Chicken Francese : This recipe consist of tender chicken breasts lightly coated in flour and egg, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished in a luscious lemon-butter sauce for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What is Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken Française, translates to “French-style chicken” in Italian. Despite its name, this dish originated in Italian-American kitchens rather than France. Its hallmark is the tangy lemon-butter sauce that perfectly complements the savory, tender chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Francese
Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Francese at home is easy with these tips:
- Choose Thin Chicken Breasts: Pound the chicken to an even thickness or buy thin-sliced chicken breasts for consistent cooking.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The sauce’s flavor depends heavily on the lemon juice, so opt for fresh lemons rather than bottled juice.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing Step: After pan-frying the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth to capture all those flavorful brown bits.
- Butter Timing: Add the butter to the sauce at the end to create a silky, emulsified texture without separating.
- Keep Warm: Use a low oven (around 200°F) to keep the chicken warm while preparing the sauce if you’re making it in batches.
Variations of Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese is highly versatile, and you can customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with veal, fish (such as sole or tilapia), or even tofu for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for coating the chicken to make it celiac-friendly.
- Herbaceous Flair: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for an herby touch.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture and flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Sauté minced garlic in the pan before adding the wine or broth for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile main course. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta: Serve it over angel hair, spaghetti, or fettuccine tossed in olive oil or a bit of the lemon sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach for a balanced plate.
- Rice or Risotto: Lemon risotto or simple white rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Use bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
For beverages, consider a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dish’s bright flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Francese
Proper storage ensures the dish retains its delicious flavor and texture:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if it thickens during storage. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Chicken Francese:
What’s the difference between Chicken Francese and Chicken Piccata?
While both dishes are similar, Chicken Piccata typically includes capers and has a slightly tangier sauce, whereas Chicken Francese has a milder, butter-forward flavor.
Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Store the components in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Is Chicken Francese spicy?
Not typically. The dish has a bright, tangy flavor without heat. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
What kind of wine should I use for the sauce?
Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works best. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
Can I make this dish healthier?
Certainly! Reduce the butter slightly, use a non-stick pan with minimal oil, and serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese : This recipe consist of tender chicken breasts lightly coated in flour and egg, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished in a luscious lemon-butter sauce for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Coating:
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (250-300g each)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
For Cooking & Sauce:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk. - On a plate, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken in the flour, shake off excess, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Dip chicken in the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then cook in the pan for 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 68°C/155°F). Set aside on a plate.
- Add lemon slices to the pan and cook for 1 minute until softened and slightly browned. Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from the pan.
- Wipe the pan clean. Over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually add half the chicken stock while stirring to dissolve the flour, then add the remaining stock, white wine, and salt.
- Increase heat slightly and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency.
- Return chicken and lemon slices to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 327Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 856mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 25g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Francese is a dish that embodies comfort and sophistication in one plate. Its simple preparation, rich flavors, and flexibility make it a favorite for home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. With these tips and variations, you can customize it to your heart’s desire and enjoy a truly versatile recipe that shines every time.
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