🍋 Chicken Francese Recipe – Italian Lemon Chicken Cutlets
Chicken Francese (also called Chicken Française) is a classic Italian-American chicken dish where tender chicken cutlets are lightly battered, pan-fried, and served in a buttery lemon-wine sauce. It’s similar to Chicken Piccata but with a delicate egg coating instead of flour dredging. This dish is bright, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, then dip into beaten eggs.
- Pan-fry – Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the sauce – Deglaze pan with white wine (or broth), scraping up any brown bits. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Finish the sauce – Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter until silky.
- Serve – Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over cutlets, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over spaghetti or linguine
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes
- Enjoy with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables
- Add a side of garlic bread and salad for a full Italian meal
❓ FAQs about Chicken Francese
Q1: What’s the difference between Chicken Francese and Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Francese uses an egg batter, while Chicken Piccata is dredged in flour and includes capers.
Q2: Can I make Chicken Francese without wine?
Yes, simply substitute the wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well, but cook slightly longer for best results.
Q4: Can I make Chicken Francese ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat before serving.
Q5: What pasta goes best with Chicken Francese?
Linguine or angel hair pasta pairs beautifully with the lemon sauce.
🌟 Similar Recipes You May Like
- Chicken Piccata Recipe – Chicken cutlets in lemon butter caper sauce.
- Chicken Marsala Recipe – Chicken in a rich mushroom and wine sauce.
- Tuscan Chicken – Creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken – Roasted chicken with a zesty lemon-garlic flavor.
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy pasta with chicken and parmesan sauce.
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