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Easy Chicken Francese
When I first discovered Easy Chicken Francese, I knew it was something remarkable. This Italian-American dish has a delightful balance of crispy chicken, tangy lemon, and savory garlic that makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The beauty of Chicken Francese lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your family, this dish deserves a place in your culinary repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
One of the most compelling reasons to try Easy Chicken Francese is how effortlessly it combines flavors and textures. The crispy chicken, sautéed to golden perfection, pairs beautifully with the bright lemon sauce, making every bite a culinary delight. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties—it requires minimal prep and cooks in about 30 minutes.
"This Chicken Francese was a hit! The lemon adds the perfect zing, and it was so quick to whip up. I’ll definitely be making it again!" – A satisfied home cook
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Making Chicken Francese is a straightforward process that anyone can master. You’ll begin by prepping the chicken and then moving through the steps of dredging, frying, and saucing. Each step builds upon the last to create a dish that sings with flavor.
- Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick and season them with salt and pepper.
- Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, before dipping it into the egg mixture.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add lemon juice and zest, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cook for an additional 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make Easy Chicken Francese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary needs or preferences, such as using gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive option.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Start by flattening the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any extra, then dip it into the egg mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until sizzling.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a delicious golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the zest, using a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while spooning the sauce over top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Best Way to Serve
Easy Chicken Francese is best served hot, elevated by fresh garnishes. Pair it with:
- A light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Creamy risotto or fluffy mashed potatoes
- Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach for a colorful plate
For a cozy family dinner, serve it with crusty Italian bread to soak up the marvelous sauce!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! You can easily store and enjoy Easy Chicken Francese later. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat to maintain crispiness, or in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel until warmed through.
- To freeze, place cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Enjoy within 3 months for the best quality.
Pro Chef Tips
- For an extra crispy crust, allow the flour-coated chicken to rest for 10-20 minutes before frying.
- If you prefer a tangier sauce, add extra lemon juice while cooking.
- To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before preparing.
Recipe Variations
Mix things up with these creative twists on Easy Chicken Francese:
- Add capers for a classic piccata style.
- Switch out the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Try serving the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for added dimension.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make Chicken Francese?
Typically, you can prepare and cook this dish in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will offer more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I store leftovers safely?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
There you have it! A straightforward and delicious recipe for Easy Chicken Francese that you’ll want to make time and time again. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Francese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Italian-American dish featuring crispy chicken paired with a tangy lemon and savory garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, before dipping it into the egg mixture.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add lemon juice and zest, scraping the skillet to deglaze.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cook for an additional 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, allow the flour-coated chicken to rest for 10-20 minutes before frying. Add capers for a classic piccata style.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chicken Francese, Italian-American, Lemon chicken
