Chicken Française Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that marries the juiciness of tender chicken with the zesty brightness of lemon and the richness of butter.
This classic dish, with its origins in Italian-American cuisine, is a testament to simplicity and elegance.
Thinly pounded chicken breasts are delicately coated in flour, bathed in a velvety egg wash, and sautéed to golden perfection.
The pièce de résistance is the luscious lemon butter sauce, with its tangy allure and velvety texture, drizzled generously over the chicken.
What Is The Chicken Francaise Recipe?
Chicken Française Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that epitomizes elegance and flavor in every forkful.
This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken breasts bathed in a tangy lemon butter sauce, creating a symphony of savory and citrusy notes that dance on the palate.
With its simple yet sophisticated preparation, Chicken Française is the perfect fusion of comfort and refinement, making it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions alike.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
The preparation time for Chicken Française can vary depending on factors such as the number of chicken breasts you’re cooking, your cooking experience, and the specific recipe you’re following. Here’s a rough estimate of the time involved:
- Preparation (pounding chicken, dredging, and preparing ingredients): 15-20 minutes
- Cooking (sautéing chicken, making sauce): 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
- Serving: 2 People
How Do You Make Chicken Francaise Recipe?
Chicken Française, also known as Chicken Francese, is a classic Italian-American dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts that are dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash, and sautéed in a lemon butter sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making Chicken Française:
Essential Ingredients For Chicken Francaise Recipe:
For the Chicken
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- Two large eggs
- Two tablespoons of milk or water
- Olive oil, for sautéing
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Two tablespoons unsalted butter
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Two tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Essential Instructions For The Chicken Francaise Recipe:
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan to pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick-season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Place the flour on a shallow plate. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk or water to create an egg wash.
Step 3
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
Step 4
Sauté the Chicken
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 5
Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 6
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Step 7
Deglaze the skillet with the chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 8
Allow the liquid to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the lemon juice and butter to the skillet, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 9
Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Step 10
Serve the Chicken Française hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Step 11
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Française, with its tender chicken and tangy lemon butter sauce, for a delicious and elegant meal!
Additional Tips For Chicken Francaise Recipe:
- Use Thinly Pounded Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for best results.
- Flavor the Flour: Add extra flavor to the chicken by seasoning the flour with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in steaming rather than browning. Overcrowding can also make it difficult to flip the chicken without breaking the coating.
- Keep Warm: After cooking each batch of chicken, transfer it to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you prepare the sauce.
- Adjust Lemon Juice: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference. Some people prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, while others may like it more subtle.
Precautions For Chicken Francaise Recipe:
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become inflexible and dry. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat under the skillet to prevent the butter in the sauce from burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Handle Hot Pans and Oil Safely: Use caution when working with hot pans and oil to avoid burns. Use oven mitts or pot holders, and be mindful of splattering oil when adding the chicken to the skillet.
- Check for Allergies: If serving guests, be mindful of any potential food allergies or dietary restrictions. Some people may be allergic to ingredients such as wheat (in the flour) or dairy (in the butter).
- Serve Promptly: Chicken Française is best served immediately after cooking to preserve its texture and flavor. If it sits too long, the coating may become soggy.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Francaise Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 200 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 2 grams |
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used, variations in portion sizes, and any modifications made to the recipe.
Additionally, the nutritional content may change if you use alternative ingredients or preparation methods.
Conclusion
Chicken Française is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful lemon butter sauce, creating a meal that is both elegant and comforting.
With its simple yet sophisticated preparation, Chicken Française is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.