If you're looking to enhance your dinner routine, Chicken Francaise might just be what you need. You'll find that its classic buttery lemon sauce can easily become a staple, but don't overlook the variations that can add excitement to your meals. From a revitalizing Lemon Herb twist to a rich Creamy Garlic option, there's something for everyone. And if you prefer a bit of spice, you might be intrigued by the Spicy Chicken variation. But that's just the beginning; there's also a gluten-free version that might surprise you. Curious to find out more?
Classic Chicken Francaise
Classic Chicken Francaise is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce. This Italian-American favorite features chicken that's lightly coated in flour and egg, then sautéed to perfection, and served with a luscious sauce that enriches its flavors.
It's an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it's both elegant and easy to prepare, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station by placing flour in one dish and whisking the eggs with water in another. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and butter, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use fresh lemon juice as it imparts a brighter flavor compared to bottled juice.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the simmering step.
Also, consider pairing your Chicken Francaise with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Finally, garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also enriches the flavor profile of the dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Lemon Herb Chicken Francaise
Lemon Herb Chicken Francaise is a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Francaise, infusing bright lemon flavors and fresh herbs into a tender, breaded chicken breast. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it combines simplicity with elegance. The tangy lemon sauce complements the juicy chicken beautifully, creating a dish that's both comforting and invigorating.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, whisk together the eggs, water, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, remaining Parmesan, fresh herbs, and butter. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
When serving, consider garnishing with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. Pair the dish with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the broth further or add a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Francaise
Creamy Garlic Chicken Francaise is a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Francaise. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a light egg batter, sautéed to golden perfection, and then bathed in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. The combination of flavors makes it a comforting meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Serve it over pasta or rice, and you'll have a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip them into the beaten eggs.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic.
Make sure to adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering it longer if you prefer a thicker consistency, or adding a bit more chicken broth if it's too thick. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for a burst of freshness.
Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken Francaise!
Spicy Chicken Francaise
Spicy Chicken Francaise is a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Francaise, infusing each bite with a zesty kick that enhances the dish to new heights. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a spicy, tangy sauce made from a blend of lemon juice, white wine, and red pepper flakes, creating a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Serve it over a bed of pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete dinner that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spiciness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the flattened chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In one bowl, place the flour, and in another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced before returning the chicken to the pan to coat in the sauce.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can whisk in a bit of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance, and don't hesitate to add some sliced fresh chili peppers for additional heat.
Finally, serve the dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Gluten-Free Chicken Francaise
Gluten-Free Chicken Francaise is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish that retains all the rich flavors without the gluten. This recipe uses almond flour as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs, guaranteeing that the chicken remains crispy while being fully gluten-free. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed vegetables or gluten-free pasta, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and set aside. In another shallow dish, mix the almond flour and Parmesan cheese.
Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the almond flour mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds before adding the chicken broth and lemon juice.
Bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, then return the chicken to the skillet for a minute to absorb the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee the chicken stays juicy, don't overcook it; use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
Pair this dish with a gluten-free side, such as quinoa or a fresh salad, to complete your meal.