Chicken Francese Recipe

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that is both flavorful and easy to make, Chicken Francese is the perfect choice. This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken breasts lightly coated in flour and egg, then sautéed to a golden crisp before being simmered in a luxurious lemon-butter sauce. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare Chicken Francese at home, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, variations, and more. Read on to discover how to make this impressive dish for your next meal!

What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese, also known as "Chicken French," is a popular dish that hails from Italian-American cuisine. The dish typically consists of chicken breasts that are dredged in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and pan-fried until golden. What makes Chicken Francese special is the signature lemon-butter sauce that gives the dish its bright, tangy flavor with a rich, velvety finish. It's a dish that’s perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

Ingredients List for Chicken Francese

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways you can adapt the Chicken Francese recipe to suit your dietary preferences or to create a new flavor profile. If you don't have white wine on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you're looking for a more indulgent variation, try adding capers to the sauce for a tangy twist or swapping out chicken for veal or pork cutlets to make a different version of the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before starting, ensure that your ingredients are prepared and ready. Here’s how you can cook the perfect Chicken Francese:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If the breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Dredge in Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Dip the floured chicken breasts into the egg mixture, ensuring each breast is well-coated.
4. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and incorporate into the sauce to create a rich, glossy finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for added freshness.
7. Return Chicken to Pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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

1. Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking. This step will prevent some parts of the chicken from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
2. Coat Well with Flour and Egg: A proper coating of flour followed by the egg wash helps the chicken develop that signature golden crust. Don't skip this step, as it’s crucial to achieving the crispy exterior that balances the lemon-butter sauce.
3. Sauté in Butter and Oil: The combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning while giving the chicken a rich flavor. Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden color.
4. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Be mindful of the chicken's cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken, so be sure to remove the breasts once they're golden and cooked through.
5. Build Flavor in the Sauce: When making the sauce, allow the lemon juice, chicken broth, and wine to reduce slightly for a more concentrated flavor. Adding the butter at the end ensures the sauce has a silky texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid adding too many chicken breasts to the skillet at once. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, which can result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken.
• Not Pounding the Chicken: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure the chicken is uniform in thickness.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to cook the chicken for too long. Overcooked chicken can become dry and lose its tenderness.
• Forgetting to Reduce the Sauce: Reducing the sauce helps intensify the flavors. Don’t rush this step, as it’s key to a flavorful final dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving Chicken Francese, presentation is key to making the dish look as impressive as it tastes. Arrange the chicken breasts on a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the dish alongside roasted vegetables, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious lemon-butter sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Francese

• With Pasta: Serve Chicken Francese over a bed of linguine or fettuccine, tossing the pasta in the lemon-butter sauce for a complete meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make excellent sides that complement the bright flavors of the dish.
• With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Both options work well to absorb the flavorful sauce. Garlic mashed potatoes, in particular, add a creamy contrast to the dish’s acidity.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Francese

• Garnish with Lemon Wheels: Slice lemons into thin wheels and arrange them around the chicken on the plate for a professional touch.
• Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs: A final sprinkle of parsley or basil adds color and freshness to the dish, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Serve on a Platter: For a family-style meal, serve Chicken Francese on a large platter with the sauce spooned generously over the top. Scatter fresh herbs and lemon slices over the chicken for a stunning presentation.

Chicken Francese Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a world of difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can have a more muted, artificial taste.
• Keep the Chicken Warm: If you're making multiple batches, keep the cooked chicken warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
• Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce, feel free to double the ingredients for the lemon-butter sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling over pasta or vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Francese a few hours in advance. Simply cook the chicken and make the sauce, then store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, then add the chicken to warm through.

Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
It's not recommended to freeze Chicken Francese, as the sauce may lose its creamy texture when thawed. The chicken may also become less tender after freezing.

What wine pairs well with Chicken Francese?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the lemony flavors of Chicken Francese.

Is Chicken Francese gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a dish that effortlessly combines simplicity with elegance. With tender chicken, a crisp coating, and a rich lemon-butter sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. By following the tips and instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

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