Chicken Francese Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal with bright, citrusy flavors, this Chicken Francese recipe is the perfect choice. Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken French, is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender chicken cutlets dipped in flour and egg, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a tangy lemon-butter sauce. This easy-to-make Italian-American classic is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in Italian restaurants in New York City. It’s made by lightly coating chicken cutlets in flour and egg, pan-frying them until golden brown, and then serving them in a rich lemon-butter sauce. The sauce, made with lemon juice, butter, chicken broth, and sometimes white wine, is what gives the dish its signature zesty flavor. Chicken Francese is often served with pasta, but it also pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables.

Ingredients List for Chicken Francese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Francese:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded to ½ inch thickness for even cooking.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken.
• 2 large eggs – Beaten, for dipping the chicken before frying.
• 1 tablespoon water – To thin out the eggs for easier dipping.
• Salt and pepper – To season the chicken.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Optional, for extra flavor in the flour mixture.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – For frying the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• ½ cup dry white wine – Optional but recommended for depth of flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Forms the base of the lemon sauce.
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice – For that signature zesty flavor.
• 1 lemon, sliced thin – For garnish and extra lemony taste.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish.
• Lemon wedges – For serving.

Ingredients List for Optional Additions

Here are a few optional ingredients to enhance your Chicken Francese recipe:

• Garlic: Add minced garlic to the sauce for a subtle garlicky flavor.
• Capers: For a briny touch, add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to create a creamy, velvety sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Francese is versatile, and there are several ways you can customize it:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.
• Wine-free option: If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with more chicken broth.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower steaks. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make Chicken Francese step by step:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally in half to create thinner cutlets. Then, pound the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap until they are about ½ inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

1. Dredge the Chicken:

• In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water to thin them out. (For extra flavor, you can mix Parmesan cheese with the flour.)
• Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

1. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

1. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly reduces.

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan:

• Add the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the chicken is fully heated and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with thin lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to cook Chicken Francese:

• Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts thin and season with salt and pepper.
• Step 2: Dredge the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten eggs.
• Step 3: Fry the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
• Step 4: Make the lemon-butter sauce in the same skillet.
• Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce for a few minutes.
• Step 6: Garnish with lemon slices and parsley, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making Chicken Francese:

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Remove the chicken from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Skipping the sauce reduction: Don’t rush the sauce. Letting it reduce slightly intensifies the flavors and ensures a rich, tangy sauce.
• Not tasting the sauce: The balance of lemon, butter, and broth is key to this dish. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the lemon juice or seasoning as needed.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in elevating the Chicken Francese experience. Here are some tips:

• Serve with pasta or rice: Chicken Francese pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, linguine, or white rice. The lemon-butter sauce is perfect for spooning over your side dish.
• Add a vegetable: Steamed or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make excellent accompaniments.
• Garnish generously: Fresh parsley and thin lemon slices not only add flavor but also make the dish look beautiful and fresh.

How to Serve Chicken Francese

Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• With pasta: Serve Chicken Francese over angel hair pasta or fettuccine, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta.
• With mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy, buttery sauce.
• With roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or brussels sprouts for a healthy and balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Francese

Want to make your Chicken Francese look as good as it tastes? Try these presentation ideas:

• Serve on a platter: Arrange the chicken cutlets on a large platter with lemon slices and fresh parsley for a family-style presentation.
• Individual plates: Plate each chicken breast with a slice of lemon, a sprinkle of parsley, and a spoonful of sauce for a more elegant presentation.
• Use a cast iron skillet: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation.

Chicken Francese Recipe Tips

To make sure your Chicken Francese turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in the sauce. Avoid using bottled lemon juice.
• Thin chicken cutlets: Thinly pounded chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
• Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer to allow the flavors to meld together and reduce slightly for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the sauce over low heat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
A: While the chicken can be frozen, the sauce may not freeze well due to the high lemon content. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and refresh the sauce with a splash of chicken broth.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is an easy and elegant dish that delivers big on flavor. With its crispy, golden chicken cutlets and tangy lemon-butter sauce, it’s a meal that will impress whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love. Give this Chicken Francese recipe a try today and enjoy a delicious taste of Italy at home!

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