Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken Francaise, is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a light and flavorful lemon sauce. With a golden brown crust and a tangy sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, Chicken Francese is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

Why Make Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese is a versatile and elegant dish that can elevate any meal. With its tender chicken cutlets and vibrant lemon sauce, it offers a burst of flavor that delights the taste buds. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, it’s a dish that the whole family will love, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

How to Make Chicken Francese

Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, then dip them into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Carefully wipe most of the oil from the skillet.
Make the Lemon Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Gradually whisk in the white wine and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken for about a minute.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Chicken Francese with fresh lemon slices, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve promptly for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Francese pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon sauce, or alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It’s also delicious served with a glass of dry white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage Info

Leftover Chicken Francese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can become tough.

Some Techniques or Tips

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Use a combination of butter and oil for cooking the chicken for added flavor and a golden brown crust.
Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can prevent proper browning.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional herbs or spices to the lemon sauce, such as fresh thyme, oregano, or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You can also substitute the white wine with chicken broth if preferred, or use a combination of both for added depth of flavor. Additionally, try adding capers or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs about Chicken Francese

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditionally used for Chicken Francese, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to coat the chicken. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as chicken broth and white wine, are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with Chicken Francese? Chicken Francese pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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