Chicken Francese is quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for company. Chicken cutlets are dredged in flour, dipped in eggs, fried to golden perfection, and served in a luscious lemon and white wine sauce.
What is Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese is an Italian American dish of flour-coated, egg-dipped pan-fried chicken breasts in a lemon butter wine sauce. Serve with angel hair pasta or spaghetti, oven-roasted asparagus or green beans, and a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
This tasty chicken dish is one of our favorites. It is so easy to make, goes with many side dishes, tastes scrumptious, and fills our hearty appetites with plenty of protein. Prepare to be wowed, my lemon-loving friends. If you like this dish, try my creamy Tuscan chicken, chicken piccata, garlic butter chicken, and lemon pepper chicken.
Chicken Francese Ingredients
For the chicken portion of this recipe, you will need chicken breasts, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, eggs, and vegetable or canola oil.
For the lemon sauce portion of this recipe, you will need unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, dry white wine, chicken broth, lemons, and Italian Parsley.
How to make Chicken Francese
First, combine the flour, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Then, beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Now heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour, then dunk them into the eggs. Let the excess egg mixture drip off. Add the chicken to the skillet and fry until golden brown on the bottom. Then, flip and fry until golden brown on the other side and cook through. Remove the chicken to a plate covered with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Carefully wipe most of the oil out of the skillet.
Reduce to medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes while gently scraping the bottom of the pan to get off any browned bits. Whisk in the white wine and reduce it for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Whisk to combine and let it simmer and thicken for a couple of minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Garnish with fresh lemons slices, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Cut two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating four thinner chicken cutlets. Another option is to pound the chicken thinner with a meat mallet.
- I know it sounds incorrect to dip the chicken in flour first and then the egg mixture, but that is the uniqueness of this recipe.
- You can use olive oil for this recipe, but I prefer vegetable oil as it browns the chicken better and gets it crispier.
- This dish moves quickly, so have what you need within reach.
- For optimal flavor, use a dry white wine like a Chenin blanc, pinot grigio, or Sauvignon blanc. It should be good quality and one that you would enjoy drinking. Don’t cook with cheap wine.
- For a thicker, creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup heavy cream when making the sauce.
What to serve with Chicken Francese
- Garden salad or Italian salad
- Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- French baguettes with sweet cream butter
- Garlic bread or garlic knots
- Any cooked pasta, including angel hair, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Roasted parsnips, turnips, carrots, or cauliflower
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The breading will not stay crisp, but the cutlets are still tender with great flavor. Reheat on the stovetop on low or in the microwave at reduced power so it heats through without drying it out.
Theoretically, you can freeze this dish, but it just will not be the same. The coating on the chicken will not be crispy, so I recommend preparing what you know you will finish in one sitting.
More chicken cutlet recipes to try
Chicken Francese Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Francese
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise creating 4 thinner breasts
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon Sauce
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon flour
- ⅔ cup dry white wine
- ⅔ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh Italian parsley
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Combine the flour, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, then dunk them into the eggs. Let the excess beaten eggs drip off.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate. Carefully wipe most of the oil out of the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes while gently scraping the bottom of the pan to get off any browned bits. Whisk in the white wine and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Whisk to combine and let it thicken for a minute. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan Cheese. For best results, serve promptly.
Video
Notes
- Cut 2 large chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thinner chicken cutlets. Another option is to pound the chicken thinner with a meat mallet.
- I know it sounds incorrect to dip the chicken in flour first and then the egg mixture, but that is the uniqueness of this recipe.
- You can use olive oil for this recipe, but I prefer vegetable oil as it browns the chicken better and gets it crispier.
- This dish moves pretty fast, so have what you need within your reach.
- For optimal flavor, use a dry white wine like a chenin blanc, pinot grigio, or sauvignon blanc. It should be good quality and one that you would enjoy drinking. Don’t cook with cheap wine.
- For a thicker, creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup heavy cream when making the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The breading will not stay crisp, but the cutlets are still tender with great flavor. Reheat on the stovetop on low or in the microwave at reduced power, so it heats all the way through without drying it out.
- Theoretically, you can freeze this dish, but it just will not be the same. The coating on the chicken will not be crispy, so I recommend preparing what you know you will finish in one sitting.
Nutrition
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Bobby
I made this last night and it was a huge hit! Will definitely be making again. Thank you.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Bobby!
Elisa
Love this Chicken Francese recipe, so easy and delicious. Will make this recipe again soon. Maybe for New Years Eve. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Elisa! Happy New Year!
Anjali
This was so satisfying and delicious! Can’t wait to make it again for my family. They really enjoyed it. I served with with a simple garden salad and your angel hair pasta recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Anjali! I am so glad that you liked it!
Nikki
This is a quick, easy and delightful meal. My family loved it. I will definately make this again,
Ashley
So elegant yet easy to make! Thank you for sharing this chicken recipe so I can refresh my recipe collection.
Elizabeth Martian
I made this tonight and ot was delicious! I had fresh green beans with it.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Elizabeth! So glad that you enjoyed it!
Frank
This is my new favorite chicken recipe. It is so easy to make that even my teen daughter can handle it. Keep in mind that this chicken is best enjoyed as soon as it is cooked.
Sylvia
That sounds absolutely delicious! I love how Chicken Francese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on a casual weeknight or for a fancy dinner party. The golden fried cutlets in the lemon and white wine sauce sound like a match made in heaven, and I can’t wait to try it with some angel hair pasta and roasted asparagus. And a glass of pinot grigio? Yes, please! Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe suggestion.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sylvia! I hope you enjoy the chicken recipe as much as we do!
Zab
Thanks for the awesome chicken recipe! My husband really enjoys it.
Nicky
This is one of our favorite chicken recipes. It is so easy to make and it is delicious everytime. I love to serve it with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Ebony
I made this recipe for my family and it was a hit! I added a little bit of lemon zest to make it pop! This recipe is absolutely perfect!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ebony! I am so glad that you liked it!
Rick
Awesome recipe. I enjoyed every bite of it. I served it with steamed rice and roasted cauliflower.
Nyxie
Gorgeous! Looks beautiful! I love anything with chicken so I may be biased! 😀
vasu devan
Wow, what a mouthwatering recipe! The step-by-step guide and the helpful tips you have provided is sure to make the whole process a breeze…. (I hope so) :). The photos too are just awesome.
Leanne
This is a wonderful recipe! I enjoyed the lemon sauce immensely with the spices on the chicken. I love this one.
Carey
Great chicken recipe. It is one of our all time favorites. I like to serve with steamed white rice and your sauteed asparagus recipe! Thanks!
Monidipa
I tried your Chicken Francese recipe and it was a hit! The flavors were spot-on, and your simple instructions made cooking it a breeze. This dish will definitely be on repeat in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe! 🍗👌
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it, Monidipa! We love it too!
Barb
This chicken francese with the lemon and white wine sauce was amazing! Personally, I’m not a hug fan of green beans, so I went with asparagus instead. It was a delicious meal, thanks!
Julie
Beth, this looks absolutely delicious! I’ve always heard that you should know how to cook all of your favorite restaurant dishes, and this is definitely one of mine. I love the combination of the crispy chicken, the creamy lemon sauce, and the fresh parsley.
I especially appreciate the fact that you included so many helpful tips in the recipe, such as how to cut the chicken breasts and how to make the sauce. I’m sure that even a novice cook like me would be able to follow these instructions and make a delicious meal.
I’m definitely going to try this recipe soon, and I’m sure that it will become a new favorite. Thanks for sharing it!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Julie! I sure hope you enjoy the chicken francese.
Alita
Im back for more cooking this summer. And this chicken francese turned out to be perfect! Thank you for your recipe Beth.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Alita! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Lisa
This is one of our favorite chicken recipes! It is easy to make, tasty, and not to costly. Thanks for sharing.
Richard
great recipe. You can never have too many good chicken recipes. I will make this again. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
Debbie
My husbands favorite meal to order out is Chicken Francese so I was excited to make this for his birthday. He loved it. I will ba making this again. Five stars!
Fransic verso
This looks yummy recipe. We are looking for new ways to cook the chicken and I just found the new recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Elise Ho
This is one of hubby’s favorite recipes. I make it quite often and it is great everytime.
Blair Villanueva
After reading your recipe, I believe this chicken francese will be our dinner tonight! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Heading to the market to get the ingredients!
Amber
I’ve never heard of Chicken Francese but I love lemon chicken so I am going to have to give this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Ritzman
I have not eaten chicken francese before. But I do love chicken especially with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Monidipa
Wow, this chicken francese recipe is a real winner! The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and the end result is simply delicious. I can’t wait to make it again for my family!
Beth Pierce
So happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the chicken!
Steph
My Chicken Francese turned out just perfect. This recipe is a keeper as we will make it again, for sure!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Steph! I am so glad that you liked the chicken!
Kimberley
This Chicken Francese recipe from Small Town Woman is absolutely delicious! The family really enjoyed it and I will make it again.
Whitney Stewart
Another day, another delicious looking recipe I plan on saving for later taste testing. Thank you yet again for the recommendations!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Whitney!
Stephanie
Oh la la! This is the best Chicken Francese recipe I have ever made. The instructions are clear so even a novice like me was able to make a table-worthy dinner for my guests.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that they liked the chicken!
True Self Growth
I love this chicken francese recipe. It’s so easy and delicious!
Kristy Bullard
So flavorful and comforting! We love it with some angel hair pasta!
Monidipa
Too good. You explained too well and it’s not that hard with this superb recipe. I will definitely make this again. We love lemon so this was a real hit.
Tweenselmom
We loved this recipe. So refreshing with the fresh lemon taste. I served it over angel hair pasta with a garden salad. Yummy!
Nyxie
This looks amazing! We’re not having meat this month so I’m craving some chicken or even beef at this point! Can’t wait to try something like this when Jan is over!
Colleen
This chicken was delicious and easy to make. I used a gluten free flour blend and it turned out perfect.
Tayler Ross
I made this chicken last night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
dana
Chicken Francese is such a lovely dish! So fresh and lemony, but comforting too. This recipe checked off all the boxes!
Sonia
I have to try this, such a great twist on my usual, boring grilled chicken!
Andrea
Fantastic flavors in this elegant chicken dish. It is perfect for a busy weeknight or a Sunday dinner.
Stephanie
This is my favorite and my husband has tried a few times to make it. Honestly, it’s just not the same! I’m going to have him try this recipe out next time!
Ntensibe Edgar
So yummy this chicken! I always have it with my bread or irish potatoes!
Claudia
Chicken goes with just about everything, and this recipe is no exception! I look forward to making it.
Brianna S
I’m adding these ingredients to my shopping list! It looks so good!
Bedabrata Chakraborty
You make the recipe look so easy that I am surely going to try it. Quick question though: can you please suggest a vegetarian replacement for chicken?
Rose Ann Sales
Wow! This looks absolutely delicious and tasty! Can’t wait to try this awesome recipe! Love it!
pooja Malkani
The recipe was so yummy. You are right about the rich ingredients combined together really coming together.
Sienna
This is one of my all time favorite meals! I’m going to have to make your version and try it! Always looking for a new way to make it at home and this looks spot on!
Fransic verso
These days I want something to cook quick but can’t find a lot of good recipes. So, this one is great, and will add it to the list. Thank you so much for sharing!
briannemanzb
This is one of those rare restaurant dishes that are truly easy to cook at home. I’m glad I can try this at home.
Luna S
Great recipe. Truly one of my favorite chicken recipes and so darn easy!
Stephanie
One of my fav dishes I order often in restaurants. This one turned out amazing – now I can make my own anytime without getting dressed up!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that you enjoy it!
katrina m kroeplin
oh yes please. this looks so good. i need to make it very soon
Faith Stephenson
A perfect recipe for my Family! They loved this! It was so yummy!
Jazmine Hazegawa
How recipe was delicious. I made this with some fresh roasted asparagus from my garden.
Neely Moldovan
We are in desperate need of new chicken recipes. This one sounds perfect for my family!
Ivan Carlo Jose
This was awesome! The whole family really enjoyed it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Erik
This was so delicious. I love how its so easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. I am going to put this on our regular rotation.
Rosey
This looks really delicious to me. I like your side dish suggestions too. I think I’d go with the asparagus. or I might add peas because I love them so
May
I’ve always enjoyed serving chicken cutlets, but I’m never confident with the side dishes I serve with it. I’m glad to have seen this.
Kat
what a mouthwatering dish! thank you for this recipe! My family loves it.
may
I love serving chicken cutlets, but I’m never too confident on what to serve on the sides. Thanks for the list you provided. Super helpful!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome May!
Gervin Khan
This chicken dish was so yummy, and it’s easy to prepare. Plus that sauce is perfect making it so tempting to the eye! Loved it!
Claudia
Loved it. I made this for dinner and everyone loved it too. I used boneless skinless thighs and they turned out perfectly!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Claudia! So glad that everyone loved it!
Bryan
This would match really well with angel hair pasta. Or, if trying to cut carbs, a green vegetable. Most everyone likes chicken, so it would be a great choice for entertaining guests.
Jennifer Prince
This was so good and creamy! I will make this again soon. Thanks for the great recipe.
Melanie E
What a great dish. My husband really enjoyed this! I served it with a simple garden salad.
Brian
I prefer to serve it with angel hair. After marsala, this is my favorite chicken dish!
Stephanie
We love chicken francese here and this is such an easy recipe to follow! We like to serve it over angel hair pasta.
Christine
I absolutely love Chicken Francese and I haven’t made it in a while. I am going to use this recipe to make it. I cannot wait to try it. It looks so delicious.
Cam
This was SO good and so easy to make! The lemon sauce was delicious and everyone in my house loved it. We’re making this recipe part of our weekly rotation its so good.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that everyone loved it!
Mirlene
This chicken francese was delicious. Made it for my hubby the other night and he loved it over the pasta. He finished everything!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Mirlene! So happy that he liked it.
Kerri
This is so yummy! I love the combination of lemon and chicken! So so good!
Kathleen
Can’t believe how easy, elegant, and delicious this chicken francese is. I really like the lemon sauce on this. I might make extra next time just to soak up with bread.
Dannii
We are always looking for new ways to cook with chicken and this sauce looks amazing.
Juliane
I am in love with this!
Catalina
Everyone in the family really enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for sharing. I will make it again.
Erin
Such a fabulous dish! Adding on our weeknight rotation!
Krystle
I love the crispy chicken and the sauce is out of this world. The perfect date night meal.