Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I whisked together the tangy lemon juice and creamy butter for Chicken Francese, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It’s the perfect embodiment of classic Italian-American cuisine, combining ease and elegance in just one dish. This quick and easy Chicken Francese not only serves up mouthwatering flavors but also promises to elevate your weeknight dinners to something truly special. With tender chicken cutlets enveloped in a delightful lemon butter sauce, it’s bound to impress both family and guests alike. Plus, it requires minimal prep time, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings or fancy occasions. Curious to learn how to make this culinary gem that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home? Let’s dive in! Why is Chicken Francese so loved? Simplicity is key with this delightful dish; you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce adds that tangy brightness, transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor makes it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions; everyone will be asking for seconds! Plus, it pairs beautifully with sides like pasta or a fresh salad, allowing for endless customization. If you’re craving more easy and delicious recipes, don’t miss my Pesto Chicken Broccoli or Hot Honey Chicken options that are sure to become family favorites too! Chicken Francese Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, cut in half for quick cooking. • Eggs – Acts as a binding agent for the flour, ensuring a rich texture. For the Coating • All-Purpose Flour – Create a crispy coating; substitute with gluten-free flour if desired. For the Sauce • Butter – Provides richness to the lemon butter sauce; olive oil can be used for a lighter option. • Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor; low-sodium broth is a healthier alternative. • Dry White Wine – Enhances the sauce with acidity; can replace with additional broth for a non-alcoholic option. • Fresh Lemons – Used for juicing and garnish to add a zesty brightness; lemon zest can be included for extra flavor. For the Garnish • Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh herbal note; optional but highly recommended for presentation and flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Francese Step 1: Prepare Chicken Begin by cutting each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, which ensures quick cooking. Gently pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness for uniformity. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor, setting the stage for a delicious Chicken Francese. Step 2: Dredge Set up a dredging station by placing all-purpose flour on one plate and beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Take each seasoned chicken piece, coat it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. This two-step coating process will help achieve that irresistible crispy texture when cooking. Step 3: Cook Chicken In a large skillet, melt about 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, which will give your Chicken Francese a delightful crust and flavor. Step 4: Make Sauce Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of chicken broth, ½ cup of dry white wine, and the juice of two fresh lemons. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all those delicious flavors, creating a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for your Chicken Francese. Step 5: Combine Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the lemon butter sauce for about 2-3 minutes. This will ensure each piece of chicken absorbs the vibrant flavors of the sauce and heats through completely. Keep an eye on the sauce; it should reduce slightly but remain luscious and silky. Step 6: Garnish and Serve To bring your Chicken Francese to the next level, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot and juicy, perhaps alongside pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. What to Serve with Quick and Easy Chicken Francese? Elevate your dining experience by pairing your delightful chicken dish with sides that enhance its bright, zesty flavors. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they make for a comforting contrast to the lemony sauce of Chicken Francese. Fresh Arugula Salad: The peppery crispness of arugula adds a refreshing balance that cuts through the richness of the buttery sauce. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears bring a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, making it a perfect complement to your chicken. Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon zest and herbs harmonizes beautifully, soaking up the tasty sauce for delicious bites. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed with garlic, this vibrant green side provides a nutritious element that brightens the plate and palate. Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for sopping up that luscious lemon butter sauce, crusty bread is a must-have to complete this hearty meal. Pair these delightful sides with a chilled, crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water infused with lemon to round out your delicious Chicken Francese experience! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Francese are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken cutlets and coat them in flour and egg up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the coated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it ready for cooking. Additionally, you can make the lemon butter sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; reheat it gently in a skillet before serving to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown, then add the reheated sauce for restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This approach not only saves time but ensures that you enjoy a delightful meal even on the busiest of nights! Expert Tips for Chicken Francese Pound Evenly: Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking, preventing any pieces from becoming dry or undercooked. