Chicken Francese Recipe

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Additional Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    8

  • Calories

    268 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Chicken Francese Recipe

Chicken Francese features thin chicken cutlets double-dredged in whole wheat flour and an egg mixture, pan-fried to a golden brown before simmering briefly in a lemon and chicken stock sauce thickened with a flour roux and softened onion. The dish combines zesty lemon flavor with a lightly crisp exterior and tender interior, making it a flavorful option for a dinner entrée with fresh parsley garnish.

Description

Chicken Francese is prepared using thin chicken cutlets coated in a mixture of eggs, milk, and seasoning, then dredged in whole wheat flour twice for a light crust. The cutlets are pan-fried in olive oil until golden on both sides, providing a crisp exterior while maintaining tenderness inside.

The sauce is made in the same pan by sautéing finely chopped onion until soft, then adding flour to create a roux that thickens the sauce when combined with chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The sauce simmers until thickened and balanced with salt and pepper. Lemon slices and fresh curly parsley garnish add brightness and freshness to the dish.

This recipe serves two generously sized chicken cutlets. It can be paired with vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal. Leftover chicken Francese stores well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be reheated in the microwave, with an option to freeze for up to three months.

Variations include substituting different flours such as spelt, oat, or gluten-free blends and using panko for extra crispness. The chicken can also be cooked in an air fryer for a lighter preparation. Chicken or vegetable broth may be used interchangeably in the sauce according to preference.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the chicken:

  • 4 chicken breast sliced into cutlets
  • 2 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small white onion thinly chopped, or sweet onion
  • 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice about 2 juicy lemons, fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • lemon a few slices
  • 1 Tbsp Curly parsley for garnish, chopped; fresh

Instructions

  1. Prepare 2 stations for the chicken; A shallow dish with the beaten eggs, milk, salt and pepper. A second dish with wheat flour with just a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. First, dredge the chicken cutlet into the flour, shaking off the excess.
  3. Next, dip the chicken in the egg mixture, and finally dredge into the flour again, gently pressing to adhere on all sides. Repeat with all the chicken cutlets.
  4. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add coated cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-6 minutes per side. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Place the chicken aside on a plate.
  6. To the same preheated skillet add one tablespoon of oil. Add in onion and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook until bubbles appear 1-2 minutes.
  7. Pour in the stock and lemon juice, and whisk to combine, simmering over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens. Taste and season to taste.
  8. Stir in lemon slices and return the chicken back into the pan. Continue to simmer until the chicken is piping hot.
  9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm. Enjoy

Notes

  • Serving size includes two thin chicken cutlets made from slicing each breast in half.
  • Various flours such as spelt, oat, or gluten-free alternatives can replace whole wheat flour; panko is an option for coating.
  • The chicken can be cooked in an air fryer to reduce oil usage.
  • Either chicken or vegetable broth may be used for the sauce.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days; reheat in the microwave before serving.
  • For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken Francese for up to three months.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2- chicken breast Calories 268kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 29g (58%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 121mg (40%) Sodium 509mg (21%) Potassium 585mg (12%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 101IU (2%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 30mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 268 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2- chicken breast
Calories 268kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 29g 58%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 121mg 40%
Sodium 509mg 21%
Potassium 585mg 12%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 101IU 2%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 30mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

12 reviews
Excellent

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