Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet Italian masterpiece? Chicken Francese is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your dining table. This classic dish combines tender, golden-brown chicken with a luxurious lemon-butter sauce that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Get ready to impress everyone with this surprisingly simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and gently pounding them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish and beat eggs in a separate shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Carefully place egg-coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat and whisk in remaining butter to create a light, tangy sauce.
- Pour sauce over chicken breasts and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pounding the chicken evenly is crucial for consistent cooking. Use plastic wrap to prevent mess and ensure uniform thickness.
- Pat the chicken dry before breading to help the flour and egg coating adhere better.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and crispy texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of white wine to the sauce or sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the chicken at its crispiest and the sauce at its most vibrant.
- Pair with light sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 493kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 54g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 298mg
