Introduction

Chicken Francese is a delightful Italian-American dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken breasts and a zesty lemon sauce. Originating from the traditional French technique of egg-battering and pan-frying, this recipe offers a perfect blend of savory and citrusy notes. It’s a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, bringing a touch of elegance to your table.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken breast – 4 pieces, boneless and skinless
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Eggs – 2, beaten
Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Lemon juice – from 1 lemon
Parsley – for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation time for Chicken Francese is approximately 15 minutes. This includes the time needed to prepare the chicken breasts and the other ingredients for cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time for Chicken Francese is about 20 minutes. Therefore, the total time for this recipe, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 35 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for family meals or small gatherings.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. This will help them cook quickly and remain tender.
2. Once sliced, gently pound the chicken pieces with a meat mallet to uniform thickness, about 1/2 inch, for even cooking.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Coat the Chicken

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s coated well.
4. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs to achieve a good coating.

Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter has melted and starts to bubble.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not burned.
2. Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
3. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half for a few minutes, then stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
4. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
2. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

Serve

1. Transfer the chicken to serving plates and drizzle with additional sauce from the skillet.
2. Garnish with more parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Wine Choices

– Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor in the sauce.

Storage Instructions

– Leftover Chicken Francese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

– This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Preparing the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into thin cutlets for quicker cooking and a more tender texture. This also allows for a more even coating when dredging in flour.

Dredging Process

Coat the chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off the excess. This step creates a light crust that helps to achieve a golden-brown surface when pan-frying.

Cooking the Chicken

Pan-fry the chicken in a mix of oil and butter. The butter adds flavor and a rich golden color, while the oil raises the smoke point for safer frying.

Deglazing the Pan

After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine. This process lifts the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, creating a base for the sauce.

Making the Sauce

Add lemon juice and chicken broth to the deglazed pan. This elevates the sauce’s taste, giving it a bright, tangy flavor that complements the chicken.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts. They will require slightly longer cooking time due to the additional fat and moisture.

What sides go well with Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken; however, results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.

Is it possible to prepare Chicken Francese ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

What type of wine should I use for deglazing?

A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is recommended for deglazing and enhancing the sauce’s flavor.

Conclusion

For a delicious and satisfying meal, Chicken Francese offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can impress any dinner guest. The tender chicken, bright lemon, and rich sauce come together beautifully, making this dish a favorite. Serve it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that highlights both taste and presentation.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Piccata

This dish features a similar lemony sauce but includes capers for a briny contrast, making it a delightful alternative to Chicken Francese.

Shrimp Scampi

For a seafood twist, try shrimp cooked in a garlicky lemon butter sauce, served over pasta or with crusty bread.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs are seared and coated in a lemon garlic butter sauce, offering a hearty and flavorful option.

Italian Chicken Marsala

This dish showcases chicken simmered in a savory mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, perfect for those who enjoy rich flavors.

Chicken Tetrazzini

A creamy pasta bake featuring chicken and mushrooms, this dish brings a different texture while keeping the comforting flavors intact.