Chicken Francese Recipe: A Delicious, Easy Weeknight Dinner

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Chicken Francese is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a lemony, white wine sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that you can have a delicious and elegant meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

Imagine juicy chicken cutlets lightly coated and perfectly sauteed, then simmered in a rich sauce made from lemon, white wine, and butter. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, bread, or vegetables, making it versatile for any family dinner. Get ready to learn how to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make Chicken Francese, you’ll need the following ingredients. Here are some possible substitutes to keep in mind if you’re missing something.

Chicken Breasts

• 4 boneless, skinless
• Substitute: Thin pork chops

Flour

• 1 cup for dredging
• Substitute: Gluten-free flour, almond flour

Eggs

• 2 large for coating
• Substitute: 1/2 cup of egg substitute, milk for a lighter option

Olive Oil

• For frying
• Substitute: Vegetable oil, canola oil

Butter

• 4 tablespoons
• Substitute: Margarine, ghee

White Wine

• 1/2 cup for the sauce
• Substitute: Chicken broth, apple juice

Chicken Stock

• 1 cup
• Substitute: Vegetable stock, water with bouillon cube

Lemon Juice

• 1/4 cup fresh
• Substitute: Lime juice, white vinegar

Lemon Slices

• For garnish
• Substitute: Orange slices for a different flavor

Garlic Powder

• 1 teaspoon
• Substitute: Fresh garlic, minced

Parsley

• Chopped, for garnish
• Substitute: Cilantro, basil

Add salt and pepper to taste throughout the recipe.

Using these ingredients and possible substitutes will help you create a delicious Chicken Francese, even if you don’t have everything on hand.

Instructions

First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine flour and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together eggs.

Dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside on a plate.

Using the same skillet, add garlic and shallots. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in white wine and chicken stock, bring to a boil, and reduce by half, which takes about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium, add lemon slices, and cook until fragrant. Add butter and stir until melted.

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it. Simmer for a few minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through. Serve hot.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor.
• Choose good-quality white wine for a better sauce.

2. Proper Coating

• Shake off excess flour before dipping in egg.
• Ensure even coating for consistent cooking.

3. Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning.
• Use a mix of butter and olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

4. Thickening the Sauce

• Roll butter cubes in flour before adding to the sauce.
• Stir frequently to avoid lumps.

5. Adjusting Flavors

• Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper.
• Add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier taste.

Storing Your Chicken Francese

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezer:

• Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Warm slowly to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Zest Addition: Grate some fresh lemon zest into the egg mixture for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Herb Twist: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the flour for extra aroma.
• Garlic Lover’s Delight: Add minced garlic to the oil when frying the chicken for a garlic-infused dish.
• Light & Healthy: Use whole wheat flour and serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with a side of angel hair pasta or rice, drizzled with the lemon butter sauce.
• Vegetable Medley: Accompany with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Suggested Garnishes

• Lemon Slices: Fresh lemon slices on top for added zest.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan can add a cheesy touch.