Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
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Light Chicken Francese: A Must-Have Recipe for Every Cook
When it comes to classic dishes, Chicken Francese stands out for its perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. This Italian-American favorite combines tender chicken with a velvety, citrusy sauce that makes it both refreshing and comforting at the same time. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being too heavy, and best of all, it’s easy to prepare!
In this lightened version, you get the full flavor without overloading on richness. The key to a great Chicken Francese is in the balance of the lemon, broth, and a hint of wine, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken without overpowering it.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Perfect Lemon Sauce: The heart of Chicken Francese is its luscious lemon-based sauce. It’s thick enough to coat each piece of chicken but light enough to keep the dish from feeling heavy. The citrus brings a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for the family, this dish works for both casual and more formal settings. It looks impressive, but is easy enough for cooks of all skill levels.
- Light and Flavorful: This version of Chicken Francese keeps things on the lighter side without skimping on flavor. By minimizing butter and keeping the sauce light, you can enjoy this comfort dish guilt-free.
Why You Should Make Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese should be a staple in every home cook’s repertoire because it checks all the boxes:
- Quick to Prepare: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table.
- Customizable: Adjust the lemon-to-broth ratio to match your flavor preferences, and swap the wine for more broth if needed. You can even add extra seasonings like garlic or herbs for a personal twist.
- Pairs with Everything: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables. The lemony sauce ties everything together, making side dishes shine just as much as the main course.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Francese
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: The bright citrus flavor is what makes this dish stand out. Fresh lemon juice is key, and a few slices for garnish add a lovely finishing touch.
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, make sure your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly, resulting in a tender texture.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: The sauce is the star here, so give it time to reduce and thicken. You want it to cling to the chicken, not just pool around it. If it needs more body, whisk in a touch of butter or flour toward the end.
- Presentation Matters: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and thin lemon slices not only adds freshness but also elevates the visual appeal of the dish.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dish
If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, Light Chicken Francese is it. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic that every cook should master. Serve it with your favorite side dish, and you’ve got a meal that will impress without the stress.
So, whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need a quick meal that feels fancy, this Chicken Francese will quickly become your go-to recipe.
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Ingredients:
2 12-oz btls beer, lager
1 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (the whole branch), coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
11 cloves garlic (10 crushed + 1 thinly sliced)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar salt and pepper, to taste
8 each chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 cup Grape-Nuts cereal
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions:
MARINATE THE CHICKEN (1 hour, 15 minutes or overnight):
In a large bowl, combine the beer with the chopped rosemary sprigs, crushed garlic and vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken and turn to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour (or overnight).
COOK THE CHICKEN (40 minutes):
Preheat the oven to 425F°
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry (discard the marinade).
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large cast iron skillet, heat the oil. Cook half of the chicken, skin side down, over moderately high heat until golden and crisp, 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Return all of the chicken to the skillet , skin side up, and bake for 20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Transfer to a serving platter and tent with aluminum foil.
Pour off all but 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet. Add the sliced garlic, 1/4 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary and Rice Krispies and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the cereal is golden, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the Grape-Nuts and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the Rice Krispies mixture over the chicken and serve.