If you’re in the mood for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, Chicken Francese should be at the top of your list. This Italian-American dish features tender, golden chicken cutlets bathed in a rich, lemony white wine sauce. With its combination of bright flavors and indulgent textures, Chicken Francese is the perfect dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready to impress your guests (or just yourself) with this mouthwatering recipe? Keep reading to find out how you can make Chicken Francese like a pro!
What Is Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese, also known as Chicken French, is a popular Italian-American dish. The recipe typically involves dredging chicken breasts in flour and eggs, frying them to a crispy golden brown, and then simmering the chicken in a savory lemon-butter and white wine sauce. The result is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and juicy, with a sauce that’s both tangy and buttery, making it irresistible. While it may sound like a dish you’d only find in a fine-dining restaurant, Chicken Francese is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients List for Chicken Francese
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk or water (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken Francese is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some possible substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use thin-cut veal, turkey, or even fish like tilapia or sole for a different take on the recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Both options will give you a crispy texture without the gluten.
- Wine: If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can replace the white wine with additional chicken broth. The sauce will still be flavorful but slightly less complex.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter or margarine. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil, although the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Herbs: While parsley is the traditional garnish, you can experiment with other herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to add your own flair.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before starting, ensure you have all your ingredients ready and measured out. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Chicken Francese!
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breasts. If you’re using full chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they’re about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station
In one shallow bowl, pour the flour. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and ¼ cup of milk (or water). These bowls will be your dredging station. First, dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, coating both sides evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, add the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the cutlets absorb all that tangy, buttery flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if you’d like, lemon slices. Serve the Chicken Francese immediately while it's still hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Chicken Francese is a relatively simple dish, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Since chicken cutlets are thin, they cook quickly. Overcooking will make them dry and tough. Fry them just until golden brown and cooked through.
- Not Reducing the Sauce: The white wine and lemon sauce should be allowed to reduce and thicken. If you rush this step, the sauce will be too watery.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash helps create that signature crispy coating. Make sure to dip the chicken cutlets in both the flour and egg wash for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when it comes to serving Chicken Francese. Here are some tips to elevate your plating:
- Serve with a Side of Pasta: A light pasta, such as angel hair or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, complements Chicken Francese beautifully.
- Add a Green Vegetable: Steamed asparagus or green beans add color and a nice contrast to the rich sauce.
- Use Fresh Lemon Slices: Thin slices of lemon not only make the dish look more appetizing but also add a pop of freshness when served alongside the chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up the delicious lemon-butter sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf is another excellent option.
- Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Francese
- Individual Plating: Place a chicken cutlet on each plate, spoon some sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley and a lemon slice. Add your chosen side dish to complete the look.
- Family-Style Serving: Arrange the chicken on a large platter, pour the sauce over the top, and garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Let everyone serve themselves for a more casual, family-style meal.
Chicken Francese Recipe Tips
To make the best Chicken Francese possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
- Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Francese ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the chicken and sauce separately. Store them in the refrigerator, and reheat the sauce before serving.
2. What wine pairs well with Chicken Francese?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the lemony sauce of Chicken Francese.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese doesn’t freeze well due to the sauce. The chicken itself can be frozen, but it’s best to make the sauce fresh.
4. What can I substitute for wine in the recipe?
If you don’t want to use wine, you can replace it with extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Conclusion
Chicken Francese is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s easy enough to make at home but impressive enough to serve for special occasions. With its crispy chicken and vibrant lemon-butter sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start cooking! Enjoy your Chicken Francese with a glass of wine and some delicious sides for a meal that’s truly memorable.
PrintChicken Francese Recipe
This Chicken Francese recipe features tender chicken cutlets lightly breaded and pan-fried, then finished in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. It's a quick and elegant dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Key ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, eggs, flour, lemon, butter, and chicken broth. Easy-to-follow instructions make this a go-to recipe for anyone seeking restaurant-quality flavors at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice
- White wine (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Dip chicken in beaten eggs and fry in olive oil until golden.
- In the same pan, add butter, chicken broth, and lemon juice, bringing to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cooking briefly in the sauce.
- Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the broth and lemon juice slightly.
- Serve over pasta or with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600mg
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