Chicken Francaise, also known as Chicken Française, is a timeless dish with origins rooted in Italian-American cuisine. This recipe features tender chicken breasts, lightly dredged in flour, dipped in an egg batter, and then sautéed to golden perfection. What makes Chicken Francaise truly unique is its mouth-watering lemon butter sauce. The combination of tangy lemon, white wine, and a hint of butter creates a sauce that’s both refreshing and indulgent. This dish is often served in upscale restaurants, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! It’s a great option when you want to elevate a weeknight meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Chicken Francaise pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen, impressing family or friends with minimal effort. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner menu.
2. Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Lemon slices for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
3. Directions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish, and dredge each chicken breast lightly in the flour, shaking off the excess.
In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the chicken into the hot skillet.
Sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
4. How to Prepare
To prepare Chicken Francaise, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, which helps to create a light crust when sautéed. After flouring the chicken, dip each piece into a mixture of eggs and Parmesan cheese, giving the chicken a rich flavor and beautiful golden color. Sauté the chicken in a mixture of olive oil until both sides are golden brown. The key to the sauce is deglazing the pan with white wine, then adding chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. This combination results in a bright and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Let the sauce simmer, and then return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Preparation Time
Active Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Simmering Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.
7. FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can add a small slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Francaise can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce.
5. What side dishes go well with Chicken Francaise?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish.
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