Lemon Herb Chicken Francese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Lemon Herb Chicken Francese is a vibrant, zesty dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The tangy lemon sauce paired with fresh herbs makes it a standout meal that's both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Francese

The star of this dish is the lemon juice, providing a bold and fresh citrus punch. Chicken broth and white wine create a savory base for the sauce, while unsalted butter adds richness. Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken, ensuring a nice golden crust. Fresh parsley and thyme bring a touch of earthiness and color to the dish, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the sauce; this keeps it juicy.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve it over spaghetti or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don't have white wine?
You can substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.

Lemon Herb Chicken Francese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them to about 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. This will help the egg mixture adhere and create a nice crust.

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Dip each floured chicken piece in the beaten egg, ensuring it's completely coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Then pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture gently, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to warm through for a minute or two. Sprinkle with parsley and thyme before serving, and garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
  • Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and dip the floured chicken into the eggs.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
7. Add chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
8. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
10. Sprinkle with parsley, thyme, and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!