Chicken Francese: A Classic Italian-American Delight

Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken French, is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets in a luscious lemon butter sauce. This restaurant-style dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Why You'll Love Chicken Francese

🍋 Bursting with Flavor

• A rich buttery lemon sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
• A touch of white wine or chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.

🏡 Easy and Elegant

• Simple ingredients, yet restaurant-quality results.
• Ready in 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal.

Ingredients

To make authentic Chicken Francese, you’ll need:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk or water
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

🍋 For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour (to slightly thicken the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half to make four thin cutlets.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another dish, whisk eggs and milk together.

🔹 Step 2: Dredge and Cook

1. Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In the same pan, add white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan.
2. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in lemon juice and flour.
3. Whisk in butter and let the sauce thicken slightly.

🔹 Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
2. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the chicken absorb the flavors.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Chicken Francese with:

• Pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed vegetables or a light side salad for a balanced meal.
• A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect pairing.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Francese

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the egg coating, as it gives the dish its signature texture.
• Simmer the sauce gently to keep the flavors bright and fresh.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a classic, elegant, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With crispy chicken and a silky lemon butter sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table! 🍋🍗✨