Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy lemon butter sauce, perfect for dinner. This delightful meal not only tantalizes your taste buds but also is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The bright and zesty flavors of lemon combined with the buttery richness create a culinary experience that is both comforting and refreshing. Join me as we explore how to make this delectable dish that will surely impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
This Lemon Butter Chicken Francese recipe stands out for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to whip up a quick dinner. Second, the combination of lemon and butter creates a sauce that is both rich and tangy, elevating the chicken to a new level of deliciousness. Third, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Fourth, it offers a unique twist on traditional chicken recipes, inviting a taste of Italian cuisine into your home. Fifth, the dish is low fat, catering to those who are health-conscious while still being indulgent. Finally, it serves up to four people, making it perfect for family meals or intimate gatherings.
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
Gather these items:
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon flour, divided use
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken broth or a mix of chicken broth and dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into thin rings
- Optional for serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Francese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Step 2: Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and fry in a preheated skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 4: Set cooked chicken aside, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and stir in 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Step 5: Whisk in broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add lemon slices and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and serve garnished with parsley and parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Make sure the chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Try using fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor in your sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a light salad dressed with vinaigrette. Another excellent option is to serve it over a bed of pasta, soaking up the delightful lemon butter sauce. You can also offer it alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you want to explore different flavors, consider using Lemon Garlic Chicken Francese as a variation!
How to Store and Reheat Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
To store your leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat to maintain its tender texture. This dish is great for meal prep, as you can easily make it ahead of time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Butter Chicken Francese?
The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using fresh lemon juice and high-quality chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Also, ensure you pound the chicken cutlets evenly for consistent cooking.
Can I make Lemon Butter Chicken Francese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Butter Chicken Francese?
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Additionally, using too much flour can result in a thick sauce; just a tablespoon is all you need for a velvety texture!
Variations of Lemon Butter Chicken Francese You Can Try
For a flavorful twist, try a Butter Chicken Francese version by adding Indian spices. Alternatively, a Simple Chicken Francese with Lemon can be made by reducing the ingredients further for a lighter meal. Lastly, consider adding capers for a briny flavor that complements the lemon beautifully!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Crockpot Butter Chicken or Creamy Garlic Baby Potatoes for perfect side dishes!
If you’re looking for a great dessert to pair with this dish, try Mini Cranberry Cheesecakes for a sweet finish to your meal!
Print
Lemon Butter Chicken Francese: 7 Amazing Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy lemon butter sauce, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon flour, divided use
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken broth or a mix of chicken broth and dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into thin rings
- Optional for serving: chopped parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and fry in a preheated skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Set cooked chicken aside, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and stir in 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Whisk in broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add lemon slices and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and serve garnished with parsley and parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Lemon Butter Chicken Francese, Chicken Francese, Lemon Chicken