Chicken Francaise is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, butter, lemon juice, and a few simple spices to create a mouthwatering experience that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. While it might not be the healthiest option out there, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who appreciate a good comfort meal. Below, you’ll find an in-depth exploration of this recipe, including detailed ingredient information, step-by-step instructions, nutritional content, and tips to enhance your culinary creation.
Chicken Francaise Recipe
Description:
Not the healthiest version I’m sure, but so worth it! A very picky DH loves it, so it can’t be that bad 😉 For better pasta, double the sauce.
Category:
Chicken
Keywords:
Poultry, Meat, European, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients and Quantities:
- Chicken: 1 – 2 pieces
- Bisquick: 1 – 2 cups
- Flour: As needed (NA)
- Paprika: To taste (NA)
- Salt: To taste (NA)
- Pepper: 2 teaspoons
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Butter: 1/2 – 1 cup
- Margarine: 1 stick
- Chicken broth: 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice: From 1 lemon
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped (NA)
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Pasta: Optional, for serving
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 640.4
- Fat Content: 48g
- Saturated Fat Content: 21.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 239.7mg
- Sodium Content: 968.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.9g
- Fiber Content: 0.7g
- Sugar Content: 4.5g
- Protein Content: 29.2g
Recipe Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare the frying pan: Preheat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
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Prepare the coating: In a medium bowl, combine Bisquick, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Beat the eggs: In another bowl, beat the 2 eggs.
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Coat the chicken: Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten eggs, then coat them thoroughly with the Bisquick mixture.
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Brown the chicken: Place the coated chicken in the preheated frying pan and brown them on both sides until they are golden and crispy.
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Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is browning, take a medium-sized pot and add the lemon juice, chicken broth, chopped parsley, and butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the butter is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
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Transfer chicken to baking dish: Once the chicken is browned, transfer the pieces to a deep baking pan or a glass Pyrex dish.
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Pour the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces in the baking dish.
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Add garlic and lemon: Sprinkle some chopped garlic over the top of the chicken and add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
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Bake the chicken: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and is fully cooked.
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Serve: If desired, serve the Chicken Francaise over cooked pasta. The pasta can absorb the delicious sauce, making the dish even more enjoyable.
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Optional note: The longer you bake the chicken in the sauce, the better it will taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to use a bit of cornstarch to thicken it to your liking.
Tips and Variations:
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Double the Sauce: For those who love their pasta drenched in sauce, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. The extra sauce will be perfect for serving over the pasta, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
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Thickening the Sauce: The sauce in this recipe is intentionally kept thin to allow it to seep into the chicken and pasta. However, if you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce while it’s cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Lemon Variations: The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dish. For an even more intense lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce.
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Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley or substitute with other herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
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Healthier Option: To make a slightly healthier version, consider using a mixture of olive oil and butter instead of margarine, and use whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
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Serving Suggestions: Chicken Francaise pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Chicken Francaise, also known as Chicken Francese, is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. Despite its name, which means “French-style chicken,” the dish is believed to have originated in Italian-American communities in the United States. It’s known for its simple yet elegant preparation, often featuring a light egg batter and a lemon-butter sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Aggregated Ratings:
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Review Count: 8
Reviews:
Reviewers have praised Chicken Francaise for its rich, buttery flavor and ease of preparation. Many have noted that it’s a favorite among picky eaters and is often requested as a family dinner staple. The ability to prepare it in under an hour makes it a convenient option for weeknight meals, while its sophisticated taste makes it suitable for special occasions as well.
Nutritional Analysis:
While Chicken Francaise is undeniably delicious, it’s worth noting the nutritional content for those who are mindful of their dietary intake. The dish is relatively high in calories, fat, and cholesterol, primarily due to the butter and margarine used in the sauce. However, its protein content is substantial, making it a filling meal. By making a few modifications, such as reducing the amount of butter or using a lighter oil, you can enjoy a slightly healthier version of this classic dish.
Final Thoughts:
Chicken Francaise is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken, tangy lemon-butter sauce, and the optional addition of pasta, this dish is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater or looking to impress guests with a dish that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant, Chicken Francaise is a fantastic choice.
Enjoy this delightful dish and don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe to make it your own. Cooking is all about creativity and personal preference, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and techniques to suit your taste. Happy cooking!