How Do You Pronounce Chicken Francese? A Complete Guide to This Delicious Dish

Ever found yourself staring at a menu pointing nervously at that delicious-looking lemony chicken dish because you’re afraid to mispronounce “Chicken Francese”? Trust me, you’re not alone! I’ve been there too and the struggle is real. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about pronouncing this tasty Italian-American classic properly, plus share some insights about the dish itself.

The Great Pronunciation Debate

According to HowToPronounce.com, the pronunciation of “chicken francese” is rated as moderately difficult, scoring a 4 out of 5 on their pronunciation difficulty scale. With over 116 votes, it’s clear that many folks struggle with getting this name right.

So how do you actually say it? There are two common pronunciations:

1. Chicken Francese (fran-CHAY-zee)
2. Chicken Francaise (frahn-SAIZE)

Let’s Celebrate TV explains that both pronunciations are acceptable! The site notes that “Whether you say Chicken Francaise (frahn-saize) or Chicken Francese (fran-chay-zee), this classic chicken dish is always a big hit.”

If we break it down phonetically

For American English speakers:

• IPA: tʃˈɪ.k.ɪn f.ɹænsiːz
• Phonetic spelling: chi-kin f-ranseez

For British English speakers:

• IPA: tʃˈɪ.k.ɪn f.ɹansiːz
• Phonetic spelling: chi-kin f-ranseez

The History Behind the Name

What makes this pronunciation especially confusing is that this dish represents a perfect example of the Great American Melting Pot. Despite what the name might suggest, Chicken Francese isn’t actually a traditional French or Italian dish. It’s an American creation with roots in both Italian and French cuisines that emerged during the mid-1900s.

The name “Francese” means “French style” in Italian, which explains part of the confusion. It’s essentially an Italian-American dish prepared in what Italian-Americans considered a “French style” – with a light egg batter and lemony sauce.

What Exactly Is Chicken Francese?

Before we dive deeper into pronunciation tips, let’s clarify what this delicious dish actually is!

Chicken Francese is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of chicken cutlets dipped in flour and egg, then fried and served with a lemony butter sauce. It’s sometimes also known as “Chicken French,” particularly in some regions of the United States.

The dish features:

• Thinly pounded chicken cutlets
• A light coating of flour and egg (note: the egg goes on AFTER the flour, unlike many other chicken dishes)
• A delicious sauce made with lemon, white wine, chicken stock, and butter
• Often garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley

How to Make Chicken Francese at Home

Let’s Celebrate TV provides a simple recipe that I’ve tried myself. Here’s how to make this delectable dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half to give you 4 cutlets, pounded thin
• Flour for dredging
• 4 eggs, beaten with a splash of milk or half-n-half
• Salt & pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Lemon slices for garnish

For the sauce:

• 1 cup chicken stock
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2-3 tablespoons butter
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place seasoned flour in a shallow dish (like a pie plate)
2. Put beaten egg mixture in another shallow dish
3. Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
4. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shake off excess
5. Dip into egg mixture, covering both sides
6. Cook in the pan for 2-3 minutes per side (possibly in batches)
7. Set cooked chicken aside on a plate covered with foil to keep warm
8. In the same pan, add chicken stock to deglaze
9. Add wine and lemon juice, increase heat to bring to a boil
10. Reduce sauce by half
11. Add parsley and butter, stir to combine
12. Reduce heat to low, return chicken to the sauce for 2-3 minutes
13. Serve on pasta, rice, or fresh greens with sauce drizzled over top
14. Garnish with lemon slices

Pronunciation Tips from a Non-Expert

I’m no linguistics expert, but here are some tips that have helped me pronounce “Chicken Francese” correctly:

For “Francese” (fran-CHAY-zee):

• Fran: Say it like the beginning of “Francis”
• CHAY: Pronounced like “che” in “cheddar” but with an “ay” sound at the end
• Zee: Just like the letter “Z”

For “Francaise” (frahn-SAIZE):

• Frahn: More nasal, like a French pronunciation
• SAIZE: Rhymes with “phase” or “maze”

Honestly, both pronunciations are widely accepted in American restaurants, so don’t stress too much about getting it perfect. Most people will understand what you’re ordering either way!

Why Chicken Francese Is Worth Trying

Now that you can confidently order this dish without mumbling or pointing, let me tell ya why it’s worth trying if you haven’t already:

1. It’s versatile – Fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal
2. The sauce is incredible – Bright, lemony, buttery goodness that’s not too heavy
3. It’s fairly quick to make – Even a novice cook can master this recipe
4. It’s widely available – Found on many Italian-American restaurant menus
5. It has a great balance of flavors – The tangy sauce complements the tender chicken perfectly

Common Questions About Chicken Francese

Is Chicken Francese the same as Chicken Picatta?

While similar, they’re different dishes. Chicken Picatta typically includes capers in the sauce, and the chicken is usually just dredged in flour without the egg coating that gives Francese its distinctive texture.

Where did Chicken Francese originate?

Despite its Italian name suggesting “French-style,” Chicken Francese is actually an Italian-American creation that emerged in the United States, likely in New York, during the mid-20th century.

What’s the best wine to use in the sauce?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines as they’ll make the sauce too sweet.

What can I serve with Chicken Francese?

Traditional sides include:

• Angel hair pasta
• Steamed asparagus
• Roasted potatoes
• Green salad
• Crusty Italian bread for soaking up that amazing sauce

My Personal Experience with Chicken Francese

I first tried making Chicken Francese after watching a cooking show where the chef made it look super easy. My first attempt was… well, let’s just say the chicken was more “blackened” than golden brown, and my sauce separated into an oily mess. But I didn’t give up!

By my third try, I had figured out some key tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken
• Keep the heat at medium (not high) to prevent burning
• Add cold butter at the end of sauce-making for a silky texture
• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled

Now it’s one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, I can confidently pronounce it either way when sharing my recipe!

The Verdict: However You Say It, It’s Delicious!

According to the stats on HowToPronounce.com, this dish has received 593 ratings in English pronunciation, showing just how popular it is. Whether you prefer to say “Chicken Francese” (fran-CHAY-zee) or “Chicken Francaise” (frahn-SAIZE), the most important thing is enjoying this delicious lemony, buttery chicken dish.

The next time you’re at an Italian-American restaurant, order with confidence! Or better yet, try making it at home using the recipe shared above. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of food is that it brings people together, even when we pronounce things differently. Chicken Francese might be a bit tricky to say, but it’s universally understood as delicious. So go ahead and order it however feels comfortable to you – the chef will know exactly what you’re talking about, and that’s what matters!

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Note: If you want to hear exactly how to pronounce “chicken francese,” you can visit HowToPronounce.com where they offer 23 audio pronunciations of the term from various speakers. This can be super helpful if you’re still unsure!