Chicken Francese: A Zesty Lemon Butter Delight

Chicken Francese so easy, even *you* can make it! This creamy lemon chicken francese recipe is weeknight-friendly and ready in under an hour. Get my secret to a light & crispy coating!

June 7, 2025
By Sandra.

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0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Recipe Introduction: The Magic of Chicken Francese

Ever find yourself craving something lemony, buttery, and just plain comforting? honestly, i do all the time! that's where chicken francese comes in.

It's the perfect dish to brighten any day, so this chicken francese recipe is one of my go-tos when i need some sunshine on a plate.

What is Chicken Francese Anyway?

Chicken francese , sometimes called chicken french , is an italian-american classic. it's basically chicken cutlets dipped in an egg batter, pan-fried, and then smothered in a bright lemon chicken francese sauce.

Legend has it, it originated in upstate new york! this chicken breast recipes dinners is elegant but also super simple.

This makes it perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. the recipe yields 4 servings and takes about 45 minutes.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

One of the best things is that this healthy chicken francese recipe is packed with protein. so that helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

It's also perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. what makes this chicken francese recipe so special? i would say it's the balance of flavors – the tangy lemon, the rich butter, and the savory chicken.

I think that is just chef's kiss.

So, Ready to get started? Let's gather the ingredients!

Right then, let's talk chicken francese . seriously, who doesn't love it? that lemony, buttery sauce... honestly, it's like sunshine on a plate! time to dive into the essentials.

We'll cover ingredients and equipment. no masterchef-level stuff here. just what you actually need.

Ingredients: The Heart of Chicken Francese

This isn't rocket science. Good ingredients equal good food. Simple as that. Especially for this Chicken Francese Recipe . Let's break it down, shall we?

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not grey or slimy. Fresh is best, obvi. These Chicken Breast Recipes Dinners are usually very easy to prepare,
• Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose. Nothing fancy needed.
• Eggs: 3 large. Happy hens = happy eggs = happy you.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons . Any kind will do.
• Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons . Extra virgin gives a richer flavour, but regular's fine too.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons . Unsalted, divided. We'll use it at different stages.

Seasoning Notes

Now for the flavour bombs. This Lemon Chicken Francese needs a good kick!

• Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Season generously!
• White Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works great. Something dry. If you don't have any, a splash of chicken broth will do in a pinch.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh. From about 2 lemons. And seriously, use fresh. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
• Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low-sodium is preferable.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh. For garnish. Makes it look all fancy and stuff.
• Parmesan Cheese : 2 tablespoons grated. Totally optional. Adds a nice savory flavour.

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need a kitchen full of gadgets. Just the basics for this Chicken Francaise Recipe . Trust me.

Essential Tools

• Cutting Board: For chopping and pounding.
• Sharp Knife: For butterflying the chicken. A dull knife is a dangerous knife, remember!
• Plastic Wrap: For pounding the chicken nice and thin.
• Meat Mallet (or rolling pin): Again, for pounding. Get out some aggression!
• 3 Shallow Bowls/Plates: For the flour, egg mixture, and cooked chicken.
• Large Skillet: Big enough to cook the chicken without overcrowding.
• Whisk: For the egg mixture and lemon-butter sauce.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken. No one wants burnt fingers!

This healthy chicken francese recipe is also super versatile with simple techniques. so that is it. all you need to get started on your creamy chicken francese .

Get ready for some seriously delicious chicken recipes french ! you will be making chicken francese in no time! i swear that you will not be thinking about crock pot chicken francese once you try this recipe.

Time to cook.

Chicken Francese: A Zesty Lemon Butter Delight

Chicken francese, also sometimes called chicken french , is a total classic . it's an italian-american dish that's just pure comfort.

Tender chicken in a light, lemony sauce? oh my gosh, yes! it’s amazing enough for a fancy dinner but easy enough for a weeknight.

I like to think of it as sunshine on a plate.

