Chicken Francaise Recipe – American, Italian Special

Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a light, lemony egg batter and served with a savory white wine and lemon sauce. This dish is known for its bright, tangy flavor and elegant presentation.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time20 min
  • Total Time40 min

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces, thinly sliced (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60 grams)
  • Eggs: 3 large, beaten
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50 grams), grated (optional)
  • Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml), for frying
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 grams), divided
  • Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish

For the Sauce:

  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup (120 ml), such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
  • Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml), freshly squeezed
  • Lemon Zest: from 1 lemon
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black Pepper: to taste

How to Make Chicken Francaise:

1

Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken cutlets thin, dip in flour, then egg mixture, and sauté until golden.

2

Make Sauce: In the same pan, deglaze with white wine, add lemon juice and chicken broth, and simmer until slightly thickened.

3

Serve: Return chicken to the pan to coat with sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta or rice.

Recipe Notes:

For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream. Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired tartness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.