Chicken Francese is a delicious and elegant Italian-American dish featuring lightly breaded chicken cutlets cooked in a flavorful lemon-butter sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and rich butter sauce makes Chicken Francese a family favorite. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make Chicken Francese step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (creating 4 thinner breasts)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh Italian parsley (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Place the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish and mix to combine. Place the beaten eggs in another shallow dish.
- Dredge Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Sauce
- Melt Butter:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Make Roux:
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
- Add Wine and Broth:
- Gradually whisk in the dry white wine and low-sodium chicken broth. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Lemon:
- Stir in the lemon juice and add the thinly sliced lemon. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Return Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken pieces. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh Italian parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Francese hot, with your choice of side dishes such as pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or use a mixture of broth and lemon juice.
- Lemon: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste, depending on how tangy you like your sauce.
Variations
Chicken Piccata
- Add Capers:
- Add 2 tablespoons of capers to the lemon sauce for a tangy twist, and omit the garlic powder in the flour mixture.
Creamy Chicken Francese
- Add Cream:
- Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the lemon sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Herb Chicken Francese
- Add Herbs:
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the flour mixture for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Pasta
- With Linguine:
- Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
- With Angel Hair:
- Pair with angel hair pasta for a delicate option.
With Vegetables
- With Asparagus:
- Serve with steamed or roasted asparagus for a fresh and light side.
- With Green Beans:
- Pair with sautéed green beans for a crisp and healthy addition.
With Bread
- With Garlic Bread:
- Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Dinner Rolls:
- Pair with warm dinner rolls for a comforting addition.
Beverages
- With White Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a classic pairing.
- With Lemonade:
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Francese? A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemons? A: You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons are preferred for the best flavor.
Chicken Francese is a classic and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken and rich lemon-butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Chicken Francese is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Chicken Francese with your family and friends!
