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Local Vibes

These Ocean County Places Have Excellent Chicken Francese

By Robyn Lane

This list for excellent chicken Francese in Ocean County was compiled by sifting through social media food and community pages and by asking our listeners where they go to get this luscious lemony dish.

Chicken Francese is one of my favorite dishes to make at home. I have my own personal recipe that results in a velvety lemony white wine sauce that sticks to the cooked egg and flour dipped chicken cutlets.

I’m not overly fond of a thin consistency when it comes to Francese sauce. I like to add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up a bit. I am firmly planted in the slightly thicker sauce brigade.

I know people who use butter and flour to make a roux to thicken their sauce. I’ve tried that and it comes out pasty and hides the lemony flavor of the sauce.

More About Chicken Francese

The French version is called Francaise and it’s basically a lemon beurre blanc which means “white butter,” and that recipe relies on the butter to create the silky texture and yellow color, while the lemon juice, white wine, and shallots create a slightly tangy flavor.

Adding garlic to the sauce gives it an Italian twist. It can be made in many ways with the key ingredients being butter, white wine, chicken broth or stock, and fresh lemons.

These Ocean County Places Have Excellent Chicken Francese. Pictured: Chicken Francese with mashed potatoes and broccoli
P. Kaso

I’ve had some lousy, flavorless Chicken Francese in my time and I’ve had Chicken Francese that rivals my version. I’ve even had Chicken Francese that leaves my version in the dust.

A few months ago, Bruce and I went to chef Umberto Turelli’s intimate restaurant, Zi Marie’s Trattoria, located in the mini mall on Jamaica Blvd. in Toms River. 

Bruce ordered the Chicken Francese and after the first bite his eyes lit up and he started making those ooooo and ahhhh sounds. I knew immediately that he found the best Chicken Francese he’s ever tasted.

I wasn’t bummed or insulted that he thought this version was slightly better than mine. I was curious about Umberto’s recipe. The chef wasn’t talking, he kept his mouth shut and gave us that Chesire cat smile.

Also See: Locals Are talking About This Ocean County Restaurant

Aside from Zi Marie’s, there are several places in Ocean County who make stellar plates of Chicken Francese. Take a look at the list of places below who make excellent Chicken Francese.

  • Zi Marie’s Original Pizzeria Trattoria - 730 Jamaica Blvd #25, Toms River, NJ 08757 -Coming Soon To Route 70, Toms River Near Lake Ridge

    I told you in the blog that chef Umberto makes a killer Chicken Francese. Umberto’s right hand man, chef Luis is also a rockstar in the kitchen. You must also try Umberto’s Spiedini alla Romana, the best I’ve ever had. Chef  Umberto will be opening Zi Marie’s 2 on Route 70 in Toms River some time after labor Day. I’ll keep you posted.

  • The Original Biagio's Trattoria - 509 US-9, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

    Dozens of people on one of the area’s community pages praised the daylights out of Biagio’s Chicken Francese. Most called it their absolute favorite. I hunted down a photo so I can see this masterpiece, and boy oh boy did it look spectacular. The sauce is a little thin, but I’d still dive in. I can taste that lemony goodness just looking at the photo.

  • Dolce Liberta - 100 McKinley Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    A few restaurants in this area of Ocean County were mentioned, but Dolce Liberta was the top choice for those who weighed in on the Chicken Francese. This restaurant located in McKinley Plaza not only delivers a fabulous plate of chicken Francese, they deliver on all fronts, impeccable service, lovely atmosphere and affordable prices. This place has got it going on! The interior is beautiful as well.

    They also feature Kennedy Cellars wine by the bottle. Grab your honey or your family and check this place out.

     

     

     

  • Kate and Ally's - 216 N Main St, Forked River, NJ 08731

    A fine dining restaurant where the chefs are inspired by available seasonal ingredients. Kathy K. and several other locals chose Kate & Ally’s as a place to enjoy superb Chicken Francese among other dishes. Because they have a rotating menu, Chicken Francese is not always available. Call ahead and ask or check the website

    Fine Dining Restaurant, Event Caterer | Forked River, NJ | Kate & Ally's

    Kate & Ally's offers a fine dining experience at their restaurant in Forked River, NJ. Learn more about our professional catering services today!

  • Cordi's Italian Gourmet - 101 Prosper Wy, Brick Township, NJ 08723

    This old school Italian restaurant moved from their original location on Route 88 in Brick to The Shoppes at New Visions on Prosper Way last year. I haven’t had a meal at the new location, but I have had a few at the old location and I agree with Angela G, the Chicken Francese is delicious.

    Mary wrote, “The new place is fancier and more elegant, but the food is still as good as it was when they were at the old location.” A nice place to enjoy a date night with your honey or a group of good friends.  Beautiful atmosphere, generous portions and great service.

     

  • That’s Amore Trattoria Italiana - 277 NJ-70, Toms River, NJ 08755

    Kathy and Ariana give this place a 10 out 10 for the Chicken Francese. That’s quite an endorsement! The price is very reasonable, at last check it was $20. Ariana also mentioned a chicken dish where the chicken is wrapped in puff pastry with prosciutto, mozzarella, and broccoli rabe in a brandy cream sauce that is to die for. I had to hunt it down to find out what it’s called. The dish appears on the menu as, “Chicken Sfoglia” and it’s just $23.

    I’m hitting this place next time we go out for dinner.

  • Three B's Bar and Bistro - 314 NJ-70, Lakehurst, NJ 08733

    This restaurant has a dish similar to Chicken Francese. It’s sort of Chicken Francese with a twist for lack of a better description. Donna, Claudia, and Joanne love the creamy Limoncello chicken at Three B’s. It’s pan seared chicken, topped with a Limoncello garlic cream sauce, served over a Creamy Lemon Basil Orzo.  Yes, please. 

    Just a heads up, Three B’s also makes amazing French onion soup and chicken pot pies.

     


    Add Shrimp 7.99

  • Zano Bros. of Brooklyn - 360 N Main St, Waretown, NJ 08758

    Billy T and a few other folks highly recommend the chicken Francese at Zano Bros. I can also recommend the actual Francese sauce, it’s one of the best I’ve ever purchased.

    I’ve eaten several things from Zano’s and their pizza restaurant next door called Manzano’s. I was there twice in the last couple of months having dinner with friends.

    I recently attended an event there with our friend chef Umberto and we enjoyed a sampling of a few different items on the menu including rice balls, mozzarella in Carrozza, meatballs and a few other dishes that were absolutely delicious. 

    I will say with absolute conviction that Zano Bros. has the best marinara I have ever had. Perfectly balanced and full of flavor. 

     

     

     

     

  • East Bay Italian Grille - 696 E Bay Ave #202, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005

    Nestled in the historic downtown district of Barnegat. This charming restaurant was recommended by a few locals who’ve been going here for a couple of years.  They claim that the chicken Francese will blow you away.

    Chef Matthew V. has meticulously chosen the perfect menu from Italian classics along with steaks and seafood.

     

  • Tardi's Ristorante - 931 Fischer Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753

    Tardi’s is located next to Chicken Town in Bellcrest Plaza on Fischer Blvd. I can attest to how good the food and service are at this BYOB restaurant, Bruce and I love this place!

    Several locals I spoke with gave praise to the Chicken Francese at Tardi’s.  No doubt, my friends, every chicken dish I’ve had here is outstanding and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is warm and the service is terrific.

    If you’re not going to Tardi’s for the Chicken Francese, try the stuffed pork chop in a marsala sauce loaded with mushrooms, artichokes, and asparagus.

     

     

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