Description
Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is a classic, elegant dish featuring tender chicken cutlets dredged in flour and egg, pan-fried to golden brown, and served in a silky lemon-butter sauce. It’s fresh, tangy, and rich—perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin or halved lengthwise)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up two shallow bowls—one with flour, and one with beaten eggs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, wine (if using), and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Whisk in remaining butter until sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Skip the wine and use extra broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Capers can be added for a briny variation like Chicken Piccata.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