Let’s dive in. This recipe is medium difficulty. It needs a little knife work and a bit of finesse with the eggs. But trust me, it’s worth it!

Prep Power: Your Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organized. this is the essential mise en place . we need to get all the bits ready, like some sort of cooking show! butterflying and pounding the chicken takes about 25 minutes .

Remember to be safe, people! wash your hands after handling raw chicken. organization saves time. seriously, it does.

Step-by-Step to Francese Glory

Here's the easy-peasy method.

1. Butterfly the chicken. Then, pound it thin. About 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Set up your breading station. Flour in one bowl, eggs and milk (and maybe some parm) in another.
3. Dip each cutlet in flour, then egg. Make sure it's coated evenly.
4. Sauté the chicken in oil and butter. About 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked. Critical temperature point is 165° F ( 74° C) . Set aside.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine. Scrape up those browned bits. That's flavor, baby!
6. Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer for 2- 3 minutes .
7. Whisk in cold, cubed butter. Off the heat! This makes it glossy and amazing.
8. Serve! Spoon the sauce over the chicken francese , garnish with parsley, and add a lemon wedge.

Pro Tips for Perfect Francese

Want to take it up a notch? I got you.

• Pound the chicken evenly. This is key ! No one wants one part of the chicken tough and the other raw.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. Soggy, steamed chicken? No thanks. Work in batches.
• Cold butter is a must. The sauce won't emufy otherwise.
• Common mistake: Overcooking the chicken. Do not overcook . Use a thermometer!
• Want to make it ahead? You can prep the chicken and sauce separately. Then, just cook the chicken and finish the sauce when you're ready to serve. Creamy Chicken Francese is a great addition to your Chicken Recipes French repertoire.

This chicken francese recipe is truly a breeze. i've even seen some people making crock pot chicken francese . it might be delicious, but i really think it gets the best results when you follow this recipe.

Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. You've made your Chicken Francese . Now what? These are the little things that will turn it from good to amazing .

Recipe Notes

Let's dive deeper into making this Chicken Francese Recipe a real showstopper. It's all about those little tweaks and pro tips, innit?

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation is half the battle. plating can make all the difference. picture this: your golden-brown chicken francese glistening on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.

Fancy, right? a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is a chef's kiss!

For sides, think light and bright. roasted asparagus is always a winner. or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

As for drinks, a crisp pinot grigio pairs beautifully. it complements the lemony flavors of the dish. you know, the classic chicken recipes french way!

Storage Tips

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Here's how to keep your Creamy Chicken Francese tasting its best.

Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3 days.

Freezing? not ideal, but doable. the sauce might separate a bit when defrosted. reheat gently in a pan. to reheat, just warm it over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Variations

Want to mix things up? I got you!

If you're going dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. works a treat! and for a seasonal twist, try using blood oranges in the winter.

Their vibrant color and slightly tart flavor will elevate your lemon chicken francese into something special.

Want to try something different? Throw this in the crock pot! The Crock Pot Chicken Francese is a great way to experiment.

Nutrition Basics

Let's get real about the numbers. a serving of this chicken francese recipe packs a good punch of protein. we're talking roughly 45g.

It's also got about 25g of fat. calories? around 450.

It's not exactly a light dish, but it's packed with flavor. plus, lemon juice is a great source of vitamin c.

Think of it as a little boost to your immune system. a healthy chicken francese version will have less of those.

So, there you have it! some extra tidbits to make your chicken francaise recipe truly shine. don't be afraid to experiment.

Cooking should be fun! and remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still homemade. now go on, get cooking! you can even find other inspiration for chicken breast recipes dinners on the internet.

Chicken Francese: A Zesty Lemon Butter Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Butterfly each chicken breast, then place between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place flour in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Then, dip in the egg mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken cutlets (don't overcrowd) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining oil, butter, and chicken. Set chicken aside and keep warm.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (deglaze the pan). Reduce by half.
6. Add lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the cold, cubed butter until the sauce is emulsified and glossy.
8. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chicken cutlets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.