Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish that’s beloved for its crispy, tender chicken cutlets drenched in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken francese at home, this guide will walk you through every step with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to get it just right.
What Is Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese features thinly sliced chicken breasts that are lightly battered in flour and egg, pan-fried until golden, and then topped with a luscious lemon butter sauce often enhanced with white wine and chicken broth. The result is a perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and bright, savory sauce that’s irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make chicken francese, gather these ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 4 thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons butter (divided use)
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 3/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Do You Make Chicken Francese? Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken evenly until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender results.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, coating it completely.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm by covering loosely with foil.
5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the lemon slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown, then remove and set aside.
Add the remaining butter to the pan. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then add the chicken broth and simmer for another 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, spoon the lemon butter sauce over them, and top with the cooked lemon slices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides like pasta, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese
– Pound the chicken evenly: This helps the chicken cook quickly and stay tender.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches if needed to maintain a crispy crust.
– Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and slices make a big difference in flavor.
– Simmer the sauce gently: Avoid boiling the sauce too hard to keep it silky.
– Keep the chicken warm: Cover cooked chicken loosely with foil to retain heat without steaming it.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Add a splash of capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
– Use fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fragrant note.
– Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
– For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of heavy cream at the end.
Why Make Chicken Francese at Home?
Making chicken francese at home lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a quick dish that feels fancy, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal.
Enjoy the crispy, tangy, buttery goodness of chicken francese anytime with this easy recipe!
Chicken francese is a timeless dish that’s surprisingly simple to master. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.