Description
Chicken Francese is an Italian-American classic made with tender chicken breasts coated in a light Parmesan egg batter, pan-fried until golden, and simmered in a zesty lemon-butter sauce. It’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (divided: 1 cup + 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk eggs, milk, and Parmesan together.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into egg mixture until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Deglaze skillet with 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce slightly.
- Add remaining 1/2 cup broth and lemon juice. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Serve garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Capers make a great addition for briny flavor.
Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
Reheat gently with broth to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
