How Do I Make a Chicken Franchise? Your Ultimate Guide to Fryin’ Up Success!

Chicken Francese is an iconic Italian-American dish of lightly egg battered chicken breasts gently fried in olive oil and simmered in a buttery white wine and lemon sauce until tender. This classic dish is easy to make but sure to impress!.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on December 18, 2019. Updated with new information, photos, and improved recipe on May 7, 2024.

Chicken Francese was a common dish on Long Island where I grew up. It was even one of the first things I learned how to cook!

It’s served in almost all Italian-American restaurants in the New York metro area, and it’s sometimes called Chicken Francaise or Chicken French. I think that’s because everyone likes the buttery lemon flavor.

Chicken Francese is great alongside rice pilaf and a green vegetable, such as sauteed broccoli rabe, or a bed of garlicky spinach; a chunk of crusty bread is great too!.

The picture below shows all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, and this bulleted list has extra notes to help you.

Hey, dreamer! Have you ever imagined running a hot chicken franchise with smokey wings wafting through the air and lines out the door? I’m here to tell you that owning a chicken joint isn’t just a pipe dream—if you play your cards right, it can be a real moneymaker. People can’t get enough of juicy, delicious fast food, especially chicken. But how do you make that dream come true? You may be wondering, “How do I make a chicken franchise?” Well, stay with me, because I’m going to give you a clear path from the beginning to the grand opening.

We’re divin’ deep into the world of chicken franchises, breakin’ down every step, cost, and challenge Whether you’re a total newbie or got some biz chops, I’ve got your back with practical tips and straight-up advice Let’s get this party started and build your empire, one drumstick at a time!

Why Chicken Franchises Are the Hottest Ticket in Town

Before we get into the “how,” let’s chat about the “why.” Chicken is king right now. People are obsessed—fried, grilled, spicy, whatever. It’s comfort food that crosses cultures and cravings. Plus, hookin’ up with a franchise means you ain’t startin’ from zero. You get a brand folks already know, a system that’s been tested, and support to keep ya from crashin’ and burnin’. But it ain’t all easy peasy. It takes grit, cash, and a whole lotta plannin’. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and figure out how to make this happen.

Step 1: Dream Big, But Research Bigger

First things first, ya gotta know what you’re gettin’ into. Starting a chicken franchise isn’t like opening a burger stand in your garage. You need to research the market like a detective. Who eats chicken in your area? What flavors do they like? Are there already big players in the market, or is there room for your business to shine?

  • Check the demand: Look around your town or city. Is there a hunger for more chicken joints? Maybe folks are tired of the same old options.
  • Scope the competition: See what other spots are doin’. What’s their vibe? Price? Can ya offer somethin’ different, like a killer hot sauce or faster service?
  • Know your crowd: Are ya targetin’ families, young peeps, or office workers on lunch breaks? Tailor your plan to who’s gonna be munchin’ at your place.

This research ain’t just busywork—it’s your foundation. Without it, you’re just guessin’, and that’s a fast track to losin’ your shirt. Spend a few weeks, heck even months, gettin’ this right. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 2: Pick the Right Chicken Franchise to Partner With

Once you’ve got a handle on the market, it’s time to choose your team. Not every chicken franchise is created equal, ya know. Some are fried chicken legends, others focus on healthier grilled stuff. Pickin’ the right one is like choosin’ a spouse—ya gotta vibe with their style and trust they’ll have your back.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Brand power: A name folks recognize means you start with a fanbase. Think of the big dogs in the chicken game—people already know ‘em.
  • Support system: Do they offer trainin’, marketing help, and supply chains? You don’t wanna be left hangin’ when stuff gets tough.
  • Costs and fees: Be real about what ya can afford. Some franchises got lower entry points, others are gonna need a fat wallet.
  • Growth potential: Is this brand expandin’? Can ya open more spots down the line if things go well?

Do your homework hard on this one. Talk to other owners if ya can, see how they’re doin’. Look at the fine print in their agreements. Me, I’d rather spend extra time pickin’ the right fit than rush in and regret it later.

Step 3: Crunch the Numbers—How Much It Gonna Cost Ya?

Alright, let’s talk moolah. It doesn’t come cheap to start a chicken franchise, so be ready to spend a lot of money. It can cost anywhere from a few hundred thousand dollars to over two million dollars up front, depending on the brand, location, and size of your setup. I know that’s a big range, but let’s break it down a bit.

