I believe this dish was created in America by Italian immigrants. As with numerous Italian chicken dishes, they were originally intended for veal but taste equally as good with chicken. But back to the name, why an American Italian dish is called “French”, maybe it’s because of all the butter, maybe the wine, but one thing for sure, the flavours are superb!
CHICKEN FRANCAISE
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- spaghetti, optional
Directions
- Place chicken breasts (individually) between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and use a meat mallet or other heavy object to flatten them to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Dredge chicken breasts in flour (that’s been seasoned generously with salt and pepper), then shake off excess and dip them in beaten eggs.
- Drip off excess, then carefully transfer chicken to hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. 4-5 minutes total.
- Transfer breasts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- If planning on serving with pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook noodles according to packaging directions, or until al dente.
- Discard remaining oil and use a paper towel to wipe out skillet, then add butter and return to heat.
- To the butter, add chicken broth, white wine and lemon juice, and season with parsley.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until sauce has reduced and thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary, then return chicken to pan and coat in sauce.
- Serve chicken with pasta and spoon extra pan juices over the top.
Recipe from 12Tomatoes
