30-Minute Chicken Francese Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Francese is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a bright, lemony sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.

A white shallow bowl holds a vibrant dish made up of several layers. The bottom layer is a rich, dark sauce with a smooth texture. On top, there are tender pieces of white fish covered with a golden-brown crust. Thin, bright yellow lemon slices are spread evenly across the fish layer, adding a fresh look. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top and in the sauce, giving the dish a fresh, colorful touch. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Step 2: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  4. Step 4: In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then place it in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add chicken broth, white wine (if using), and lemon juice to the skillet, bringing to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
  • If you prefer to skip wine, increase the chicken broth and lemon juice slightly for flavor balance.
  • Serve over pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish with three large, golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken topped with thin, bright yellow lemon slices and fresh green herbs sprinkled over. The chicken looks crispy with a shiny sauce that is light brown with small red and green bits, sitting in a shallow pool at the bottom. The white marbled surface underneath creates a clean and bright background for the colorful and fresh presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

No, white wine is optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply increase the chicken broth and lemon juice for a flavorful sauce.

Print

30-Minute Chicken Francese Recipe

This 30-Minute Chicken Francese recipe offers a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts dipped in a Parmesan-egg mixture, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and finished with a tangy lemon and white wine sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with classic techniques to deliver a light yet satisfying meal garnished with fresh parsley.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Egg Mixture

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Fat and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
  2. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each chicken breast in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even layer.
  3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then place carefully in the hot skillet. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside. Add the chicken broth, white wine if using, and lemon juice to the skillet. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness before serving immediately.

Notes

  • White wine is optional but adds a nice depth to the sauce; you can substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make sure the skillet is hot enough before cooking to achieve a nice golden crust on the chicken.
  • This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.

Keywords: Chicken Francese, Italian chicken, lemon chicken, pan-fried chicken, quick chicken dinner

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