Chicken Francese Recipe

If you're looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, Chicken Francese is the perfect recipe to try! This Italian-American classic features tender chicken breasts coated in a light, golden crust and drizzled with a tangy lemon-butter sauce that is simply irresistible. Whether you're cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or just want to indulge in something special, this Chicken Francese recipe will make you feel like a professional chef. Read on for a detailed guide on how to make this delicious dish, plus tips on presentation, common mistakes to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken Française, is a dish that originated in Italian-American cuisine and is a popular item on many restaurant menus. The dish consists of thinly pounded chicken breasts that are lightly dredged in flour, dipped in egg, then pan-fried until golden. The chicken is then simmered in a rich, tangy lemon-butter and white wine sauce. The result? A crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken cutlet that's coated in a velvety, citrus-infused sauce. The word "Francese" translates to "French-style," indicating its delicate preparation, yet it remains firmly rooted in Italian-American tradition. Now, let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to create this dish at home.

Ingredients List for Chicken Francese

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. This Chicken Francese recipe serves 4 people and requires the following:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 lemon, sliced thinly (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your Chicken Francese. Make sure your chicken breasts are thinly pounded to ensure even cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic Chicken Francese recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily modify it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
• Dairy-Free: Instead of butter, use dairy-free margarine or olive oil.
• White Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can replace the white wine with more chicken broth or a mix of broth and a splash of white vinegar for acidity.
• Vegetarian Version: You can replace chicken with thinly sliced and pounded eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian take on this dish.
• Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for a different herbaceous twist.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to prepare this mouth-watering Chicken Francese, step by step.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with a little salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

3. Dredge the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the egg wash.

4. Pan-Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

5. Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir the sauce and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

6. Return the Chicken to the Sauce

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, flipping once to coat both sides evenly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Chicken Francese to a serving platter and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with thin lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley. Your Chicken Francese is now ready to serve!

How to Cook Chicken Francese: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a beginner in the kitchen, follow these step-by-step instructions closely to avoid any mistakes. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Pound the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
2. Season & Dredge: Coat the chicken first in seasoned flour, then in a Parmesan-egg wash.
3. Pan-Fry: Cook the chicken in a combination of butter and olive oil for optimal flavor and crispiness.
4. Make the Sauce: Use the same pan to make a rich lemon-butter sauce with white wine and chicken broth.
5. Simmer & Serve: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for extra flavor, then garnish and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Chicken Francese is relatively simple to make, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken when pan-frying. It should be golden brown and cooked through but still moist and tender inside.
• Curdled Sauce: If the lemon juice is added too early or the heat is too high, the sauce can curdle. To avoid this, add the lemon juice after reducing the white wine and broth, and always simmer on low heat.
• Too Much Flour: Shake off excess flour before dipping the chicken in the egg wash. Too much flour can result in a heavy, doughy coating rather than a light, crispy crust.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Francese is a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Here are some presentation ideas and tips to elevate your serving:

How to Serve Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Pasta: A light angel hair pasta tossed with garlic and olive oil is a perfect match.
• Rice: A fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice complements the rich sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli for a fresh and healthy balance.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Francese

For an elegant presentation, try the following ideas:

• Arrange the chicken breasts in a fan shape on a large serving platter.
• Drizzle the lemon-butter sauce generously over the chicken, making sure to catch some sauce in a small ladle or spoon for individual servings.
• Garnish with thinly sliced lemon rounds and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Place the chicken on a bed of spinach or pasta to give the dish a restaurant-quality look.

Chicken Francese Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the skillet with the sauce for about 5 minutes.
• Double the Sauce: If you love sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients to make sure there's plenty for drizzling over your side dishes.
• Keep It Warm: If you’re preparing this dish for guests, keep the chicken warm by placing it in a 200°F (90°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier version, though they may take slightly longer to cook through.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Chicken Francese. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q: What type of wine is best for the sauce?
A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with additional chicken broth.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Francese ahead of time. Prepare the chicken, refrigerate, and reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crispy chicken, velvety lemon-butter sauce, and elegant presentation, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. Now that you’ve got all the tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy!

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