Chicken Francese Recipe

Chicken Francese recipe, also known as Chicken French, is a flavorful Italian-American dish made by dredging chicken cutlets in flour, and egg, and frying them to a golden perfection before simmering in a rich lemon-butter sauce. It’s a fantastic meal that balances crispiness and tanginess, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Brief History:

Although Chicken Francese sounds Italian, it’s actually more of an Italian-American creation. Its origins are debated, but it’s believed to have come from Italian immigrants in New York who adapted traditional Italian cooking techniques to the ingredients available in America. The dish is similar to the Italian “piccata,” but Chicken Francese involves dipping the meat in egg before frying, giving it a unique texture.

Chicken Francese Recipe

Pinklady

Although Chicken Francese sounds Italian, it's actually more of an Italian-American creation. Its origins are debated, but it's believed to have come from Italian immigrants in New York who adapted traditional Italian cooking techniques to the ingredients available in America.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (to flatten chicken)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate for dredging chicken

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from fresh lemons)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

See also  Delicious Rum Cake Recipe

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together with the Parmesan cheese.
• Place the flour in another shallow bowl and season it lightly with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, making sure to shake off excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
• Carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• In the same skillet, add the white wine (if using) and chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the lemon juice and the remaining butter to the pan. Stir the sauce as the butter melts to create a creamy texture. Let it simmer for another minute.
• Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon-butter sauce over them.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add lemon slices for garnish.
• Plate the Chicken Francese, spooning extra sauce over the top
• Serve with your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables

Video

Keyword Chicken Francese Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Chicken Piccata – Similar to Chicken Francese but uses capers and no egg dredging.
– Veal Francese – The same technique but uses tender veal instead of chicken.
– Lemon Butter Chicken – A simpler dish without the egg dredging but with the same tangy lemon-butter flavor.
– Shrimp Scampi – Another classic lemon-butter sauce dish, this one with shrimp and a dash of garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Francese Recipe:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

2. What can I substitute for white wine?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine.

3. Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven and prepare the sauce fresh for best results.

4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

5. Can I make Chicken Francese without eggs?

The egg coating is a key element of Chicken Francese, but you can skip the egg and flour and pan-fry the chicken for a simpler version.

6. What’s the best side dish to serve with Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables like green beans or asparagus.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.

8. Can I freeze Chicken Francese?

It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Francese as the egg coating may become soggy when reheated.

9. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe as it provides a brighter flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

10. How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water or broth until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion:

Chicken Francese is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or more formal gatherings. Its balance of crispy chicken and tangy lemon-butter sauce makes it irresistible, and once you’ve mastered this dish, you can experiment with different proteins and flavors to make it your own.

YouTube Video Credits:
Preppy Kitchen