Name: Chicken Francese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper (or to taste); 3 large eggs; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup dry white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Francese is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of chicken and lemon in a simple yet elegant way. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The crispy chicken, along with the rich and tangy sauce, appeals to everyone’s taste buds. Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that even beginners can master!

How to Make Chicken Francese

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
3 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
½ cup white wine (dry)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
In another dish, beat the eggs until well combined.
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the lemon slices for a minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet.
Whisk in the tablespoon of flour and the butter until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the sauce, simmer briefly, and ensure everything is heated through.
Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese is best served immediately after cooking to keep the chicken crispy. You can serve it alongside pasta, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal. The lemon sauce can drizzle over the side dishes to enhance their flavor.

How to Store Chicken Francese

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

Tips to Make Chicken Francese

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.
For an extra zing, include capers in the sauce.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; add more salt or pepper if needed.

Variation

You can switch up the recipe by using fish or pork instead of chicken. Both options work well with the lemon sauce and provide a different taste experience!

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce beforehand. Just heat them together before serving for best results.

2. What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.

3. Is Chicken Francese gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken instead of regular all-purpose flour.