Chicken Francese (25 Minutes)

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Discover the delectable flavors of Chicken Francese, a classic Italian-American dish that effortlessly combines simplicity and elegance. Picture tender chicken cutlets coated in an egg and lemon sauce, with a subtle tang that delights the palate. The chicken is then cooked to perfection, its exterior golden and crispy while the inside remains juicy and tender. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting and satisfying meal, Chicken Francese is sure to impress!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another dish, whisk the eggs with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until well combined.
  3. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then coat it thoroughly in the egg mixture.
  4. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in any remaining lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Transfer the Chicken Francese to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

To ensure tender and juicy chicken, it’s important to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. For another variation, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They offer a richer flavor and tend to stay moist during cooking. Don’t skip the step of seasoning the flour mixture with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the chicken coating and enhances the overall taste of the dish. When cooking the chicken, be patient and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to brown properly. Serve the Chicken Francese with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

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