Expense Type Estimated Cost Range
Franchise Fee $100,000 – $500,000
Build-Out & Equipment $150,000 – $1,500,000
Initial Inventory $10,000 – $50,000
Marketing & Grand Opening $5,000 – $20,000
Working Capital (first months) $50,000 – $200,000

On top of that, you’re lookin’ at ongoing costs—royalties, usually 4 to 8% of your sales, and ad fees, maybe 2 to 4%. But here’s the flip side: a solid franchise can pull in over a million in yearly sales if ya do it right. I ain’t sayin’ it’s a sure thing, but the potential’s there.

My advice? Get your finances straight. Talk to a money guru or lawyer to make sure ya ain’t overextendin’ yourself. Look into loans, maybe even ones backed by the government for small biz folks. And don’t forget, you gotta have some cash saved up for when things get bumpy at the start.

Step 4: Find the Perfect Spot to Set Up Shop

Location, location, location—that’s the mantra, fam. It depends on where you put your chicken franchise that it will succeed or fail. People should be able to see you, easily get to you, and there should be enough foot or car traffic to keep the cash register ringin’.

  • Visibility: Can folks spot ya from the road? A corner lot or near a busy intersection is gold.
  • Access: Is there parkin’? Easy to walk to? Don’t make customers work hard to eat your food.
  • Crowd match: Is your target crew nearby? Near schools for teens, or office hubs for quick lunches?
  • Competition check: Too many chicken spots close by might split your customers. Find a gap.

Work with the franchise folks on this—they often got rules on where ya can set up and might even help scout spots. Negotiate a good lease too; don’t get stuck payin’ crazy rent that eats your profits. I’ve seen peeps pick a dope spot only to struggle ‘cause the landlord jacked up the price. Be smart about it.

Step 5: Get Trained and Build Your Crew

Once ya got the spot and the deal signed, it’s time to learn the ropes. Most franchises ain’t gonna let ya just wing it (pun intended). They’ll put ya through trainin’—everything from cookin’ their signature recipes to handlin’ customer gripes. This ain’t optional; it’s how they keep every location feelin’ like the same brand.

  • Soak up every bit of that trainin’. It’s your cheat sheet to not messin’ up.
  • Build a team that’s as hyped as you are. Hire folks who smile easy and hustle hard.
  • Train your crew like your biz depends on it—‘cause it does. They’re the face of your spot.

I remember hearin’ ‘bout a buddy who skipped corners on staff trainin’, and his place got slammed with bad reviews outta the gate. Don’t be that guy. Put in the work to make sure everyone’s on point.

Step 6: Market Your Chicken Joint Like a Pro

You could have the best chicken in the world, but if nobody knows ‘bout it, you’re toast. Marketing is where ya shine, lettin’ folks know you’re open and ready to serve. Franchises usually got some national ad campaigns, but ya gotta hustle local too.

Here’s some tricks that work:

  • Social media buzz: Post drool-worthy pics of your food on Insta or TikTok. Get folks cravin’ it before they even walk in.
  • Local love: Team up with nearby schools or businesses for promos. Maybe sponsor a lil’ league team or somethin’.
  • Delivery game: Hook up with apps for online orders. People love gettin’ food dropped at their door.
  • Deals and discounts: Limited-time offers or loyalty perks keep ‘em comin’ back. Who don’t love a free wing now and then?

I’ve seen spots blow up just ‘cause they got the community hyped. Throw a grand openin’ bash, give out some freebies, make it a party. Word of mouth is still king, so get folks talkin’.

Step 7: Keep the Quality High and Customers Happy

Once you’re rollin’, the real grind starts. You gotta keep that chicken crispy, the service quick, and the vibes right. Customers ain’t just buyin’ food—they’re buyin’ an experience. Mess up, and they’re gone for good.

  • Stick to the franchise’s standards. They got ‘em for a reason.
  • Listen to feedback. If someone says the fries are soggy, fix it fast. Show ya care.
  • Keep the place clean and safe. Nobody wants to eat where it looks sketchy.

I always say, treat every customer like they’re family (well, the nice ones anyway). A lil’ kindness goes a long way in buildin’ loyalty. And don’t skimp on food safety—follow them rules like your life depends on it. One bad health report can tank ya.

Step 8: Think About Growth—More Locations, More Dough

If your first spot is killin’ it, why stop there? Expandin’ to multiple locations can turn your hustle into an empire. But don’t jump the gun—growin’ too fast can bite ya in the butt.

