Chicken Francese is a delightful dish that perfectly embodies comfort food with an elegant twist. This dish features tender chicken cutlets that are lightly breaded and pan-fried until golden, then draped in a tangy lemon-butter sauce. Originally an Italian-American creation, Chicken Francese is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that appeals to diners of all ages. In this guide, we’ll explore why this dish is a wonderful choice for your table, how to make it step by step, and several helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Francese comes out wonderfully each time.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Chicken Francese, but let’s highlight a few key points. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its combination of crispy chicken and a luxurious sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Moreover, the recipe utilizes simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This means you won’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store to create a delicious meal. The balance of flavors in Chicken Francese—savory from the chicken, tangy from the lemon, and rich from the butter—creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Lastly, it allows for customization, meaning you can tweak it to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.

How to Make Easy Chicken Francese

Preparing Chicken Francese involves several straightforward steps that, when followed, will yield mouth-watering results. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create this exquisite dish:

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (each weighing 250-300g or 8-10oz)
1/4 cup plain or all-purpose flour
1 tsp cooking or kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk (any fat percentage)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced to 0.3cm or 1/8 inch thickness
3 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp plain or all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1/3 cup dry white wine, such as Chardonnay
1/2 tsp cooking or kosher salt (omit pepper)
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Prepare Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin cutlets. To do this, cover them with plastic wrap and pound them down gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken cooks uniformly.
Season & Dredge: In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Take the chicken cutlets and dredge them in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. This creates a light coating that helps achieve a nice crust when cooked.
Create Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of milk until fully blended. This egg wash is what provides moisture to the chicken and helps the flour stick, leading to a crispy exterior.
Pan Fry: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, and then carefully place it in the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir well to combine. Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and white wine, followed by the juice from the lemon slices. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and allow it to simmer until slightly thickened.
Simmer to Perfection: Return the chicken cutlets back to the skillet alongside the lemon slices. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese is best served hot and fresh off the skillet. Plate the chicken cutlets and pour the luscious lemon-butter sauce over them. You may want to include the lemon slices as they add a beautiful presentation and enhance the dish’s flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will give a pop of color.

For the perfect side dishes, consider serving Chicken Francese with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of dry white wine, similar to the one used in the recipe, pairs beautifully with this dish.

How to Store Easy Chicken Francese

If you have leftovers of your Chicken Francese, storability is one of its many advantages. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, Chicken Francese should last for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Be cautious not to overcook it, as chicken can become dry if reheated too long.

Tips to Make Easy Chicken Francese

Choosing the Right Chicken: Look for fresh chicken breasts that are plump and have a firm texture. If they seem slimy or have an off smell, opt for another option.
Pound Evenly: When pounding the chicken, ensure it’s even in thickness. This will help it cook uniformly, preventing thinner parts from drying out.
Watch the Heat: When pan-frying, keep the heat at medium-high. If it’s too high, the outside can burn while the inside remains undercooked. Adjust as needed during cooking.
Taste the Sauce: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce before serving. Adding an extra squeeze of lemon can enhance the dish beautifully.

Variations (if any)

Chicken Francese can be adapted in various ways to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for variations:

Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or basil into the sauce for more flavor.
Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can give a pleasant heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with eggplant or zucchini cutlets for a vegetarian take. Ensure they are also properly seasoned and cooked.
Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the chicken stock for a creamy Chicken Francese.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s essential to thaw them completely before you start cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I serve with Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese pairs well with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, or a fresh garden salad. Garlic bread also complements the dish wonderfully.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) to thicken the sauce.

4. Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Francese is a scrumptious dish that satisfies your cravings for comfort food while impressing your guests with its sophisticated flavors. Follow this guide, and you’ll serve up a memorable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!