Skinnytaste Chicken Francese is an amazing skillet chicken dish that’s sure to become a staple in your next dinner.
If you love chicken parmesan but want to make it without carbs, or if you feel like having something easy for dinner tonight, this recipe is for you!
It might seem like an unusual name for a dish made with pasta and cheese, but Francese has nothing to do with France as one might expect. The word is an Italian family name that translates into “Frenchman.”
How To Make Skinnytaste Chicken Francese?
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4-5 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 cups diced zucchini (about 4 medium-sized)
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (about 10 mushrooms)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 3 medium-sized carrots)
- 4 cups pasta of choice
Making Method
Step 1: Add oil to a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Salt and pepper chicken, then sprinkle garlic powder on each side.
Add chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once and seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board to rest while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Add zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and 2 cups water to the pot used for the chicken (discard any remaining water). Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the water has cooked off.
Add pasta to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, mix well and cover for 3-4 minutes. Remove cover and stir everything together.
Step 3: Slice chicken into 1/2 inch-thick strips and top each serving of pasta with a portion of chicken. Serve immediately.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Nutrition Fact
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 261 |
| Total Fat | 7.3g |
| Cholesterol | 133mg |
| Sodium | 195mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20.6g |
| Fiber | 6.9g |
| Sugar | 2.8g |
| Protein | 26.3g |
6 Authentic Health Benefits of Skinnytaste Chicken Francese
1. High in protein
Chicken has a moderate protein content of 34 percent, making it one of the highest protein sources in the typical American diet. Chicken is also a good source of key minerals like iron and zinc and vitamins B12 and selenium.
2. Low in fat
Chicken is an excellent source of the amino acid lysine, which works to boost glutathione levels in your body. This boosts immune function and keeps you healthy by protecting your cells from damage.
3. High in micronutrients
Chicken is also a good source of several key vitamins and minerals, including choline, zinc, and garlic powder. Choline is an important nutrient that can help prevent liver damage from alcohol and enhance brain function.
Zinc helps with normal cognitive function and proper growth and development for children. Finally, garlic powder boosts immune function as well as fights bacterial infections.
4. Low in carbohydrates
Chicken, like all lean protein sources, is a good source of carbohydrates. However, the carbohydrates in the chicken are much lower than those in many other types of protein.
This makes chicken an excellent choice if you are on a low-carb diet or want to watch your blood sugar levels when you eat carbs. Try serving a small side dish of vegetables with your chicken for a balanced meal!
5. Low in calories
On average, 1 ounce of chicken meat has only 19 calories, making it a good low-calorie choice. This also makes chicken one of the best choices for people looking to reduce their daily caloric intake.
6. High in vitamins and minerals
Skinnytaste Chicken Francese is a good source of several key nutrients. Chicken is a good source of the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, and the minerals copper, potassium, and manganese. Additionally, chicken is a good source of phosphorus, vitamin B6, and selenium.
What Is The Difference Between Chicken Francese And Chicken Francaise?
Many people confuse chicken Francaise with regular chicken Francese because they are made with the same ingredients. The difference is that in traditional French cooking, franchise refers to an egg-based sauce eaten over vegetables or meat. Francese is the Italian version made without egg and is typically served with pasta.
What To Serve Skinnytaste Chicken Francese With?
Serve Skinnytaste Chicken Francese with veggies or salad side dish for a complete meal. Go for simple, healthy, and satisfying foods to keep you feeling full and energized.
What Is Francese Sauce Made Of?
A Francese sauce can be made using butter, egg yolks, and heavy cream. It is then seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
If you use the sauce in a traditional Italian meal, you would most likely serve it over pasta for a delicious, creamy side dish that tastes similar to chicken parmesan.
Can You Freeze Chicken Francese?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Skinnytaste Chicken Francese. You may want to cook the recipe portion-sized in advance before storing it in the freezer for future dinners.
When ready to use, remove frozen chicken and sauce from the refrigerator and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
How Do You Reheat Frozen Chicken Francese?
You can thaw frozen Skinnytaste Chicken Francese in the fridge overnight or allow it to sit on your counter for 30 minutes before reheating. You can microwave frozen Skinnytaste Chicken Francese, but avoid overcooking it as the sauce will scorch.
Although microwaved Skinnytaste Chicken Francese will still taste great, you will get the most flavor by reheating it in a skillet.
Conclusion
Skinnytaste Chicken Francese is easy to make, healthier than traditional chicken Francese and makes a great low-calorie dinner option that the whole family will love.
If you have never tried making this dish with lighter ingredients before, I strongly encourage you to give it a try! You will be surprised at how much flavor the simple ingredients can pack into just one meal.