  • Test the waters with a second spot in a nearby area. See if ya can handle the extra load.
  • Use tech to keep things smooth across spots. Systems for orders, inventory, all that jazz.
  • Research new markets just like ya did the first time. What works in one town might flop in another.

I’ve got dreams of seein’ my name on chicken joints all over, but I know it takes time and a tight plan. Build slow, build smart.

Menu Ideas to Stand Out

While ya gotta stick to the franchise menu mostly, sometimes ya get a lil’ wiggle room to add flair. Think about what makes your spot unique. Maybe a special sauce or a side dish that’s got local flavor. I’m a sucker for a lemony, buttery chicken dish myself—somethin’ tangy to balance the fry. Just check with the big bosses before ya switch things up, ‘cause they’re picky ‘bout consistency.

Also, don’t sleep on addin’ some plant-based options. More and more folks are goin’ veggie or vegan, even if just part-time. Toss in a fake chicken sandwich or some chickpea bites. It ain’t just trendy—it’s smart biz. Ya reach more mouths that way.

Challenges You Might Face (And How to Smash ‘Em)

Ain’t gonna lie, this road ain’t always smooth. You’ll hit bumps, and ya gotta be ready to roll over ‘em.

  • Staff drama: Keepin’ good people is tough. Pay fair, treat ‘em right, and they’ll stick.
  • Cost creep: Food prices jump, rent spikes. Watch your numbers like a hawk.
  • Rules and regs: Health codes, zonin’ laws—ugh. Stay on top of ‘em or ya get fined.
  • Competition: New spots pop up. Keep your game sharp with better service or deals.

I’ve had days where it felt like everythin’ was goin’ wrong, but ya just push through. Get help if ya need it—consultants, franchise support, whatever. Don’t drown tryin’ to do it solo.

Wrappin’ It Up—Your Chicken Empire Awaits!

So, how do I make a chicken franchise? It’s all ‘bout dreamin’ big but workin’ smart. From researchin’ your market to pickin’ the right brand, shellin’ out the cash, settin’ up shop, and keepin’ customers comin’ back—it’s a journey, fam. But man, when ya see folks lovin’ your food, walkin’ outta your place with a smile, it’s worth every late night and headache.

We at [Your Company Name, if applicable, or just “we”] believe in ya. Take that first step. Do the legwork. Build somethin’ you’re proud of. Got questions or need a nudge? Drop a comment or hit us up—we’re here to help ya fry up some success. Now go out there and make that chicken franchise dream real! What’s stoppin’ ya?

how do i make chicken franchise

More recipes you’ll love

Here are a few more iconic Italian-American chicken recipes I know you’ll love!

  • Chicken Parmigiana – with marinara and mozzarella.
  • Chicken Valdostana – with fontina and prosciutto.
  • Chicken Saltimbocca – with prosciutto and sage.

If you’ve enjoyed this Chicken Francese with Easy Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe or any recipe on this site, give it a 5-star rating and tell us about it in the comments below.

We strive to satisfy a number of learning styles. If you are someone who prefers to learn by watching, you can find most of our recipes on YouTube and our Facebook Page.

The main difference between this recipe and the one in the video is that this recipe calls for shallots while the one in the video doesn’t.

How to make it

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

  • Take 4 tablespoons of butter and cut it up into small pieces. Also, juice enough lemon to get 2 tablespoons of juice. Cut up a big lemon and 1/4 cup of flat-leaf Italian parsley. Set these aside. Spread out 1 1/2 pounds of thinly sliced chicken cutlets on a flat surface. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken. (Photo #1).
  • Add 4 large eggs, half of the chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a large bowl. Beat the eggs together. Half a cup of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and pepper should be mixed together in another large bowl. Put 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Quickly coat the chicken in the flour, then gently shake it off the extra. Save the flour for use later in step 7. (Photo #2).

how do i make chicken franchise

  • Dip the dredged cutlet into the egg mixture. (Photo #3)
  • Fry the cutlet for three to four minutes on each side, or until it turns golden. (Photo #4).
  • Do the same thing with the rest of the cutlets, but work in groups to keep things from getting too crowded. For the rest of the batches, add more butter or oil as needed. (Photo #5).
  • Put the cutlets on a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm. Add the shallot and a pinch of salt to the same pan. Sauté for about two to three minutes, until the shallot is soft and clear. (Photo #6).

