If you have ever found yourself craving a dish that’s elegant yet surprisingly simple, packed with vibrant flavors and tender, juicy chicken, then this Chicken Francese Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With golden, lightly crisped chicken breasts bathed in a zesty lemon and white wine sauce, this classic Italian-American dish offers a perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and savory notes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, mastering this Chicken Francese Recipe will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Francese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully, each adding a special touch to create a harmonious dish. These simple pantry staples deliver incredible flavor depth, texture, and a sunny pop of color on your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin: Ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in tender bites.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging): Creates a light, golden crust when the chicken is cooked.
- 2 large eggs: Mixed with water to form the egg wash which helps the flour adhere perfectly.
- 2 tbsp water: Keeps the egg wash smooth and easy to coat the chicken.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for sautéing the chicken to a crisp finish.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a luxurious, silky texture and depth.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio): Provides acidity and complexity that lift the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds body and savory flavor to the luscious sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional): Provides a lovely decorative touch and extra citrus aroma.
How to Make Chicken Francese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your thinly pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step is essential—it builds the foundational flavor layer that makes the final dish stand out.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Next, lightly coat each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This ensures a delicate crust forms when frying, giving a pleasant texture contrast to the tender chicken inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs together with 2 tablespoons of water. This creates a smooth egg wash, which the floured chicken will soak up nicely to help achieve that signature golden-brown sear.
Step 4: Dip Chicken in Egg Wash
Carefully dip each floured chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure it’s coated on all sides. This extra step ensures the coating seals in juices and crisps beautifully during cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The goal here is a perfect golden crust and cooked-through, tender meat. Once done, transfer the chicken to a warm plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 6: Make the Lemon-White Wine Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and then pour in the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen all those delicious browned bits left from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Add Chicken Broth and Reduce
Pour in the chicken broth to enrich the sauce further. Allow it to simmer gently on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing just enough to intensify the flavor without losing its silky texture.
Step 8: Return Chicken to Sauce
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 3 to 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over them to ensure every bite is infused with that zesty, buttery goodness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with chopped parsley and lemon slices if you like that extra fresh touch. Your Chicken Francese Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Francese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a refreshing green hue and herbal brightness, while vibrant lemon slices not only look inviting but also reinforce that lovely citrus flavor. These garnishes make the dish feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Chicken Francese shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Try tossing it with angel hair pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty warm bread to mop up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party twist, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus. Adding a few cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of extra sauce over the dish will make your presentation pop with color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and use freezer-safe containers for the sauce. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over medium heat in a skillet to preserve the chicken’s moistness and avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice during reheating helps refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional for Chicken Francese Recipe, thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What wine works best for this recipe?
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the lemon sauce beautifully without overpowering the dish. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the intended flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the simmering stage. Let it cook until you reach your desired consistency.
Can Chicken Francese Recipe be prepared in advance?
You can prep the chicken up to the dredging step a few hours before cooking, covering it tightly in the refrigerator. Cooking and saucing are best done fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Francese Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a special treat but is actually straightforward enough to make any night of the week. Its bright, buttery sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with friends and family.
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Chicken Francese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour, dipped in an egg wash, and pan-fried until golden. The chicken is then simmered in a tangy lemon, white wine, and butter sauce, creating a rich and flavorful meal perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
Cooking
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavor is well distributed.
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken breast evenly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until fully combined to create an egg wash for coating.
- Coat Chicken in Egg Wash: Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated for a light crust.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow the sauce to reduce slightly, simmering for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens and intensifies in flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer them in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat and infuse it with flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired, adding freshness and visual appeal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Chicken Francese immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or white wine as needed.
- Make sure chicken breasts are pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness.
- Use a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio for the best flavor balance.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste throughout cooking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
