Golden & Crispy Chicken Francese Recipe: The Perfect Weeknight Meal Bursting with Flavor

If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity with elegance, Chicken Francese is your go-to meal. It’s a mouthwatering Italian-American recipe that features tender chicken cutlets, lightly coated and fried to a golden crisp, then bathed in a buttery lemon sauce. The result? A zesty, flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to impress any dinner guest or brighten up your weeknight meal.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first discovered this dish when I was looking for a way to add more excitement to a classic chicken recipe. After tasting the rich lemony sauce drizzled over crispy chicken, I was hooked! Since then, it's become one of my favorite go-to recipes, especially when I want something quick yet refined. I found this amazing recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

A Little Backstory on Chicken Francese

Chicken Francese (or Chicken French) has its origins in Italian-American cuisine, believed to have emerged in New York restaurants during the mid-20th century. Despite its name, it’s not traditionally French but has French influences in its sauce preparation. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with a quick frying technique and a savory lemon sauce, is what makes this dish so irresistible. It's a dish that feels elegant without the fuss, which is why it's a favorite in many households, including mine.

The Perfect Chicken Francese Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make this dish. Don't worry if you're new to cooking; this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the results are always impressive.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, for frying
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works best)
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful from the first bite.
2. Flour & Egg Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour with the garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
3. Frying the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
4. Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute until it thickens slightly. Add the white wine and let it come to a boil for about a minute to cook off the alcohol. Then, stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine & Garnish: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and garnish with fresh lemon slices for a beautiful finishing touch.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Francese hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or your favorite sides. The zesty lemon sauce pairs beautifully with almost any accompaniment.

Variations and Cooking Tips

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Variation: For a meatless option, replace the chicken with firm tofu or even portobello mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor.
• Wine-Free: If you’d rather skip the wine, substitute it with additional chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Serving Ideas: Chicken Francese pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. You could also serve it with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to elevate your dining experience even further.

Pro Tip for the Perfect Chicken Francese

To make sure your chicken stays juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Thin cutlets fry up quickly, so 2-3 minutes per side is usually all it takes. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy yet impressive, this Chicken Francese recipe is the answer. Its bright lemony sauce and crispy chicken make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Don’t forget to check out the original recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and let me know in the comments if you loved it as much as I do! Share this recipe with your friends, and be sure to follow me for more delicious recipes.