Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish that’s loved for its tender chicken cutlets and bright, buttery lemon sauce. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken Francaise at home, this friendly guide will walk you through every step, from prepping the chicken to creating that irresistible lemon butter sauce.
What Is Chicken Francaise?
Chicken Francaise (sometimes spelled Francese) features thin chicken cutlets dipped in flour and egg, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and then smothered in a tangy lemon and butter sauce. The dish is all about balancing the crispy chicken with a rich, silky sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice and white wine. It’s a perfect combination of flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for making 4 servings of chicken Francaise:
For the Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut or pounded thin)
– 1/3 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 to 3 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for egg wash)
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
– 4 tablespoons butter, divided
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra lemon juice)
– 1/2 to 1 cup dry white wine
– 3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thinness, about 1/4 inch thick. You can place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. The milk helps thin the eggs slightly for a better coating.
3. Dredge and Dip the Chicken
Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm by tenting with foil.
5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the lemon slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until they brown slightly, then remove them.
Add the remaining butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour and stir constantly for about a minute to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the chicken broth and continue simmering for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the chicken cutlets to the pan and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with the browned lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Francaise
– Use thin chicken cutlets: This ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
– Don’t skip the resting step: Keep cooked chicken warm while you make the sauce to maintain juiciness.
– Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
– Choose a dry white wine: Something like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
– Be gentle when flipping: The egg coating is delicate, so flip carefully to keep the crust intact.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Francaise pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as:
– Steamed asparagus or green beans
– Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
– A simple arugula or mixed greens salad
– Rice pilaf or buttered noodles
Variations to Try
– Swap chicken for veal or turkey cutlets for a twist.
– Add capers or fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
– Use lemon zest in the sauce for an even more intense citrus aroma.
– For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free flour blends.
Chicken Francaise is a wonderful dish that combines simple ingredients with classic technique to create something truly special. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in many households and restaurants alike.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful lemony chicken!