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Chicken Francese

Effortless Chicken Francese with Zesty Lemon-Butter Sauce

Discover the delightful flavors of Chicken Francese, a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken and zesty lemon-butter sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Choose uniform size for even cooking.
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; sea salt can be a good substitute.
  • 0.75 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked is best for flavor.
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour For dredging the chicken; gluten-free flour can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 Large Eggs Binds the coating; consider a flax egg for a vegan version.
  • 2 tbsp Milk or Half-and-Half Adds richness; use plant-based milk as an alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Salted Butter Adds flavor; unsalted butter can be used if adjusting the salt.
  • 1 Shallot, chopped Provides aromatic flavor; onions may substitute if necessary.
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine Enhances the sauce; chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
  • 1.5 cups Chicken Broth Adds volume; vegetable broth works for a lighter flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped For garnish and fresh flavor; other fresh herbs can add a twist.
Serving Suggestions
  • Fresh Lemon Adds brightness; serve wedges alongside.
  • Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Pasta Perfectly pair with Chicken Francese to soak up that lemon-butter sauce!

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • shallow bowl
  • Meat Mallet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Chicken: Start by butterfly-cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into even cutlets, ensuring they cook uniformly. Season each side with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge them in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Coat Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the large eggs and milk or half-and-half until fully combined. Dip each flour-coated chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, carefully add the chicken cutlets to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, toss in the chopped shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes or until softened. Then, deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits, and allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Finish Dish: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Return the golden chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the savory lemon-butter sauce over them.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Plate your Chicken Francese with a sides of buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and squeeze fresh lemon over the dish before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure to butterfly the chicken breasts evenly; this promotes even cooking and better texture. For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic to the sautéed shallots.

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