Chicken Francese (Recipe)

Chicken Francese is an easy and delicious classic Italian-American dish that you can make at home. This recipe features lightly battered and pan-fried chicken breast smothered in a flavorful white wine lemon sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce is simply irresistible.

To create the perfect Chicken Francese, you’ll need a few key ingredients: chicken breast, flour, eggs, milk, white wine, chicken stock, butter, lemon, and parsley. The batter for the chicken is made with eggs and milk, giving it a golden crust when fried.

Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to prepare the mouthwatering sauce. Made with white wine, chicken stock, butter, and lemon, the sauce brings a delightful tang to the dish. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Chicken Francese is a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of sides. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this classic recipe will never disappoint. Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or impress your guests with a homemade gourmet dinner.

Key Takeaways:

• Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crisp chicken breast in a delicious white wine lemon sauce.
• The dish is made by lightly battering and pan-frying chicken breast.
• The sauce is made with white wine, chicken stock, butter, and lemon, giving it a tangy flavor.
• Chicken Francese is easy to make at home and can be served with various sides.
• Try this recipe for a homemade gourmet dinner!

Ingredients for Chicken Francese

To make Chicken Francese, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken breast is the main ingredient for Chicken Francese, and it’s best to use large pieces that are cut in half horizontally to form four thin steaks. If desired, you can also use boneless thighs. The chicken is coated in a batter made with eggs and milk, and then it’s coated in flour before frying. The white wine sauce is made with a combination of white wine, chicken stock, butter, and lemon. Fresh parsley is used as an optional garnish to add a touch of freshness to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Francese

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making delicious Chicken Francese.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create four thin steaks. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

To achieve that crispy golden exterior, the chicken needs a flour coating. In a shallow dish, combine flour with salt and pepper. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.

Step 3: Dredge in Egg Mixture

In a separate dish, beat a few eggs. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. This egg dredge will further enhance the golden crust and keep the chicken tender.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some cooking oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown and fully cooked. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.

Step 5: Pan Fry Lemon Slices

While the chicken is cooking, let’s add some extra flavor to the dish. In the same skillet, pan fry a few lemon slices until they become slightly caramelized and release their fragrant aroma. These caramelized lemon slices will complement the tangy sauce perfectly.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add white wine, chicken stock, butter, and the pan-fried lemon slices. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of flour or cornstarch to the pan. Mix it with some cold water and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it with the thickened sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes, ensuring it is thoroughly coated and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.

And there you have it! Your homemade Chicken Francese is ready to be served. Plate up the chicken alongside some pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese

Follow these tips to achieve perfect Chicken Francese:

1. Use chicken cutlets: For the best results, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or purchase pre-cut chicken cutlets. The thin slices cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy chicken.
2. Experiment with variations: While the classic Chicken Francese recipe is delicious on its own, don’t be afraid to add your own twist. You can incorporate herbs like rosemary or basil into the batter or sauce, or even add ingredients like garlic or olives for added flavor.
3. Serving suggestions: Chicken Francese pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a side of pasta tossed in garlic and olive oil.
4. Wine selection: To complement the flavors of Chicken Francese, choose a dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine will balance well with the tanginess of the lemon sauce.
5. Reheating leftovers: If you have leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. Add a splash of chicken stock or lemon juice to revive the flavors.

Don’t forget to finish your Chicken Francese with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and enhance the overall taste.

Chicken Francese vs. Chicken Milanese

When it comes to pan-fried chicken cutlet dishes, two popular options are Chicken Francese and Chicken Milanese. While they may share some similarities, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

Chicken Milanese: Breadcrumb Coating and Salad Topping

Chicken Milanese is known for its crispy breadcrumb coating. The chicken cutlets are typically dipped in beaten eggs and coated with breadcrumbs before being pan-fried to a golden brown perfection. This coating gives the chicken a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory flavor. What makes Chicken Milanese unique is that it is often served with a fresh salad on top. The combination of the crispy chicken and the refreshing salad creates a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Chicken Francese: Flour and Egg Batter with Flavor Variations

In contrast, Chicken Francese is covered in a light flour and egg batter. The chicken is first dipped in a mixture of eggs and flour, creating a delicate and tender coating. Once cooked, the chicken is served with a creamy white wine lemon sauce. The sauce adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. One of the great things about Chicken Francese is that you can easily add flavor variations by incorporating herbs like rosemary or basil, or even adding ingredients like garlic or olives to the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish that you can easily recreate at home to impress your dinner guests. With its lightly battered and pan-fried chicken breast, and flavorful white wine lemon sauce, Chicken Francese will elevate your dinner to gourmet status. Whether you’re a fan of Chicken Piccata or looking for a new Italian-inspired recipe, Chicken Francese is a must-try.

To make this delicious homemade gourmet dinner, gather your ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions. The crispy chicken coated in a unique batter, combined with the savory and tangy sauce made from white wine, chicken stock, butter, and lemon, creates a mouthwatering flavor combination. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for an extra touch.

So why wait? Add Chicken Francese to your menu rotation and indulge in the flavors of this classic Italian-American dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade gourmet dinner, Chicken Francese is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Get ready to savor every bite!