Name: Chicken Francaise Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk (we use oat milk for dairy free); 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced); Avocado oil (for pan frying); 4 tablespoons butter (we use country crock plant butter for dairy free); 1 lemon (sliced); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 lemon (juiced); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Introduction

Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a light batter and simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and rich, comforting butter, making it a delightful meal for any night of the week.

The image shows a pan filled with golden-brown cooked chicken pieces layered with bright yellow lemon slices on top. The chicken is covered with a light yellow sauce filled almost up to the edges of the pan, and sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. The pan is set against a white marbled texture surface, and a sprig of green parsley is visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk (we use oat milk for dairy free)

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)

Avocado oil (for pan frying)

4 tablespoons butter (we use country crock plant butter for dairy free)

1 lemon (sliced)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 lemon (juiced)

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large shallow bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, kosher salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Stir well and set aside.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

Step 3: Heat avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, enough to just cover the bottom.

Step 4: Coat each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture. Place the coated chicken in the hot oil in a single layer, avoiding crowding the pan.

Step 5: Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm in an air fryer or low-temperature oven.

Step 6: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the lemon slices over medium heat until the butter melts and the lemon is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove lemon slices and set aside.

Step 7: Whisk the 2 tablespoons flour into the melted butter until combined, then gradually pour in white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, add the cooked lemon slices, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Using a meat mallet to even out chicken breast thickness helps ensure even cooking.

Swap white wine for additional chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce.

Add capers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I serve with Chicken Francaise?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.