Chicken Frances is a classic Italian-American dish with a rich lemon-butter sauce that’s both indulgent and comforting. With its golden, egg-coated chicken and bright citrus flavors, this dish has earned its place on menus across the world. But guess what? You don’t need to go to a fancy Italian restaurant to enjoy it. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you’ll be able to recreate this mouthwatering recipe right in your own kitchen.
In this post, you’ll learn what Chicken Frances is, step-by-step instructions to prepare it, and tips to elevate the flavors. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook, you’ll soon master this family favorite.
What Is Chicken Frances?
Chicken Frances (also known as Chicken Française) originated in Italian-American kitchens. Its name translates to "French Chicken," referencing its preparation style, which involves lightly frying chicken coated in a delicate egg batter. The crispy chicken is then served in a luscious white wine, lemon, and butter sauce that perfectly balances richness with tartness.
Despite its seemingly sophisticated taste, Chicken Frances is surprisingly easy to make and requires just a handful of pantry staples to deliver restaurant-quality results.
Why You’ll Love Making Chicken Frances
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for items you probably already have at home—chicken, flour, eggs, lemon, and butter.
- Quick to Cook: Perfect for weeknights, Chicken Frances takes only 30-40 minutes from prep to plate.
- Impressive Presentation: Crispy golden chicken paired with glossy lemon-butter sauce makes for a dish as stunning as it is delicious.
- Versatility: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad—it works for any occasion.
Now, let's get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded to about ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 large eggs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (optional, but highly recommended)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Beat the Eggs in a shallow dish and dip the floured chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated with egg.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the egg-coated chicken in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce
- Wipe out the skillet, leaving just enough oil to cook the sauce.
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat.
- Stir in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and lemon juice. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour into the broth and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces to fully coat them.
- Lower the heat and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the chicken with fresh parsley just before serving.
- Plate your Chicken Frances with your choice of side dish, and don’t forget to drizzle with extra sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Frances
- Pounding the Chicken: For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about ½ inch.
- Don’t Skip the White Wine: While optional, white wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine on hand, a splash of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can mimic the effect.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version of this dish.
- Meal Prep Tip: The sauce and fried chicken can be stored separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven and simmer the sauce before serving to keep everything fresh.
What to Pair It With
Chicken Frances is incredibly versatile! Here are some classic pairings to complete your meal:
- Pasta: Fettuccine, angel hair, or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic.
- Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture goes perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach add a healthy side that balances the richness.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious lemon-butter sauce.
Why Chicken Frances Deserves a Spot in Your Cooking Repertoire
Chicken Frances brings together simplicity, elegance, and unmatched flavor. It’s a great dish to impress guests at a dinner party or to elevate a quiet dinner at home. Plus, the flexibility of side dishes means you’ll never tire of finding new ways to enjoy this Italian-American favorite.
Now that you have the recipe, why not bring the taste of a fine Italian restaurant to your kitchen tonight? Trust us, once you master Chicken Frances, it’ll become a go-to for any special occasion—or even a comforting pick-me-up on a Tuesday evening.
Happy cooking!
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