why make this recipe
Chicken Francese is a delightful Italian-American dish that brings together the flavors of chicken, lemon, and wine in a way that is both tasty and comforting. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of the crispy chicken and the tangy sauce makes it a favorite among many. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare, allowing you to impress guests without too much hassle.
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Ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup white wine (dry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper together.
- In another dish, beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on both sides.
- In the same skillet, sauté the lemon slices briefly until they begin to soften.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir the mixture well.
- Whisk in the tablespoon of flour and the butter until the sauce thickens.
- Place the fried chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for a short time.
- Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley.
how to serve Chicken Francese
Serve Chicken Francese hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Drizzle some of the lemony sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley also enhances the presentation.
how to store Chicken Francese
To store leftover Chicken Francese, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
tips to make Chicken Francese
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to get a crispier texture.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor, and don’t skip the lemon juice in the sauce; it’s what gives the dish its signature taste.
- For added depth, consider using chicken stock instead of broth.
variation
For a twist on the classic Chicken Francese, you can add capers to the sauce for a briny flavor. Some people also like to use different herbs, like thyme or basil, to change the flavor profile slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Francese?
Yes, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
2. What can I serve with Chicken Francese?
It’s great with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. A light salad or garlic bread also complements the dish well.
3. Is Chicken Francese gluten-free?
Traditional Chicken Francese is not gluten-free because of the flour. However, you can use gluten-free flour to make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Chicken Francese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Description
A delightful Italian-American dish combining crispy chicken, lemon, and wine, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 large lemon (sliced into thin rounds, seeds removed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup white wine (dry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper together.
- In another dish, beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on both sides.
- In the same skillet, sauté the lemon slices briefly until they begin to soften.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir the mixture well.
- Whisk in the tablespoon of flour and the butter until the sauce thickens.
- Place the fried chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for a short time.
- Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using chicken stock instead of broth. Make sure the oil is hot enough for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
