I have eaten Chicken Francese exactly two times in my life. This week when I prepared it and at my wedding 8 years ago. Actually, no, I take that back, I also tasted a bite or two of it at our food tasting prior to the wedding, so make that 2 ½ times. I wouldn't want to be accused of fibbing. I loved this dish at our wedding and I haven't got a clue as to why I never made it before this. I guess, I just forgot about it. Possibly, because I hadn't even heard of it prior to my wedding.
While we were eating this the other night, I asked my husband "Do you know what significance this meal has" and what do you think he said? Yup, you guessed it, he had no clue. In his defense, I never in a million years expected him to know. And in further defense, he had the filet mignon at the wedding, not the chicken. Sometimes I just like to throw a little jab at him here to see if he's reading.
Food was the major expense of our wedding. We didn't want our guests to be hungry while the wedding party was off getting photographed (don't you hate that?), so we ordered a huge assortment of both hot hors devours and the usual crudité display of vegetables, crackers, cheese and dips. Being a good Italian girl, I absolutely, positively, had to have a pasta course to begin with. Then of course, the main meal, which was either Chicken Francese or filet mignon. In addition to our elaborate cake, we also had the most ornate dessert tables I have ever seen. I'm not just saying that because it was our wedding; it was a sight to be seen. Every cookie and pastry you can think of was offered, as well as beautifully crafted skewers of fruit, a chocolate fountain and a white chocolate fountain. I wish I could dig out a picture to show you, but I don't have the time, so take my word for it, it was breath taking. If I get enough comments asking, maybe I'll share some photos.
Wow, I really just went a bit off topic, didn't I?
I guess, for me, even though this chicken dish is fairly easy to make, it is a special occasion dish. Perhaps, I'll start cooking it each year on our anniversary...
What are your "special occasion" meals?
More importantly, do you remember what your wedding meal was? I'd love to hear about it. Please let me know in the comments!
Printable Recipe Card
Chicken Francese
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- ½ C flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- 3 eggs
- 3 T water
- ÂĽ C olive oil
- 1 lemon ½ cut into slices and half juiced
- ½ C white wine
- 1 C chicken broth
- 2 T butter
- ÂĽ C parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound the chicken with a mallet to ÂĽ inch thickness (or purchase the thin cut chicken and you can skip this step).
- Place seasoned flour on a shallow plate. Beat eggs with water in a wide bowl.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour first and then the egg wash to coat completely.
- Add the coated chicken to hot oil and cook about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate/platter and set aside.
- Put lemon slices in same pan and cook 1-2 minutes. Add the wine, broth and lemon juice and simmer for about 5 minutes. Sauce should reduce a bit.
- Sprinkle the butter with a little bit of flour (to help thicken the sauce a little bit) and add it to the pan, stirring. Reduce heat to medium low and place chicken back in pan. Place lemon slices on top of chicken. Simmer 2-5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley.
   
 
Terri | Sugar Free Glow says
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing--your food photos are beautiful too!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much for the compliment Terri
Kimberly! says
This looks yummy! I've been married twice. I honestly don't remember what we ate at my first wedding. At my second we had an outdoor dinner and one of my friends who is a world champion Dutch oven cook prepared the whole meal in Dutch Ovens. It was awesome.
foodyschmoody says
Oh that sounds awesome! I always thought I'd do an outdoor wedding, but the weather here, even in the summer, is a toss of the dice.
Easy Life Meal & Party Planning says
This looks wonderful and it sounds fairly easy! The food for your wedding sounds like it was wonderful too!
Terri Henkels
foodyschmoody says
Oh thank you Terri. And yes, it is very easy. I love a dish, that is really easy to prepare but guests would think is difficult 🙂
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
I hardly ever prepare chicken breast simply because I prefer dark meat, but you can bet I'm going to try this. Sounds delicious and thanks for sharing.
Roberta says
I make something very similar to this, but it's egg dip, then flour. And my husband is not huge on the wine flavor, so sometimes I'll do chicken broth instead. I've even added capers before to make things interesting. I just call it "Lemon Chicken" and he loves it.
This looks fantastic and makes me want to try it your way next time! Thanks for the share! I found you on the Weekend Retreat link up!
foodyschmoody says
I am a huge fan of capers too, and like to randomly toss them into dishes like this too. Thanks so much for connecting through the party.
Lynn H @ Turnips 2 Tangerines says
Wonderful recipe~ Can't wait to make this:) Thanks for sharing on Four Seasons Blog Hop~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines