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Chicken Francese Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly coated in flour and egg, pan-fried until golden and served in a tangy, buttery lemon and white wine sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and makes for an elegant yet simple meal to impress family and guests.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin cut)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided use)

For the Sauce

  • 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with the flat end of a meat mallet until thin cutlets are formed, ensuring even thickness for quick and uniform cooking.
  2. Mix the Flour Mixture: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, mixing well to season the flour evenly.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and fully combined to create a coating mixture for the chicken.
  4. Heat the Oil: Warm 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for frying the chicken cutlets.
  5. Dredge and Dip Chicken: Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg wash, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the hot pan. Cook each side for about 4 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover to keep warm. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
  7. Cook Lemon Slices: In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced lemons and cook for 2-3 minutes until the slices have browned. Remove the lemon slices from the pan and set aside.
  8. Make the Sauce: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan and melt. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  9. Add Liquids: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and flavors to meld. Then add 3/4 cup chicken broth and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Finish the Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  11. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, and top with the browned lemon slices. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For best results, use thinly pounded chicken cutlets to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • If white wine is unavailable, a dry vermouth or additional chicken broth can be substituted.
  • Adjust seasoning in the sauce with salt and pepper to match your taste preference.
  • Serve with a side of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to complement the tangy lemon sauce.
  • Make sure to cook the lemon slices until browned for added depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American