A Classic Italian-American Dish: Chicken Francaise
Chicken Francaise is one of those classic dishes that feels fancy enough for a special dinner but is actually simple enough to make at home. Tender chicken cutlets are lightly coated in flour and egg, pan-fried until golden, and finished with a silky lemon butter sauce that brings everything together. The combination of crispy chicken, fresh lemon flavor, and rich buttery sauce creates a meal that feels like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant. Despite the name, Chicken Francaise is actually an Italian-American creation that has become a beloved classic, especially in restaurants throughout the United States.
The secret to great Chicken Francaise is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is pounded thin so it cooks quickly and evenly, then dipped in a light egg coating that creates a tender, delicate crust. After the chicken is browned, the same pan is used to create the flavorful sauce with fresh lemon juice, white wine, chicken broth, and butter. The result is a bright and comforting dish where every bite has a little bit of richness, a touch of tanginess, and plenty of savory flavor.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients to create something truly special. Chicken breasts, lemons, eggs, butter, and a few pantry staples come together to make a meal that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. It’s also a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Serve Chicken Francaise over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce. Add a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus, and you have a complete dinner that feels both comforting and elegant.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or a date-night dinner at home, Chicken Francaise is a recipe that delivers every time. With its golden crust, tender chicken, and flavorful lemon sauce, this timeless Italian-American favorite is sure to become a dish your family asks for again and again.
A perfect chicken dish to serve with a mixed green salad!
Serve this chicken with Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
Not quite what you are looking for? Try these other excellent recipes:
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Chicken Francaise
Chicken with lemon juice, egg, butter and garlic. C’est magnifique! This chicken Francaise recipe is the one famously served in restaurants.
- Total Time: :40
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to 1/4″
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground Pepper
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons Water
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (optional)
- 1 cup low-sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Parsley
Instructions
- Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with salt and pepper. Mix with a fork to distribute evenly throughout.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with 3 tablespoons of water. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat
- Dredge both sides of the chicken in the seasoned flour and then dip them in the egg mixture to coat completely, letting the excess drip off.When the oil is hot, add the chicken and saute for 2 minutes on each side until golden, turning only once. Once done, move the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep them warm.
- Slice ½ the lemon into this slices and cook them in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine (if using – or substitute water), low-sodium Chicken Broth and juice from other ½ of the lemon and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
- Roll the butter in some flour and add to the skillet, this will thicken the sauce. Stir to dissolve the flour. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the chicken back to the skillet. Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and top with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: :10
- Cook Time: :30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top