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Easy Chicken Francese with lemon-butter sauce served on a plate.

Chicken Francese

A quick and flavorful lemon chicken dish cooked in one skillet, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 2 large large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets Pound to an even thickness for even cooking.
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Breading Mixture
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup all purpose flour For dredging.
  • 2 large large eggs Beaten with seasoning.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan Optional, for an extra savory flavor.
Cooking Essentials
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons butter Divided for sauce.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Base for the sauce.
  • Juice of 1 to 2 lemons Add zest to increase lemon flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets. If they are thick, gently pound them until they are even. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Put flour in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using.
Cooking
  1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Let it melt without smoking.
  2. Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off the extra, then dip into the egg. Cook in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden.
  3. Move cooked chicken to a plate.
  4. Lower the heat, add broth, and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for a minute, then add lemon juice and simmer for another minute.
  5. Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter to make the sauce glossy.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet for 30 seconds to soak up the sauce, and serve garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Great with pasta, rice, or on top of salads. Adjust lemon flavor to preference. Works well as a quick weeknight dinner.