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled varieties, as it adds a vibrant taste to your Chicken Francese. Prevent Sogginess: After cooking the chicken, avoid letting it sit too long in the sauce to maintain that crispy texture. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment. Watch the Heat: Keep the skillet at medium heat; too high can burn the butter and ruin the sauce, while too low may result in undercooked chicken. Add Flavor Variations: Consider incorporating capers for a salty bite or adding herbs like thyme for a different flavor profile tailored to your preferences. How to Store and Freeze Chicken Francese Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain flavor, cover the chicken pieces with a little extra sauce before sealing. Freezer: If you want to keep Chicken Francese longer, freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken without the sauce, as it may become soggy upon reheating. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Enjoy this delicious Chicken Francese as if it were fresh! Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave Chicken Francese at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Chicken Francese Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your imagination run wild and customize this dish for your family’s tastes! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a similar crispy texture. Lighter Option: Replace butter with olive oil to create a lighter lemon sauce, perfect for health-conscious diners. Alcohol-Free: Omit the white wine, using additional chicken broth and a splash of vinegar to maintain acidity without alcohol. Flavor Boost: Add capers to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor; their briny notes perfectly complement the lemons. Herb-Infused: Include fresh herbs like thyme or basil in the sauce for an aromatic twist that brightens the dish. Spicy Kick: For heat, toss in red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken, adding a delightful zing to the classic flavor. Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for veal or fish; both work beautifully with the lemon butter sauce, yielding unique twists. Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian version, use eggplant or zucchini cutlets to soak in the same lemony sauce, providing a hearty alternative. No matter how you choose to customize your Chicken Francese, it’ll surely create a beautiful moment around the dinner table, with everyone asking for your secrets! If you’re looking for other tantalizing options, don’t miss out on my Chicken and Dumplings Cozy or my delightful Popcorn Chicken Snack recipes! Chicken Francese Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for Chicken Francese? Absolutely! For Chicken Francese, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and remain tender. Cutting them in half for thinner cutlets helps them cook evenly and allows for that delicious crispy coating we all love! How should I store leftover Chicken Francese? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover the chicken pieces with extra lemon butter sauce before sealing the container to keep the flavors intact and maintain moisture. Can I freeze Chicken Francese? Yes! To freeze, place the Chicken Francese in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing the chicken without the sauce, as it can become soggy during reheating. Just store the sauce separately, and you’ll be able to enjoy this delightful dish later! What if my Chicken Francese turns out soggy? Very! A soggy Chicken Francese is often a result of the chicken sitting too long in the sauce. To prevent this, serve the chicken immediately after combining it with the sauce. If you find it soggy after cooking, you can briefly sauté it in a hot skillet to restore some crispiness. Is Chicken Francese safe for pets? While Chicken Francese is delicious for humans, it’s best to avoid giving it to pets. The seasoning, especially garlic or onion powder, can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you want to share, consider plain, cooked chicken without any seasoning for your furry friends! Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for dredging. Additionally, if you’d like a non-alcoholic option, simply replace the dry white wine with more chicken broth. Enjoy experimenting while keeping the delightful flavors intact! Irresistible Chicken Francese: Quick Lemon Butter Delight Savor the flavors of Chicken Francese, a quick and easy Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken in a luscious lemon butter sauce. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Italian-AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut in half for quick cooking2 large Eggs acts as a binding agentFor the Coating1 cup All-Purpose Flour substitute with gluten-free flour if desiredFor the Sauce4 tablespoons Butter provides richness; olive oil can be used for a lighter option1 cup Chicken Broth low-sodium broth is a healthier alternative0.5 cup Dry White Wine replace with additional broth for a non-alcoholic option2 medium Fresh Lemons used for juicing and garnishFor the Garnish0.25 cup Chopped Parsley optional but recommended for taste Equipment large skilletshallow bowlplate Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by cutting each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, and gently pound to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.Set up a dredging station with flour on one plate and beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip in egg.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.Remove chicken and add chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Scrape up browned bits to enhance the sauce flavor.Return chicken to the skillet and simmer in the lemon butter sauce for 2-3 minutes until heated through.Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and avoid letting cooked chicken sit too long in sauce to maintain crispiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
