Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. The combination of tender chicken in a lemony sauce makes it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors are bright and zesty, perfect for a refreshing meal.
- With a quick prep time, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time.
- Chicken Francese is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredient Notes:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for this recipe. You can also use chicken cutlets for a quicker cooking time.
Sauce: The combination of lemon, chicken broth, and white wine creates a tangy and flavorful sauce. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk eggs.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add lemon slices, chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and flour. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Stir in butter and parsley, then pour sauce over chicken.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispy coating, make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
- To keep the chicken tender, do not overcook it.
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the sauce to enhance the flavor.
- Be generous with the parsley for a fresh and vibrant garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Francese pairs well with a side of pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Serve with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the dish in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. - Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. - How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add more chicken broth or lemon juice to thin out the sauce as needed. - Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the sauce may separate when thawed.
Conclusion:
Give Chicken Francese a try for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones.
PrintChicken Francese
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a lemony butter sauce. It’s a flavorful and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
Sauce:
- 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup white wine (dry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add lemon slices, chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and flour. Cook until slightly thickened. Stir in butter and parsley.
- Serve: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add capers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg