Description
Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour and eggs, then pan-fried to a golden crisp. The chicken is served with a bright, tangy lemon and buttery sauce enriched with chicken broth and fresh parsley, making it a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a clumpy coating.
- Coat with Egg: Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is fully coated for that classic francaise texture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce: Whisk in the pieces of butter into the simmering liquid until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the luscious lemon-butter sauce over it. Let the chicken heat through for an additional minute, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Adding grated Parmesan to the flour mix adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a small slurry of cornstarch and water during the sauce stage.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Serve with pasta, risotto, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Francaise, lemon chicken, pan-fried chicken, Italian-American recipes, easy chicken dinner, lemon butter sauce
