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Crispy & Lemony Chicken Francese

Crispy & Lemony Chicken Francese
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Crispy & Lemony Chicken Francese is a golden-fried chicken dish drenched in a tangy lemon-butter sauce, offering a perfect balance of zesty brightness and satisfyingly crispy textures. Easy to prepare and versatile for any occasion, this family-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup water or milk (to thin eggs)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free substitute)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. This ensures tenderness and helps the coating stick better. Season each piece lightly with salt and pepper before dredging.
  2. Set Up the Dredging Station: In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of water or milk to thin slightly. Dip the chicken first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with flour to create a crispy crust.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil and some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry each chicken piece until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm while preparing the sauce.
  4. Make the Lemony Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer to reduce slightly before swirling in butter for richness, whisking until smooth.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the crispy chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over each piece, and let it absorb the flavors for a minute. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to help it cook evenly and prevent toughness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry chicken in batches to keep the crust crispy and avoid steaming.
  • Fresh lemons matter – always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, natural flavor.
  • For an even crispier coating, double dredge by dipping chicken back in egg and flour once more before frying.
  • Let fried chicken rest briefly on a wire rack to keep the coating crispy before adding the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken francese, crispy chicken, lemon chicken, pan-fried chicken, lemon butter sauce, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/crispy-lemony-chicken-francese/