Chicken Francese: Restaurant-Quality at Home
Love Chicken Francese? This easy lemon butter chicken recipe is ready in 40 mins! Restaurant-style flavour at home. Quick weeknight dinner win! Get the recipe now! ... Smart Kitchen Basics
Right then, let's dive into something proper lush, shall we?
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a Bit of Restaurant-Style Chicken?
Ever wondered if you could nail that chef-kiss chicken francese you get at your fave italian place? honestly, it's easier than you think! this recipe will give you that tangy, lemon butter chicken recipe flavour you're craving.
A Classic Italian-American Delight
Chicken francese is an italian-american chicken dishes sensation. originating perhaps from rochester, ny, it's a celebration of simple, zesty flavours.
This easy chicken francese recipe is rated medium difficulty, takes about 40 minutes, and feeds 4 hungry souls.
Why This Chicken Francese is Ace
One of the best bits? it's relatively healthy! it's packed with protein and is a surprisingly light dish. quick weeknight chicken dinner sorted! this sautéed chicken cutlets recipe is just what you need when you want something special, but don’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen.
It's restaurant vibes, without the restaurant price tag.
Fancy adding a bit of "va va voom?" Let's move onto what you will need to make a very nice Chicken French Rochester NY.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some seriously good chicken francese . i'm talking restaurant-quality, right in your own kitchen.
Honestly, it's easier than you think! this recipe is going to be one of your favourite italian-american chicken dishes , and it’s ready faster than ordering takeaway – perfect for a quick weeknight chicken dinner .
Chicken Francese: Restaurant-Quality at Home Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Ready to Cook
Let's be real, having your ducks in a row before you start cooking makes life so much easier. so, here's the lowdown on what you'll need to make easy chicken francese , broken down to be dead simple.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need to make the most banging chicken francese you've ever had. i will say though, it's all about fresh ingredients, so don't skimp! this lemon butter chicken recipe is gonna blow you away.
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 oz (170g) each. Make sure they're about 1/4 inch thick. Pounding them is KEY, it will ensure they cook evenly.
- Flour Mix: 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Egg Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- Cooking Fats: 3 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Sauce Base: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 clove garlic (minced).
- Liquids: 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio works a treat!), 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth, and 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice – about 1-2 lemons. Squeeze them yourself – trust me, it makes a difference!
- Finishing Touch: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste), and lemon wedges (for serving, if you're feeling fancy).
Look for plump, pink chicken breasts that aren't slimy. Fresh is best! For the lemon juice, if you can smell it, it will be the best way to know.
Seasoning Notes
Right, let’s talk flavours. It’s not just about salt and pepper!
- Essential Spice Combinations : Keep it simple! Salt, pepper, and that parmesan in the batter are really all you need to let the lemon-butter sauce shine.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Garlic is your friend in the sauce. Just don’t burn it! And fresh parsley at the end? Chefs kiss.
- Quick Substitution Options : No white wine? A splash more chicken broth will do in a pinch. And for Parmesan, honestly, any hard cheese will add a little something, you know?
Equipment Needed
Listen, you don't need every fancy gadget under the sun. This is what you actually need for the most amazing Chicken French Rochester NY .
- Essential Tools Only : A large skillet or sauté pan, shallow dishes (for dredging), a meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken), and a whisk.
- Common Household Alternatives : No meat mallet? The bottom of a heavy saucepan works just as well. And a dinner plate can stand in for a shallow dish.
And there you have it, all the gear you need to make this restaurant style chicken recipes . next up, we'll dive into the actual cooking, where the magic happens.
Seriously, i can almost smell that lemon-butter sauce already! don't be scared of the sautéed chicken cutlets process, it's not as bad as you think.
Alright, let's get cooking! you know, i've always loved restaurant-style italian-american chicken dishes , especially chicken francese . it feels so fancy, but it's honestly not that hard to make at home.
It's like the ultimate comfort food meets a bit of je ne sais quoi , right? my first time trying to make this, oh my gosh, it was a disaster .
The sauce was watery, the chicken was soggy... i've come a long way since then!
Chicken Francese: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner
Seriously, this easy chicken francese recipe is a total game-changer. it's that good, and once you master it, you'll be making it all the time.
It's a quick weeknight chicken dinner winner, especially with a side of pasta. you can even add some chicken francese with pasta if you prefer.
I even had my friend from rochester, ny , tell me it reminded him of home!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss
First things first, mise en place . get everything prepped before you even turn on the stove. pound those 4 chicken breasts until they're about 1/4-inch thick.
Trust me , this is essential for even cooking. it also helps tenderize the chicken. honestly, the sound of pounding chicken is pretty cathartic after a long day, isn't it?
Safety Reminder: Wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken!
Step-by-Step: Sautéed Chicken Cutlets Perfection
- Season 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a shallow dish.
- Whisk together 2 eggs , 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese , and 2 tablespoons of parsley in another dish.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chicken for 3- 4 minutes per side , until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F/ 74° C . Remove and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet and sauté 1 minced clove of garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of white wine . Scrape up those browned bits – that's where all the flavour is!
- Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of lemon juice . Reduce the sauce by half. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cold butter until glossy. Season with salt and pepper.
Pro Tips: Secret Restaurant Style Chicken Recipes Revealed
Pro Tip 1: Use cold butter at the end for a rich, glossy sauce. Seriously, don't skip this step! It makes all the difference.
Pro Tip 2: The key to a great lemon butter chicken recipe is fresh lemon juice. No bottled stuff allowed!
Mistakes to avoid: overcrowding the pan when sautéing. cook in batches to keep the heat up and get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Honestly, patience is key! it seems hard, but it really isn't. and the white wine sauce for chicken can be adjusted to taste.
More lemon? go for it! more wine? maybe just a splash more! ;)
Recipe Notes to Level Up Your Chicken Francese
Right, so you're about to make some chicken francese . awesome! before you dive in, let’s cover some bits and bobs that’ll make your life easier, yeah? these little notes will help turn your easy chicken francese into something truly special.
I reckon even the most seasoned home cooks can pick up a thing or two.
Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate Like a Pro
Okay, so you've cooked your sautéed chicken cutlets to perfection. now what? first, presentation is key. pile it high! for the plating , think vibrant and fresh.
Lay your chicken francese on a bed of linguine, maybe. or, if you're feeling fancy, twirl the pasta into a little nest.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley always helps. as for sides, you know, something simple. steamed asparagus or a light salad would do the trick.
Oh, and don't forget the wine! a crisp pinot grigio is perfect. this kind of dish is just perfect for an italian-american chicken dishes .
Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive
Listen, sometimes leftovers happen, right? if you have any leftover chicken francese , don't bin it! honestly, it's still great the next day.
For refrigeration , pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for about 3 days. freezing? not ideal, as the sauce might separate.
But if you must , freeze it in a single layer. for reheating , gently warm it in a skillet or microwave.
Just be careful not to overcook the chicken, alright?
Variations: Make it Your Own
Fancy a twist on the classic? course you do! let’s talk about some dietary adaptations . for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
Easy peasy. need a lemon butter chicken recipe that's a bit lighter? go easy on the butter, or sub it with olive oil.
For seasonal swaps , think about what's fresh. in the summer, basil would be banging in the egg mixture. in winter, maybe a touch of sage.
It's all about making it your chicken francese with pasta .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Alright, let's get a bit serious for a sec. this restaurant style chicken recipes is packed with protein from the chicken and eggs.
The lemon juice and white wine gives you vitamin c and antioxidants. of course, there's a bit of fat from the butter, so don't go crazy.
Remember, it's all about balance, innit? making a quick weeknight chicken dinner that's also good for you is totally achievable.
Think of it as a treat that's also doing you some good!
So there you have it! with these notes, your chicken francese is gonna be the bomb. honestly, don't be scared to experiment.
Have a go! it's about having fun in the kitchen and creating something delicious. now, get cooking! you got this.
And remember, it is totally worth searching for chicken french rochester ny for more inspiration! with that amazing white wine sauce for chicken , it's a sure winner.
The egg battered chicken gives the recipe a unique touch and the sautéed chicken cutlets provide great texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chicken francese, anyway? Sounds a bit fancy, doesn't it?
Chicken Francese (also known as Chicken French, especially in the Rochester, NY area) is basically like giving your chicken a posh spa day! It's an Italian-American dish featuring chicken cutlets dipped in an egg batter, sautéed to golden perfection, and then served with a tangy, lemony, white-wine butter sauce. Think sophisticated comfort food.
Help! My chicken francese is soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Oh dear, soggy chicken is a kitchen bummer! The most common culprit is not getting the pan hot enough before adding the chicken or overcrowding the pan (which lowers the oil temperature). Make sure your skillet is nice and hot, and work in batches so each piece gets a good sear. Also, avoid over-battering the chicken – a thin, even coating is best for a crispy result.
Can I make chicken francese ahead of time?
You can, but bear in mind the chicken is best when served immediately. If you need to get ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. Just before serving, gently reheat the chicken in the sauce until warmed through. It might not be quite as crispy as freshly made, but it'll still be delicious. No one wants to spend their whole evening in the kitchen, right?
I'm avoiding gluten. Is there a gluten-free version of chicken francese I can make?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur Measure for Measure are good options. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it's a super easy swap. That way, everyone can enjoy a bit of Chicken Francese magic, regardless of dietary needs.
What's the best wine to use in the chicken francese sauce? And what if I don't have wine?
A dry white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works beautifully in the sauce, adding a lovely acidity and depth of flavour. If you're not a wine drinker or don't have any on hand, you can substitute with extra chicken broth. It won't have quite the same complexity, but it'll still be a tasty sauce.
How long does leftover chicken francese last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover Chicken Francese is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to help retain some moisture, or microwave it on a low setting, but be aware the chicken may become a little softer in texture. A little extra squeeze of lemon juice on reheating helps to brighten the flavours back up.
