Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a lemony, buttery sauce. This recipe is a delicious and elegant option for dinner, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish!
Ingredients for Chicken Francese
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Chicken Francese
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs with water and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
Cooking the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the capers and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
Serving:
- Serve the chicken breasts with the sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon slices, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are lean, protein-rich cuts of meat that are perfect for this dish. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
Lemon
Lemon adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce, which complements the richness of the chicken and butter. The zest adds extra lemony aroma and flavor.
Capers
Capers are small, tangy buds that add a burst of flavor to the sauce. They are a classic ingredient in Chicken Francese, adding a briny note that balances the dish’s richness.
Enjoy Your Chicken Francese!
Chicken Francese is a delightful dish that is sure to impress. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Buon appetito!
