Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe

Discover the vibrant flavors and elegant simplicity of the Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe, a classic Italian-American dish that delights with its golden, tender chicken breasts drenched in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between bright citrus notes and savory richness, making it a standout meal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try this Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire, bringing sunshine to your table with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly wonderful about this Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting its irresistible flavor and texture. From the delicate zest of lemon juice to the richness brought by butter and olive oil, every component builds the perfect harmony in this dish.

• Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless, and pounded thin ensures even cooking and tenderness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Provides a light coating that crisps up beautifully during cooking.
• Eggs: Mixed with water to create the classic egg wash that helps the flour adhere perfectly.
• Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Unsalted butter: Delivers creaminess and depth to the sauce’s texture.
• Dry white wine: Introduces acidity and subtle fruity notes, balancing the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Creates a savory foundation that rounds out the lemon flavor.
• Lemon juice: The star ingredient that gives this recipe its bright, zesty personality.
• Chopped parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh, herbaceous punch and beautiful color.
• Lemon slices: For garnish, enhancing presentation and flavor aroma.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step is crucial to building layers of flavor and ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour

Coat each chicken breast lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. The flour creates a lovely crisp crust once cooked and also helps thicken the delicious sauce later in the recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a shallow dish, beat two eggs with the water. This egg wash not only helps the flour stick to the chicken but also adds a subtle richness once cooked.

Step 4: Dip Chicken in Egg Wash

Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg wash ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides. This ensures a beautifully golden and tender crust after cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they reach a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 6: Create the Saucy Base

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring and scraping up all the flavorful browned bits that stuck to the pan. Let this mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Add the Chicken Broth

Stir in the chicken broth and let the sauce reduce slightly over 3 to 4 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavors and thickens the sauce just right to coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 8: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to infuse every bite with that vibrant lemony goodness.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if you like. These garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that makes the dish sing.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Plate your Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe right away for the best experience, pairing it with your favorite pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and thin lemon slices not only brighten the plate but add lovely bursts of herbaceousness and citrus aroma that complement the juicy chicken. These little touches can make this dish truly shine at the table.

Side Dishes

Because the sauce is so rich and flavorful, classic sides like angel hair pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil or garlic mashed potatoes work perfectly. Light, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad can provide fresh contrast and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for a sophisticated spin. Serving with lemon zest or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil adds a gourmet finish that will impress guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient make-ahead option for quick dinners or lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, though the sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out and to gently bring the sauce back to its luscious texture. Avoid microwaving if possible for best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result, though cooking times may be slightly longer. Just pound them thin to ensure even cooking.

What type of white wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, adding bright acidity and subtle fruit notes that enhance the lemon sauce without overpowering it.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging to keep it gluten-free while still achieving a nice crust on the chicken.

Can I prepare this dish without wine?

If you prefer to skip wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. The sauce will still be delicious although slightly less complex.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Try reducing the lemon juice slightly and omit the white wine for a milder sauce. Pair it with mashed potatoes or simple pasta for a family-friendly meal that’s still full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Francese Recipe is a treasure in the kitchen — quick to prepare yet impressive in flavor and presentation. Its bright lemon sauce combined with tender chicken offers a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and special. Don’t hesitate to bring this recipe into your regular meal rotation; it’s sure to bring joy to your family and friends, just as it has for me.

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