Chicken Francese Recipe

If you're a fan of Italian-American cuisine or just love a flavorful, lemony chicken dish, Chicken Francese is a must-try! This delightful recipe brings together lightly battered chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, served with a rich, zesty lemon-butter sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will impress your family and friends. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about making the perfect Chicken Francese. Let's dive in!

What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese (sometimes called "Chicken Française") is a classic Italian-American dish where chicken breasts are dredged in flour and egg, sautéed in olive oil, and simmered in a lemon-butter and white wine sauce. Despite its name, which means "French-style" in Italian, the dish actually originates from Italian immigrant kitchens in the U.S. It's a popular menu item at Italian restaurants, and now, with this recipe, you can bring it to your own dinner table!

Ingredients List for Chicken Francese

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking Chicken Francese:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin the eggs)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: Thin-cut chicken breasts work best for Chicken Francese, but if your chicken breasts are thick, you can either butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture, though the cook time will vary slightly.
• Egg Mixture: The eggs in this recipe provide the golden crust. Some variations add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs, but water works well and keeps it lighter.
• Wine: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, feel free to substitute additional chicken broth for the white wine. It won’t quite have the same depth of flavor, but you’ll still end up with a delicious sauce.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to giving the sauce its signature tangy flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe, as the freshness really makes a difference.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize Chicken Francese to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb take on Chicken Francese, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: While butter adds richness to the sauce, you can swap it for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute if you’re dairy-free.
• Herbs: While parsley is the traditional garnish, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to change up the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to prepare Chicken Francese, one of the most comforting yet elegant chicken dishes out there. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and add 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s ready for frying.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

• Dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Place the coated chicken into the hot skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice and white wine. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor to your sauce).
• Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Add the chicken broth and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan

• Lower the heat to medium-low and return the fried chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to let the chicken absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken. Your Chicken Francese is now ready to serve!

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

Cooking Chicken Francese is simple if you follow these steps. Each step helps ensure your chicken comes out tender and full of flavor, with a sauce that is smooth, tangy, and rich. Here's a quick recap of the process:

1. Season and Flour: Season your chicken breasts and dredge them in flour for a light coating.
2. Egg Dip: Coat the floured chicken in an egg wash to create a crispy, golden crust when fried.
3. Fry: Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown, then set it aside.
4. Sauce: In the same pan, create the lemon-butter sauce with wine, lemon juice, and chicken broth.
5. Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan to soak up the delicious sauce and finish cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pounding the chicken evenly: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, they won’t cook evenly. Be sure to pound them to a uniform thickness to avoid undercooked or overcooked spots.
• Using too little oil: You need enough oil in the pan to properly fry the chicken. If your pan is too dry, the chicken will not brown correctly, and you’ll end up with a soggy crust.
• Overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken is thin, it cooks quickly. Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken. Keep an eye on the chicken while frying and simmering in the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Francese is an elegant dish, so presentation matters. Serve it alongside light, flavorful sides that complement the tangy sauce. Here are a few serving and presentation ideas:

How to Serve Chicken Francese

• With Pasta: Angel hair or spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic is a classic pairing.
• With Vegetables: Steamed or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or zucchini make for fresh and light sides.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are great for soaking up the lemon-butter sauce.
• Over Rice: A bed of rice pilaf or plain white rice works well with the saucy chicken.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Francese

• Lemon Slices: Garnish each plate with thin slices of lemon for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Parsley Sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh parsley add a lovely green contrast to the golden chicken and yellow sauce.
• Plating: Serve each chicken breast on a warmed plate and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Add sides directly on the plate for a restaurant-style presentation.

Chicken Francese Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat it in the sauce.
• Doubling the Recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure to fry the chicken in batches so that the pan doesn’t get overcrowded.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like more sauce, simply increase the amount of chicken broth and lemon juice in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts and work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Q: What can I use instead of white wine? A: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar to mimic the acidity.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this dish gluten-free.

Q: Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time? A: Yes, you can fry the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a deliciously elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crispy fried chicken, tangy lemon-butter sauce, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this recipe offers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Now that you know how to make it, give it a try and wow your friends and family with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen! Happy cooking!

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