Chicken Francese

why make this recipe

Chicken Francese is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and zesty lemon sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress your guests without too much hassle.

This dish is not only tasty but also relatively easy to prepare, making it a favorite for many home cooks. Its bright flavors and crispy texture will surely delight your taste buds.

how to make Chicken Francese

Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
• 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup white wine (dry)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs until well blended.
2. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the eggs.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the lemon slices for about 1 minute until they start to soften.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, then add the fresh lemon juice. Whisk in the tablespoon of flour and butter until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Place the chicken back in the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
7. Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley.

how to serve Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese is best enjoyed hot. Serve it over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables. The sauce is flavorful, so be sure to spoon some of it over the chicken for an extra burst of taste. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Chicken Francese

To store Chicken Francese, allow it to cool completely. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make Chicken Francese

• Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help achieve a crispy coating.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the flavor.
• If you want to reduce fat, you can use less oil for frying or bake the chicken instead.

variation

For a twist on Chicken Francese, you can try adding capers for a briny flavor or incorporating a splash of cream into the sauce for a richer texture. Additionally, substituting the chicken for fish like tilapia can provide a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before serving.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They will be juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.

3. Is there a non-alcoholic version of the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth or use white grape juice for a sweeter flavor.