Description
Succulent chicken francese dances with zesty lemon and rich butter, creating a symphony of Italian-American comfort. Delicate chicken cutlets whisper elegance, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Coating and Seasoning:
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 lemons (juice)
- 1 lemon (zest)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Delicately position chicken breasts between protective plastic wrap, using a meat mallet to transform them into uniform, slender cutlets approximately ½-inch thick.
- Create two distinct seasoning stations: one with a blend of flour, salt, and pepper, another with thoroughly whisked eggs.
- Submerge each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then meticulously coat with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to secure an even, crisp exterior.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat, carefully introducing the breaded chicken cutlets and cooking until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer the perfectly cooked cutlets to a waiting plate.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, utilizing a wooden spoon to liberate the flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s surface.
- Incorporate chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Gently reintroduce the chicken cutlets to the skillet, lovingly bathing them in the vibrant, tangy sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, presenting a dish of elegant, zesty perfection.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken carefully to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin wrapped in plastic wrap to pound chicken gently without tearing the meat.
- Shake off excess flour before frying to prevent clumping and achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before dredging to help flour and egg coating adhere better.
- Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect browning without burning.
- Alternatively, use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of this classic dish.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a significant difference compared to bottled – always squeeze right before cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain maximum moisture and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 200mg