If you're looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that screams comfort and elegance, look no further than this Creamy Lemon Chicken Francese! This Italian classic combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, zesty sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you can transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your weeknight dinners—this recipe is a must-try!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the flour adhere better.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the 2 eggs and mix in the 1/4 cup of lemon juice until well combined.
- Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
- Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, plate the chicken breasts and drizzle with the creamy lemon sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy lemon chicken Francese with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can season and coat the chicken breasts in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
- Deglaze Wisely: After cooking the chicken, make sure to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the skillet when adding the chicken broth. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: For an extra creamy sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk. It makes a significant difference in richness.
- Garnish for Flair: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only add a pop of color but also brighten the dish's flavor. Don’t skip the garnish!
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Creamy Lemon Chicken Francese with a side of pasta, rice, or a crisp salad to complement the dish beautifully.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld, making for a delicious lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 435kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 37g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 225mg
