Chicken Francese

Introduction

Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish prized for its golden, pan-fried chicken cutlets cloaked in a luscious lemon-butter and white wine sauce. Renowned for its irresistible combination of zesty citrus and savory richness, this recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Whether you seek a vibrant main course or a comforting family favorite, Chicken Francese promises flavor, elegance, and broad appeal.

What Makes Chicken Francese a Standout Meal?

The magic of Chicken Francese lies in its contrast—tender chicken with a crisp, delicate exterior, elevated by a tangy yet silky sauce. The quick dredge in flour and egg yields a light, airy crust, while fresh lemon brightens each bite. This recipe can transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience at home, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for all palates.

The Signature Lemon-Butter Sauce

Chicken Francese distinguishes itself with a sauce that’s both vibrant and comforting. White wine adds subtle depth, but if you prefer, chicken broth works beautifully too. Fresh lemon juice provides a lively acidity that cuts through the richness, ensuring every forkful remains light. A final flourishing of parsley adds color and herbaceous notes, tying the dish together.

Perfecting the Chicken Cutlets

For optimal tenderness, pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, ensuring quick and uniform cooking. Dredge first in seasoned flour, then dip in an egg wash—this double coating guarantees a delicate, custardy crust. Fry in a generous swirl of olive oil and butter until both sides are deeply golden and crisp.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Francese

Serve Chicken Francese atop a bed of angel hair pasta or alongside simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A side dish of roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal. A light squeeze of extra lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the table provide the perfect finishing touches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Chicken Francese recipe yields four servings. Each serving contains approximately 340-400 calories, depending on the type and amount of oil and butter used—making for a delightful, balanced meal when paired with steamed greens or a fresh salad.

Chicken Francese Recipe (Recap)

Bringing together the tangy brightness of lemon with a silky, savory sauce and tender-crisp chicken, Chicken Francese is a recipe that wins over both casual diners and discerning eaters alike. Its elegant simplicity ensures it will find a permanent place in your meal rotation.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Set up two shallow bowls: one with the flour, the other with eggs beaten together with milk or water.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then dip to coat in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Cook the chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
6. Add remaining olive oil or a touch more butter to the skillet if needed. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 minute, then add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Whisk in another tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer briefly to heat through.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon slices. Serve immediately over pasta or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

Chicken Francese fits seamlessly into any organized weekly menu. Save and schedule this recipe to your weekly meal plan to create smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients for all your planned dinners.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates total ingredient needs for all scheduled meals
– Categorizes shopping lists by grocery section for quicker store visits
– Prevents buying duplicates or forgetting key items
– Streamlines batch cooking and helps reduce food waste

Pro tip: When planning multiple chicken dishes in a week, schedule your meals and see how ingredient quantities combine—making meal prep and grocery shopping smoother than ever.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes