Recipes

Lightened Up Chicken Francese

April 2, 2023

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Let’s face it – we all love some Italian comfort food.  And when it comes to classic Italian-American dishes, Chicken Francese ranks high on the list of favorites. With its tender chicken cutlets bathed in lemony, buttery sauce, it’s a flavor explosion that has delighted taste buds for generations.

With the spring season here and summer right around the corner, chowing down on some high caloric meal isn’t always the first choice. BUT what if you could enjoy all that delectable taste with a lighter twist? Let me show you the way to create a mouthwatering, lightened-up Chicken Francese recipe that is just as satisfying as the traditional version. Say goodbye to heavy breading and excessive calories while savoring the same delightful flavors that make Chicken Francese an enduring classic.

Substitutions

Whether you are gluten free, keto or simply looking for healthier alternatives, here arena few different ways to customize your meal.

Flour Options

  • All-purpose Flour
  • Almond Flour
  • Cassava Flour
  • Coconut Flour

Broth 

  • Chicken Broth
  • Vegetable Broth

Oil

  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
  • Avocado Oil

HOT TIP

Avocado oil allows for a higher smoke point (which, for me, means less chance of burning my chicken!)

What to pair it with…

This dish creates a sauce that you will want to make sure to soak up with something while still being mindful of the keeping the dish lightened up. Here are some ideas…

  • Vegetables – steamed broccoli or brussel sprouts
  • Angel Hair Pasta – I personally love angel hair pasta because you tend to feel more satisfied with the portion size as opposed to other types of pasta. You can also add zucchini noodles to bulk up your pasta portion without compromising calorie intake.
  • Zucchini Noodles 
  • Cauliflower Rice
  • Hearts of Palm Pasta/Rice – Palmini has two of my absolute favorite products – Angel Hair and Rice made purely from hearts of palm. You can use them alone or add either to regular pasta or rice to bulk up your portion size.

This lightened-up Chicken Francese proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a healthier version of a beloved classic. With its  zesty lemon sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests. 

You will not miss the extra oil and butter – I promise! 

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Lightened Up Chicken Francese

This lightened-up Chicken Francese proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a healthier version of a beloved classic. With its  zesty lemon sauce and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Large Non-Stick Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
  • 2 Bowls or Shallow Dishes for dredging
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • pounds chicken breast
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • ¾ cup flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • avocado oil cooking spray

For the sauce

  • cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 4 slices lemon
  • avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Set up two stations for the chicken in your shallow dish or bowls; A shallow dish with the beaten eggs, milk, salt and pepper. A second dish with flour with just a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Dredge the chicken cutlet into the flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, and finally dredge into the flour again. Repeat with all the chicken cutlets.
  • Heat the 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and a few sprays of avocado spray oil in the large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-6 minutes per side. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Place the chicken aside on a plate.
  • To the same skillet add a few sprays of avocado oil spray. Add in onion and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the stock and lemon juice, and whisk to combine, simmering over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens. Taste and season to taste.
  • Stir in lemon slices and return the chicken back into the pan. Continue to simmer.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Keyword chicken, chicken francese, healthy, italian entree, lightened up

Did you create your own?! I would LOVE for you to share it with me! 

Mention @charcuterie_n_things or #charcuterieandthings

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