how do i make chicken franchise

  • Cut the butter into cubes and roll them in the rest of the flour. Set these aside for step 9. (Photo #7).
  • To the pan, add 1/2 cup of dry white wine and 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. Then raise the heat to high. As the sauce comes to a boil, use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom to get rid of any brown bits. Put the sauce on high heat for five minutes, or until it cuts in half and starts to get thicker. (Photo #8).
  • Turn the heat down a bit below medium-low. Add the butter cubes that have been dusted with flour and the lemon slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens further. (Photo #9).
  • Add the lemon juice and taste-test the sauce. Add more lemon juice if needed and taste to see if you need more salt and pepper. (Photo #10).

how do i make chicken franchise

  • When you’re happy with how the sauce tastes, add the chicken back to the pan, pour more sauce over it, and cook it through for two to three minutes. (Photo #11).
  • Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle the chicken with the rest of the parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Photo #12).
  • Chicken. Thinly sliced chicken breasts are the best way to make Chicken Francese and are the cut that most people use.
  • The pan. For the best results, I strongly suggest that you use a nonstick pan for this recipe.
  • Oil and butter. I use both oil and butter together so that the butter doesn’t burn. The ratio should be 2:1 oil to butter. Clean the pan and start the second batch with new oil and butter if the butter and oil are a dark brown color after the first batch of chicken. This will keep the chicken from getting too browned.
  • Thickening the sauce. After the wine and stock are added, the sauce needs to be cut in half. It took me five minutes, but it could take you longer. If you want the sauce to be thicker after adding the floured butter cubes, just add more floured butter cubes. If, on the other hand, the sauce is too thin, add a little chicken stock to make it thick again.

how do i make chicken franchise

This CHICKEN FRANCAISE is a Perfect Plate of Heaven

FAQ

What’s in chicken franchise?

Chicken Francaise is an Italian-American dish consisting of thin chicken cutlets, typically from chicken breasts, that are dredged in flour and egg and then sautéed. It is served in a lemon, butter, and white wine sauce.

What is a chicken franchise?

A chicken franchise is typically defined as a restaurant that primarily focuses their menu on the fried or grilled chicken segment.

Can you make a chicken franchise ahead of time?

Chicken Francese makes an easy weeknight dinner. It is also delicious enough to serve guests for dinner parties. You can make this ahead of time as it will taste even better the next day after it sits.

What goes with chicken franchise?

What should you serve it with? I like to serve chicken Francese with artichoke pesto pasta, lemon pasta with spinach, or spaghetti with garlic and oil. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, Braised Kale, and broccoli rabe are also great options!You can serve it over jasmine rice, mushroom truffle risotto, or lemon orzo!.

How much does it cost to open a fried chicken franchise?

The cost of opening a fried chicken franchise, such as Popeyes or KFC, can vary. Popeyes has a mandatory $35,000 franchise fee and a $12,500 development fee. KFC requires $750,000 in liquid assets. If you buy a franchise, remember that the money you make from your fried chicken business goes to the franchisor.

How do I start a fried chicken business?

Run a chain of Fried Chicken stores or diversify your portfolio with other businesses. Different places have different people with different tastes. Your employees are the lifeblood of your business. They work hard and do what you ask of them for minimum wage.

How do I set up a franchise?

So the starting point for setting up a franchise is to: (1) Establish the intellectual property (IP) that comprise the brand name and systems that are to be licensed (2) Analyse and understand the financials behind the business so that a prospective franchisor can demonstrate the level of returns that can be achieved at the franchisee level

How can I apply for a Chicking franchise?

To apply for a Chicking franchise, prospective franchisees are to review the franchise application process, fill in the online form, and submit all the necessary documents as indicated. A BFI representative will be in contact with you if you meet our criteria. Note: Franchisees of other brands may also qualify for a ChicKing® franchise.

How can I become a Chicken Express franchisee?

To become a Chicken Express franchisee, you must have the capital to open and operate the store, a business plan, and a strong work background. Some restaurant experience is essential, and the willingness to train in a store location is a plus.

What happens if a KFC franchise is sold?

If franchised restaurants are identified for sale, all negotiations will occur between the buyer and seller. All transfers (acquisitions of existing franchised stores) must be reviewed by KFC US LLC through the Transaction Approval process prior to any approval of the transfer. There’s already a KFC in my market. Can I add another one?

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