Chicken Francese Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Chicken Francese Recipe: A Classic Italian-American Dish

Chicken Francese is a beloved Italian-American classic known for its delicate, lemony flavor and crispy, buttery coating. This recipe will guide you through making a restaurant-quality Chicken Francese at home, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Adjust quantities accordingly for larger or smaller batches.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crispy coating.
• 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten, these bind the flour to the chicken.
• 1 cup bread crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for an extra-crisp crust.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to taste.
• 1/4 cup butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the dish.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: This adds richness and helps create a delicious sauce.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for that authentic tang.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the chicken breasts: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from becoming dry while others are still raw.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is fully coated.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Melt the butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.
2. Cook the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Making the Sauce:

1. Deglaze the pan: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Add the white wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly.
2. Add the broth and lemon juice: Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
3. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

1. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Francese!

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Francese:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken instead of a crispy crust.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and parsley make all the difference in the flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder to suit your preferences.

This recipe is optimized for search engines using relevant keywords such as "chicken francese recipe," "Italian-American recipe," "crispy chicken," and "lemony chicken." The use of headings, bold text, and a step-by-step approach enhances readability and user experience, contributing to improved SEO. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – happy cooking!