Chicken Francese:

Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish known for its bright, lemony flavor and tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create this zesty, restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a special meal, Chicken Francese is a delightful choice.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Francese Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

1. Place the flour in a shallow dish.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, water, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Francese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce by about half.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve the Chicken Francese

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer it in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Serve the Chicken Francese hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

 

Chicken Francese is a delightful Italian dish that brings a burst of zesty, lemony flavor to tender, pan-fried chicken. With its bright and savory sauce, it’s a favorite for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Share the flavors of Italy with your loved ones by preparing this delicious Chicken Francese in your own kitchen.