Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish that features tender chicken cutlets in a lemony butter sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors in this dish are bright and tangy, thanks to the lemony sauce.
- It takes only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time to make.
- Chicken Francese is versatile and can be served with pasta, rice, or a salad.
Ingredient Notes:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut in half lengthwise for quick cooking.
Sauce: Fresh lemon slices, chicken broth, dry white wine, and a touch of butter create a flavorful sauce.
Parsley: Chopped parsley is used for garnishing the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and make the sauce with lemon slices, broth, wine, lemon juice, flour, and butter.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, simmer in the sauce, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
- To keep the chicken crispy, avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Francese pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. For drinks, try serving with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer a darker meat option. - Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
You can replace the white wine with chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar for a similar flavor profile. - How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Adjust the amount of flour in the sauce to control the thickness to your liking. - Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Chicken Francese is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Enjoy!
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Chicken Francese
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a light and tangy lemon sauce. This recipe combines crispy chicken with a flavorful sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
Sauce:
- 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat eggs. Dip chicken in flour mixture, then egg, and fry until golden brown.
- Make the sauce: Sauté lemon slices, add broth, wine, lemon juice. Whisk in flour and butter until thickened.
- Combine: Place chicken in the sauce, simmer briefly, then serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and wine in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for frying the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg