If you’re looking to elevate your chicken by cooking it up in a bright lemon butter white sauce that’s simply amazing, try “Lemon Butter Chicken Francese Delight.” This easy-to-make chicken is a classic Italian dish that’s restaurant-quality, with easy-to-make instructions at home.
Table of Contents
Lemon Butter Chicken Francese Delight : A Classic Italian American Restaurant Dish
If you’ve ever eaten at an Italian American restaurant in New Jersey, New York, or anywhere else in the USA, you’ve likely seen Chicken Francese on the menu.
This dish is famous for its lightly egg-buttered chicken cutlets, pan-fried until golden brown and simmered in a vibrant lemon butter white wine sauce. It’s incredibly comforting.
This article provides a simple, step-by-step Chicken Francese recipe, suitable for USA audiences only. You can make it using readily available ingredients and restaurant-style techniques.
For date night or any special occasion where you want to dress up, this recipe delivers a wonderfully crispy texture, fresh citrus flavor, and a rich butter sauce in less than an hour.
What is Chicken Francese?
Chicken Francese is an Italian American classic recipe that isn’t traditionally Italian. Unlike chicken piccata, Francese chicken is breaded in egg flour, creating a soft, delicate crust.
It absorbs lemon butter sauce perfectly.
Why Chicken Francese is a favorite in the USA:
- Great for welcoming guests
- Mild yet rich flavor
- Uses easy-to-prepare pantry ingredients
- Great with rice, pasta, and vegetables
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken French Delight – Serves 4:
Ingredients for the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large, skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – optional but recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional for donkey sauce)
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine – Pinot Grigio or Sauvigny Blanc
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – about 2 lemons
Ingredients for the Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Finely chopped fresh parsley
Ingredients for the Chicken
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Rolling pin or meat mallet
- Boiler pan
- Shallow bowl for dredging
How to make Lemon Butter Chicken French Delight, step-by-step instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
- Slice all the chicken breasts crosswise and form them into thin cutlets.
- Make sure you have 4 cutlets in total.
- Place them in the center of plastic wrap and flatten them evenly to a quarter-sized size.
- This will cook them faster.
- Spice both sides thoroughly with:
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
2. Setting up the dressing station
Use two shallow bowls.
- First bowl:
- Add the flour
- Second bowl:
- Egg mixture
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Dredging the Chicken
- Lightly flour all the cutlets and shake off any excess flour.
Important Note: Do not leave the chicken in the egg coat for long; cook immediately for the best texture.
4. Pan-fry the chicken:
- Use a large pan. Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Until the oil shimmers.
- Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer.
- Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on all sides, turning gently until golden.
- Remove the chicken and place it on a plate, then cover tightly with foil.
5. Making the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Use the same pan again – do not clean it.
- Add the white wine and scrape up any browned bits.
- Continue cooking over low heat for 2 minutes to reduce the alcohol. Then add the chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well.
6. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Place the chicken back into the sauce.
- Spoon the sauce evenly over each cutlet.
- Continue cooking over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Taste once and adjust the salt or lemon zest to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a lemon slice for presentation.
- Serve hot:
- Some suggestions for great side dishes for Lemon Butter Chicken French Delight:
- With garlic mashed potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Angel hair pasta with olive oil
- Buttered rice or orzo
- Asparagus or steamed broccoli
Some great tips for restaurant-style Chicken Frances:
- Use only fresh lemon juice—not bottled.
- Keep the heat low or medium to avoid burning.
- Don’t add too much cheese to the pan.
- The sauce should be strong, not heavy.
- Use dry white wine, no sweeteners.
Storage and reheating tips:
Storage:
- Use an airtight container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can use them for 2 to 3 days.
Reheat:
- Use the stovetop and gently reheat with extra broth.
- Avoid microwave cooking, as the egg coating can become rubbery.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Protein – 35g
- Carbohydrate – 12g
- Calories – 420
- Fat – 24g
FAQ
Answers to questions about Lemon Butter Chicken Frances Delight and how to correct mistakes while making it:
Q. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! But breast is traditional and provides a lighter texture.
Q. Can I make Chicken Frances without wine?
Absolutely! You can replace the wine with extra chicken broth and a little lemon juice.
Q. What is the best wine for Lemon Butter Chicken Frances Delight?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay is ideal for a better wine. preferably unoaked.
Q. Are Chicken Piccata and Chicken Frances the same?
No! Chicken Frances uses an egg batter and no capers, while Piccata has a coating and contains capers.
Q. Is Chicken Frances suitable for children?
Absolutely! It’s mildly lemony and not spicy, making it perfect for family meals.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Butter Chicken Francese Delight is a simple combination of elegance and comfort. It’s a signature dish in Italian American cooking, as its crispy egg coating, tangy lemon sauce, and buttery finish are simply perfect.
It’s no surprise this recipe has become a favorite across America. If you’re planning to cook for guests or want to create a great restaurant-style meal at home, the step-by-step Lemon Butter Chicken Francese Delight recipe in this article, along with all the instructions, guarantees a delicious result. So make it this weekend or right now.