The Golden Secret: Chicken Francese Recipe That Dazzles

My quest for the perfect chicken francese led me through countless kitchen experiments and flavor revelations.

Culinary traditions from italy inspired this delightful dish with its light, zesty profile.

Tender chicken cutlets dance beneath a golden, crispy coating that whispers of lemon and butter.

Bright citrus notes mingle with delicate white wine, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll adore.

Professional chefs might make this look complicated, but the recipe is surprisingly simple.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through classic italian-american cuisine.

Let’s uncover the magic of this restaurant-worthy meal that will impress everyone at your table.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this recipe?

Chicken breasts, flour, eggs, olive oil, chicken broth, lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley are the essential ingredients.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

While chicken breasts are traditional, you can substitute chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time as they might take slightly longer to cook and have a different texture.

• Why do I need to pound the chicken thin?

Pounding chicken thin ensures even cooking, creates a tender texture, and helps the chicken cook quickly and absorb the sauce more effectively.

• Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

This recipe is actually quite simple and beginner-friendly, requiring basic cooking techniques like dredging, frying, and making a quick pan sauce.

Chicken Francese Offers A Bright, Elegant Twist To Your Meal

• Quick and Elegant Weeknight Meal: Chicken Francese transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speedy Preparation: This recipe takes just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: The light, lemony sauce and crispy chicken create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both adults and kids, suitable for casual family dinners or small gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet Option: Using simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, eggs, and pantry staples, this recipe delivers a sophisticated meal without breaking the bank.

Chicken Francese Key Mix

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the foundation of the dish, best when evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Eggs: Flour creates a light, crispy coating while eggs help the flour adhere to the chicken, providing texture and golden color.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and liquid base for the delicate pan sauce.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Butter adds rich flavor while olive oil helps prevent burning and provides a smooth cooking medium.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Chicken Francese Prep Instructions

Step 1: Tenderize and Season Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re uniformly thin using a meat mallet.

Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

Create two shallow dishes.

In one dish, spread all-purpose flour.

In another dish, whisk eggs until well blended.

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, ensuring complete coverage.

Then dunk the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 4: Sizzle in Hot Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place coated chicken into the hot oil.

Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Craft Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Butter

Stir ingredients together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan.

Step 6: Finish and Combine

Return chicken pieces to the sauce.

Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to absorb the tangy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken.

Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Steps That Improve Your Chicken Francese Every Time

• Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Shake off excess flour after dredging to prevent clumping and achieve a crispy, light coating.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the sauce's overall taste.
• Watch chicken closely while frying, aiming for a golden-brown exterior without drying out the meat.
• Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Reheat Chicken Francese the Right Way

• Store leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Chicken Francese freezes well for up to 2 months without compromising taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Drizzle extra sauce over chicken to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Chicken Francese Match Ideas

• Enhance Citrusy Zest: Pair this lemony chicken dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright, tangy sauce and cut through the richness.
• Create Herbal Harmony: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the recipe's citrus notes and provide a peppery, light counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• Match Mediterranean Magic: Add roasted garlic parmesan asparagus as a side dish to bring earthy, nutty flavors that balance the delicate chicken francese and add textural contrast.
• Refresh with Brightness: Pour a sparkling water with a lemon twist to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's citrusy undertones, creating a light and refreshing dining experience.

Chicken Francese with Refreshing Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine. Use coconut milk or vegetable broth for a creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushroom slices. Maintain the same breading and sauce techniques for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use chicken cutlets without flour coating. Replace traditional sauce with a lighter white wine and herb reduction for fewer calories.

Chicken Francese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with chicken francese, a delightful Italian-American dish that dances between lemony brightness and buttery richness. Golden pan-fried chicken cutlets draped in a velvety sauce promise pure comfort on your dinner plate, inviting you to savor each elegant bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter

Cooking and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently tenderize chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform texture and seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Create a light coating by carefully dredging each chicken piece through all-purpose flour, then immerse thoroughly in whisked eggs, allowing excess to gently drip off.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning each egg-coated chicken cutlet to achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior with crisp edges.
4. Once chicken reaches a beautiful caramelized color, transfer to a waiting plate, maintaining its temperature and crispness.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, deglaze with fragrant chicken broth, introducing bright, tangy lemon juice and rich, creamy butter to construct a luxurious pan sauce.
6. Reintroduce the golden chicken cutlets into the simmering sauce, allowing them to bathe and absorb the vibrant flavors for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each piece is thoroughly heated and elegantly coated.
7. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose thin, evenly sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken uniformly, ensuring quick and even frying.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for coating.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth and complexity of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg