When it comes to elegant yet easy chicken dishes, Classic Chicken Francese is a timeless favorite. Tender chicken cutlets, lightly coated in a delicate egg batter, are pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a buttery, lemony white wine sauce. This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly simple to make at home, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the history of Chicken Francese, the best ingredients to use, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and even variations to make it your own.
What Is Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese (pronounced frahn-CHAY-zay) is a popular Italian-American dish that’s especially beloved in the Northeastern United States, particularly in New York and New Jersey. It features thin chicken cutlets that are first dipped in flour, then in an egg wash, and sautéed until golden brown.
The chicken is then simmered in a bright lemon-butter white wine sauce, giving it a refreshing yet rich flavor. This cooking method creates a tender inside, a lightly crisp exterior, and a tangy, silky sauce that’s perfect for spooning over pasta or rice.
The History of Chicken Francese
Interestingly, Chicken Francese is not traditionally Italian—it’s an Italian-American invention. Many food historians believe it originated in Rochester, New York, in the 1970s, where Italian immigrant chefs adapted veal francese into a chicken-based version to appeal to more customers.
This change wasn’t just about cost—it was about accessibility. Chicken was more affordable, easier to find, and widely accepted among American diners. Over time, Chicken Francese became a staple on Italian-American restaurant menus, often served alongside pasta, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons Classic Chicken Francese deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Simple Ingredients – You probably have most of them in your pantry.
- Quick Cooking Time – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Elegant Presentation – Perfect for dinner guests.
- Versatile Pairings – Works with pasta, potatoes, rice, or veggies.
- Restaurant Flavor at Home – No reservations needed.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Francese
To make the best Chicken Francese, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for dredging
- 3 large eggs – beaten, for the egg wash
- 1/4 cup milk or water – to loosen the egg mixture
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – optional, for added flavor in the egg wash
- 4 tablespoons butter – divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – for frying
- 1/2 cup dry white wine – such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup chicken broth – low sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – about 2 lemons
- Lemon slices – for garnish
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Classic Chicken Francese like a pro:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally into thin cutlets.
- Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk (and Parmesan, if using).
3. Dredge and Dip
- Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and keep warm on a plate.
5. Make the Lemon-Wine Sauce
- Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Finish the Dish
- Stir in the remaining butter to create a silky sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese
- Pound the Chicken Evenly – Ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash – The signature light crust comes from dipping in egg after flour.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Deglaze the Pan – Scraping up the browned bits gives incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Serve Immediately – The chicken’s crust is best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Francese is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With Pasta – Angel hair, spaghetti, or linguine tossed in olive oil or butter.
- With Potatoes – Mashed, roasted, or scalloped potatoes pair beautifully.
- With Rice – Lemon rice or herbed rice pilaf for a lighter option.
- With Vegetables – Steamed asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Chicken Francese – Use gluten-free flour for dredging.
- Creamy Chicken Francese – Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce for richness.
- Garlic Chicken Francese – Sauté minced garlic before adding wine and broth.
- Seafood Francese – Try this method with shrimp or fish fillets.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – You can freeze for up to 2 months, though the coating may soften.
- Reheat – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
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Final Thoughts
Classic Chicken Francese is a dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to create something truly delicious. With its golden, tender chicken and bright, buttery lemon sauce, it’s no wonder this Italian-American classic has remained a favorite for decades.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
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Classic Chicken Francese – The Perfect Italian-American Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 4 eggs • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese • ½ cup butter • ¼ cup olive oil • ½ cup dry white wine • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Salt and pepper to taste • Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound thin
- Season with salt and pepper
- Whisk eggs and Parmesan cheese in shallow dish
- Place flour in separate shallow dish
- Dredge chicken in flour, then dip in egg mixture
- Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet
- Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden
- Remove chicken and set aside
- Add garlic to skillet, cook 30 seconds
- Add white wine and lemon juice
- Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced
- Return chicken to skillet
- Cook 2 minutes until heated through
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 4, Calories: 320, Net Carbs: 8g, Fats: 18g, Protein: 30g