Classic Chicken Francese Lemonbutter Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort? Try Chicken Francese
Fancy a bit of Italy without the hefty price tag? I get it! That's why I'm sharing my absolute favourite chicken francese recipe .
Honestly, it’s a hug in a bowl. Imagine tender lemon butter chicken cutlets, bursting with flavour, so you have a restaurant quality meal in under an hour.
Chicken Francese : A Classic Made Easy
This italian chicken recipes masterpiece comes from Italian American kitchens. It’s all about simplicity and fresh ingredients. This easy chicken dinner is surprisingly quick to make.
You'll be plating up four generous servings in about 40 minutes. The dish includes simple steps, dredging and frying, so the preparation is straightforward.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Lemon Butter Chicken
First off, it tastes amazing . That bright lemon sauce? Divine. Plus, it's a relatively healthy pan-fried chicken recipes option compared to some other creamy sauces.
It will definitely impress your family with this white wine chicken recipe dish. It's perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.
What Makes This Chicken Francese So Special?
It’s all about that zingy chicken francese sauce ! The chicken cutlets recipe are delicate and flavourful. Paired with a tangy, buttery sauce, it's a match made in heaven.
Plus, it’s so versatile, you can serve chicken francese with pasta or some roasted veggies. The freshness of lemon is the star of this dish, making it so irresistible.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's dive in!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, so you want to make chicken francese ? Ace! It's easier than you think, honestly. Let's break down what you'll need.
I'll tell you my little secrets to making it chef's kiss perfect.
Main Ingredients for Your Lemon Butter Chicken
Okay, for the chicken francese recipe , here's what you'll need.
Chicken Cutlets : 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure you pound them to about ¼-inch thickness . You really want even chicken cutlets recipe .
- Quality Tip : Look for chicken that's pink and firm. If it looks a bit grey, it's a no-go! Fresh is best, you know?
Flour Power : ½ cup (65g) of all-purpose flour. This is for dredging.
Egg-cellent : 3 large eggs, lightly beaten with ¼ cup (60ml) of whole milk.
Oils and Butters : 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. These help with the pan-frying.
Sauce Essentials :
- Butter : 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Garlic : 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Wine Time : ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works great for a white wine chicken recipe .
- Broth Boost : ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth.
- Lemon Zing : ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice. That’s about 2 lemons .
- Parsley : 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- Lemon Wedges : For serving.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
For seasoning, keep it simple but effective! Salt and freshly ground black pepper are your best friends. Don’t be shy!
If you want that extra oomph , try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Substitution Tip : No fresh parsley? Dried parsley works in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon .
A good italian chicken recipes always has a great seasoning so don't sleep on it!.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this easy chicken dinner . Here's the lowdown:
- Dredging Dishes : Shallow dishes or plates.
- Skillet Star : A large skillet, non-stick if possible.
- Pounding Power : A meat mallet or rolling pin. If you don’t have one, get creative.
- Paper Towels : For draining the pan-fried chicken recipes .
That's it! Seriously, chicken francese with pasta is totally doable with just these bits. Now, let's get cooking!
Hey, have you considered trying some chicken francese variations , you know, like adding mushrooms to the sauce? It's delicious! Also, don't underestimate the importance of the chicken francese sauce ; it can make or break the dish.
Cooking Method: Nail That Chicken Francese!
Okay, folks, let's talk chicken francese . Honestly, this is one of those italian chicken recipes that sounds way fancier than it actually is.
Trust me, if I can make it, anyone can! Think tender lemon butter chicken with a crispy coating. Sounds good, right? It's a perfect easy chicken dinner for a weeknight, but elegant enough to wow your friends.
And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First, let's get organised. This is essential . Pound those chicken cutlets recipe thin! We're talking about ¼-inch thickness. It's not a workout, just use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin.
Season 'em up with salt and pepper. Next, set up your dredging station: flour in one dish, eggs and milk in another.
Trust me, prepping first makes the cooking process smooth as butter.
step-by-step to Francese Perfection
Right, let's get cooking! This chicken francese recipe is so easy.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in the egg mixture.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Carefully place the chicken francese in the pan, don't overcrowd it!
