Chicken Francese

If you’re in the mood for something that’s both rich and refreshing, Chicken Francese is your go-to dish! Tender chicken cutlets are dipped in a light egg batter, sautéed to golden perfection, and then bathed in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and the vibrant, citrusy sauce is nothing short of magical. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat for those moments when you want to treat yourself (or others) to something extra special.

It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet it feels so refined—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy, or even for a gathering where you want to impress. Plus, the sauce is so good, you’ll be spooning it over everything!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Francese

This Chicken Francese has everything you could want in a meal:
Elegant yet Simple: It’s a perfect dish for impressing guests but doesn’t require hours of prep. It’s classy without being complicated.
Crispy and Tender: The chicken cutlets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
Zesty Lemon Sauce: The tangy lemon sauce brings the dish to life, adding brightness and a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Quick and Easy: Despite its refined flavors, this dish comes together quickly, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a last-minute dinner party favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Chicken Francese:

For the Chicken:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a crispy coating.
Eggs: To dip the chicken in before cooking, giving it that golden, crispy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: A little Parmesan mixed into the flour adds an extra savory punch.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken to crispy perfection.
Butter: A little butter for richness and to help make the sauce velvety.
Lemon: The juice and zest bring brightness and balance to the sauce.
Garlic: For depth of flavor in the sauce.
White Wine: A splash of white wine enhances the sauce and adds a little acidity.
Chicken Broth: To create a savory base for the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a fresh touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to make this luscious Chicken Francese:

Prepare the Chicken:

First, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If they’re not already thin, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness—this helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Dredge the Chicken:

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and Parmesan cheese. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, coating it fully, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat. This creates that perfectly crispy, golden crust.

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Make the Lemon Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the white wine and cook for a minute to let it reduce slightly. Then, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.

Finish the Dish:

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up some of that tangy lemon goodness.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot with your favorite sides (like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables) and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Francese

This dish is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

With Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti or angel hair, to soak up all that delicious lemon sauce.
With Rice: Fluffy white rice or even risotto works perfectly as a side to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli adds freshness and crunch.
With a Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great way to refresh your palate between bites of rich, lemony chicken.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Chicken: For the best results, opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They’ll cook up juicier and more tender.
Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice or zest. Likewise, adjust the white wine or chicken broth based on your taste preferences.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just make the sauce and reheat the chicken in it.
Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick pan can help ensure the chicken doesn’t stick while it’s cooking and make cleanup easier.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and will give the sauce a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs might need a bit more time to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour to dredge the chicken. You can also find gluten-free breadcrumbs to mix with the flour for an extra crispy texture.

Q3: Can I substitute the white wine?
A3: If you don’t want to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth, though you might miss some of the depth of flavor. A little splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also work as a substitute for the acidity.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: It’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce to maintain its texture. Once frozen, you can reheat and make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A6: To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer, or make a slurry by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with water and stirring it into the sauce.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A7: Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted cherry tomatoes to the pan for extra flavor and texture.

Q8: Is Chicken Francese good for meal prepping?
A8: Yes! The chicken stores well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to store the sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy.

Q9: What should I serve with this dish?
A9: Chicken Francese pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or vegetables. It’s a well-rounded dish that can stand on its own or be complemented by a side.

Q10: Can I make this dish in advance?
A10: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time, but I recommend making the sauce fresh to preserve the bright lemon flavor and the chicken’s crispy texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a dish that feels luxurious but is simple to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With crispy chicken and a luscious lemon butter sauce, it’s the kind of dish that you’ll be craving over and over again. Whether you’re serving it for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead—give it a try and prepare to be wowed!

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