, i.e. scallopini or cutlets.

I'm with weissman and fleadog too. I always have used a cutting board between the mallet and the counter, and always wrap the chicken in cellophone. I did it when I had laminate and do it now with granite.

Depends on the thickness of the granite and how hard you're whacking it.

Hopefully you're cleaning the surface afterwards with a good antibacterial...

I think various granites have different propensities for cracking. Those with lots of big mica seem to crack more easily and/or develop runs along the veining. Best advice, why take a chance since any stone can crack.

Thanks for all the responses and the laughs!
I use a quart size ziplock-- seems to hold up better for me than saran or wax paper.
Yes, I am crazy about disinfecting! The counter and sink are off limits until I certify them CLEAN.
(I'm actually a vegetarian and also get a little grossed out by the chicken juice. But, I do it for my husband who loves chicken rollups.)
I will definitely use a cutting board underneath to protect the granite.
Thanks again!
Deb