Chicken Francaise Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a bright, buttery lemon sauce. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough for both family dinners and special occasions. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Step 2: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Step 6: Whisk in the remaining butter pieces until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it heat through for about one minute.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken for a bright, buttery finish.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle the flour mixture with grated Parmesan cheese before dredging the chicken.
- Serve with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water before simmering.
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Francaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and keep the chicken moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time and will offer a juicier, more flavorful result.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender. If your chicken breasts are already uniform in thickness, you can skip this step.
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Chicken Francaise Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Francaise is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour and eggs, then pan-fried to a golden crisp. The chicken is served with a bright, tangy lemon and buttery sauce enriched with chicken broth and fresh parsley, making it a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a clumpy coating.
- Coat with Egg: Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is fully coated for that classic francaise texture.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce: Whisk in the pieces of butter into the simmering liquid until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the luscious lemon-butter sauce over it. Let the chicken heat through for an additional minute, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Adding grated Parmesan to the flour mix adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a small slurry of cornstarch and water during the sauce stage.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Serve with pasta, risotto, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Francaise, lemon chicken, pan-fried chicken, Italian-American recipes, easy chicken dinner, lemon butter sauce

