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Close-up of a cooked chicken breast topped with a slice of lemon and garnished with chopped parsley, all in a golden, saucy marinade.

Chicken Francese

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Golden, pan-fried chicken cutlets finished in a tangy, buttery lemon-white wine sauce. A comforting classic that tastes like it came straight out of a white-tablecloth kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper plus more for seasoning
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • cup olive oil
  • cup vegetable oil
  • 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
  • 3 to 6 tablespoon butter
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced, seeds removed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • Juice of 1 lemon more to taste
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 3 to 4 tablespoon freshly minced parsley

Equipment

  • Shallow bowls for dredging
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Paper Towels
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Place flour in another bowl. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
  2. Heat olive and vegetable oils in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess, then dip in egg batter. Fry in batches, turning once, until golden brown (about 4 min per side). You'll know they're ready when they're light amber. Transfer to paper towel-lined pan.
  4. Discard oil and wipe out skillet.
  5. Melt 3 tablespoon butter over medium-low. Add lemon slices and cook until golden at edges (~3 min). Remove and set aside.
  6. Add remaining butter, wine, and lemon juice. Boil until syrupy (3–4 min). Add chicken stock and boil until reduced and thickened (about 5 min). If you're reducing for a sauce, you're looking for nappe. It coats the back of a spoon, and when you draw your finger through it, it leaves a distinct line.
  7. Reduce heat. Return chicken to pan and simmer gently until heated through and coated in sauce (about 4 min), flipping occasionally. You're looking for a bare simmer: small bubbles breaking the surface, not a rolling boil.
  8. Top with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Serve with sauce spooned over each portion.

Notes

Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The breading won't stay crisp, but it's still good reheated gently in a low oven or covered in a pan with a splash of the sauce so it doesn't dry out.

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