Chicken Francese Recipe (with Video)

Chicken Francese Recipe: Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken Française, is a classic Italian-American dish that features tender chicken cutlets coated in flour and egg, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served in a luscious lemon butter sauce. Its tangy and buttery flavor profile makes it a favorite on restaurant menus and dinner tables alike.

Why Is It So Popular?

The dish’s popularity stems from its simplicity and elegance. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for Chicken Francese

Essential Ingredients

To make Chicken Francese, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons for Flavor

• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Garlic cloves for added depth in the sauce
• A dash of heavy cream for a richer sauce

Preparation for Chicken Francese

Prepping the Chicken

1. Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
2. Place the cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
3. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Ingredients

1. Set up a dredging station with one bowl of flour and another with beaten eggs.
2. Slice the lemon and zest it, keeping them ready for the sauce.
3. Chop parsley for garnish, if desired.

Cooking Chicken Francese

Step 1: Coating the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3: Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic (optional) and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken absorbs the flavors and is fully cooked.
3. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese

Getting the Right Consistency for the Sauce

To achieve a silky sauce, ensure you whisk continuously when adding the butter. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

How to Avoid Overcooking

Chicken cutlets cook quickly, so monitor them closely. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Francese

Best Side Dishes to Pair

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed asparagus
• Buttered pasta

Wine Pairing Options

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the tangy flavors of Chicken Francese perfectly.

Variations of Chicken Francese

Gluten-Free Option

Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free for a safe and delicious alternative.

Vegetarian Twist

Substitute chicken with eggplant or firm tofu slices for a plant-based version of this classic dish.

FAQs about Chicken Francese Recipe

1. What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese, sometimes called “Chicken French,” is a popular Italian-American dish. It involves tender chicken breasts, dipped in flour and beaten eggs, then fried to golden perfection and served with a lemony butter sauce.

2. What ingredients do I need for Chicken Francese?

You’ll need chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh parsley for garnish. Some recipes also include white wine for the sauce.

3. How do I prepare the chicken for cooking?

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Season the flour with salt and pepper, coat the chicken lightly in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and then it’s ready to fry.

4. What’s the best way to cook Chicken Francese?

Heat olive oil and a little butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken, and in the same pan, add broth and lemon juice to make the sauce, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.

5. Can Chicken Francese be made ahead of time?

Chicken Francese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken through the frying step and make the sauce just before serving to save time.

6. Is Chicken Francese suitable for special diets?

This dish is not gluten-free due to the flour, but you can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. It’s also high in protein and can be adjusted for low-carb diets by omitting flour or using almond flour.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings a touch of sophistication to any meal. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and get cooking!