- Cook for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature needs to reach 165° F/ 74° C .
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup of white wine and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in ½ cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
That sauce is what makes chicken francese sauce so amazing!
Pro Tips for Francese Finesse
Want to take your chicken francese with pasta to the next level? Here's the secret sauce: Don't skip the lemon! Fresh lemon juice is key.
Also, use a dry white wine chicken recipe you'd actually drink. Seriously, it makes a difference in the sauce. One last thing, don't overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken is dry and sad.
Perfectly cooked pan-fried chicken recipes is juicy and delicious. You can also play around with chicken francese variations , try adding capers to the sauce for a salty kick!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Chicken Francese
So, you’re about to tackle this chicken francese recipe ! Honestly, you're in for a treat. This lemon butter chicken is such a crowd pleaser.
Here are a few extra bits of wisdom to make it absolutely sing.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation is key, you know? For a restaurant worthy plating, arrange the golden chicken francese cutlets artfully. Drizzle with that luscious chicken francese sauce .
Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, of course. For sides, think linguine tossed with olive oil and garlic, yum! Roasted asparagus or a simple green salad also works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers of this easy chicken dinner ? No worries! Store the chicken francese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The sauce might thicken a bit, but that's fine. For reheating, a gentle warm-up in a skillet works best. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Freezing this isn’t ideal as the sauce can separate, but if you must, freeze it for no longer than a month.
Variations: Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a twist on the classic chicken francese variations ? Try using veal cutlets instead of chicken for a Veal Francese.
For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. You can even use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option! Seasonal swaps could include using different herbs, such as fresh oregano or thyme.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Indulgence
Okay, let’s talk numbers. Each serving of this chicken francese is roughly around 450 calories, with 45g of protein. Protein is great for you.
The chicken francese also has 25g of fat, and 10g of carbs. While it is a delicious treat, that also offers a good bit of protein.
Plus, lemon gives you Vitamin C. Always a bonus! You can use these italian chicken recipes as a base for getting your nutrition in place.
So, there you have it. This pan-fried chicken recipes is not only easy but versatile. Embrace your inner chef.
Have fun with the chicken cutlets recipe and make this white wine chicken recipe your own. Get ready to serve some chicken francese with pasta ! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chicken francese anyway? Is it hard to make?
Chicken Francese is a delicious Italian American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets dipped in egg, pan-fried, and served with a bright lemon butter sauce. It's surprisingly easy to make! Think of it like a cross between chicken piccata and an omelet, but way more elegant. You'll have it nailed in no time, promise!
Can I make chicken francese ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
While chicken francese is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can pound the chicken and whisk the egg mixture earlier in the day and keep each refrigerated. However, frying the chicken too far in advance will make it lose its crispness.
If you absolutely must, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a little extra sauce to prevent it from drying out, but try for optimal freshness like when you order chips at the pub.
What's the secret to getting the chicken perfectly golden brown and not rubbery in this chicken francese recipe?
The key is medium high heat and not overcrowding the pan! Make sure your oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken, and cook in batches to maintain the pan's temperature. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, leading to steamed, rubbery chicken instead of a golden, crispy crust.
Also, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
I don't have white wine, can I still make the lemon butter sauce for the chicken francese?
Absolutely! The wine adds depth, but you can substitute it. A splash of apple cider vinegar or some extra chicken broth will work. If using vinegar, add it sparingly and taste as you go. You want a tangy brightness, not an overpowering sourness, think more Nigella, less vinegar strokes!
Is Chicken Francese healthy? What are some ways to make it healthier?
Chicken Francese is delicious but it is relatively high in fat and calories. To make it healthier, use less butter and opt for olive oil instead. You can also use skim milk instead of whole milk in the egg mixture.
Serving with a generous portion of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, will add nutrients and fiber to your meal, offsetting the richness of the dish, plus lemon juice is a great detoxifier!
Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
Freezing Chicken Francese is not recommended. The texture of the chicken and the sauce can change significantly after thawing, leading to a less than-ideal result. The chicken can become a bit soggy and the sauce might separate. Best to enjoy it fresh or within a day or two for the best quality.
Classic Chicken Francese Lemonbutter Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
