Chicken Francaise
Chicken Francaise features tender chicken breasts coated with a savory Parmesan and bread crumb crust, soaked in a flavorful butter, garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce mixture, then baked to perfection. Ideal for elegant dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and chopped parsley in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Place a small amount of cheese in the center of each chicken breast.
- Roll the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
- Dip each rolled chicken breast in the butter mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Pour remaining butter mixture over the coated chicken breasts.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs such as oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture. If you're short on time, pre-grated cheese can be a convenient substitute. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking, similar to techniques used in Veal Scallopini With Lemon And Capers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Francaise with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a light pasta dish, such as Chicken Linguine - Guardian Angel Style, to soak up the delicious buttery sauce. A glass of crisp white wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Francaise contains roughly 735 calories, with 30g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey texture inside the chicken.
What is the best way to pound chicken breasts?
To pound chicken breasts evenly, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This technique helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls and coat them in breadcrumbs up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply bake them as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're chilled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).