Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken Française or Chicken French, is a delightful Italian-American dish that has graced many restaurant menus. Characterized by its tender chicken cutlets enveloped in a light egg batter and finished with a tangy lemon-butter sauce, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. While it may seem like a gourmet meal reserved for dining out, Chicken Francese is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Let’s delve into the steps to recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen.Don’t Go Bacon My Heart+3Wikipedia+3Simply Recipes+3
Ingredients
To serve four, gather the following:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnishWBD+2Magazinul Unchiului Giuseppe+2Chef Billy Parisi+2Allrecipes+3WBD+3Chef Billy Parisi+3Allrecipes+2Dinner at the Zoo+2WBD+2Chef Billy Parisi
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.Allrecipes+5Dinner at the Zoo+5Chef Billy Parisi+5
- Set Up Dredging Stations:
- In a shallow dish, place the flour.
- In another dish, beat the eggs with the milk and Parmesan cheese until well combined.The Pioneer Woman
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Lightly coat each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.Reddit
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken pieces 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.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.Magazinul Unchiului Giuseppe
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Francese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the luscious sauce. Alternatively, accompany it with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements the dish’s citrusy notes.YouTubeDinner at the Zoo
Tips for Success
- Chicken Preparation: Ensuring the chicken is evenly pounded guarantees uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a slurry made from a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water during the simmering process.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce. Allow it to reduce before adding the chicken broth.
Conclusion
Chicken Francese is a testament to the elegance of simplicity in cooking. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a touch of gourmet dining to your home kitchen. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.