Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese is an Italian-American dish featuring thin chicken cutlets that are dipped in a light egg batter, pan-fried until golden, and then simmered in a bright, tangy lemon-butter sauce. Its typical ingredients include chicken breast, eggs, flour, butter, fresh lemon juice, and often a splash of white wine or chicken broth. While its roots are in Italian cooking, it became a beloved staple in Italian-American cuisine, particularly popularized in New York City.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein from the chicken, but its nutrition profile is significantly shaped by the butter and egg batter, making it moderate to high in fat and calories. A typical serving (around 4-6 ounces of chicken with sauce) likely falls in the 400-600 calorie range, with the sauce contributing a notable amount of saturated fat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 serving (approximately 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'Francese' (or 'Française') means 'French-style' in Italian, likely referring to the French technique of coating meat in egg before cooking, known as 'à la française.' Nutritionally, the lemon juice in the sauce not only adds flavor but also provides a boost of vitamin C, which can help with the absorption of iron from the chicken.
