Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

Name: Lemon Butter Chicken Francese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: January 3, 2026

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Introduction to Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

When the day feels like a whirlwind, I often crave something easy and delicious that brings a bit of sunshine to my dinner table. That’s where my Lemon Butter Chicken Francese comes in! This dish is a delightful balance of zesty flavors and buttery goodness, making it perfect for a busy night or a cozy family gathering. Trust me; it’s a real crowd-pleaser! With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

This Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is a game changer for busy moms and professionals alike! It’s quick—ready in just 30 minutes—making it perfect for those hectic evenings. The bright citrus flavor dances in your mouth, while the buttery sauce adds a comfort that warms the heart. Plus, it’s so simple that anyone can whip it up, ensuring delicious dinners without the stress. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

Gathering the ingredients for my Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is part of the fun! Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: I like to use large chicken breasts, as they’re juicy and cook well when halved.
Salt & Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken, so don’t skip them!
Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds wonderful aroma and depth to the dish.

Flour: This helps create a nice crust when frying the chicken. For a gluten-free alternative, swap it out for a gluten-free blend!
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs will help the flour stick to the chicken, giving it that perfect golden color.
Olive Oil: I prefer this for frying as it’s healthier and adds a lovely flavor.

Butter: Brie-lliant for creating that rich, buttery sauce we all love!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for the base of your sauce. You can mix it with dry white wine for added flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings a zesty kick; it really makes the dish shine!

Lemon Slices: These add both flavor and a beautiful presentation to your finished plate.
Optional Toppings: I love to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for freshness and a bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese for richness.

Check out the end of the article for exact measurements and a printable version of this exciting Chicken Francese recipe!

How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into creating this delicious Lemon Butter Chicken Francese. It’s as easy as pie—or should I say chicken? Let’s take it step by step.

Prepare the Chicken

First things first: we need to get our chicken ready. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. This is where the magic happens! With a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and makes the chicken extra tender. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Season and Dredge

Now, let’s sprinkle some flavor onto our chicken. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This combination gives a lovely aroma that fills the kitchen.

Next, it’s time to dredge. Grab two shallow dishes. In one, add the flour, and in the other, beat the eggs lightly. Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour, coating all sides. Then, let it swim in the beaten eggs, ensuring a nice layer sticks. This will create that beautiful golden crust when we fry them.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s hot, gently lay the chicken in the pan. Make sure not to crowd the skillet—it’s all about giving them some space to cook evenly!

Fry each side for about 3 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Once done, carefully set the chicken aside on a plate. We want to keep it warm as we whip up the sauce!

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Oh, the smell of butter melting! Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of flour. Mix until it’s combined—this will help thicken our sauce.

Whisk in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are flavor gold! Toss in those lemon slices and let it simmer. You’ll want to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now, it’s time for the grand finale! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat it well with that rich, zesty sauce. Allow it to warm through for another minute, soaking up all those flavors. As you plate it, feel free to garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan if you like.

And just like that, your Lemon Butter Chicken Francese is ready to dazzle your dinner guests or make a simple family meal feel special!

Tips for Success

Always use a meat mallet for even chicken thickness—it makes a world of difference!
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; it ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.

Adjust the lemon juice to your taste; a little tang can elevate the dish beautifully!
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for an hour in lemon juice and herbs.
Set all your ingredients out before you start to keep the cooking process smooth.

Equipment Needed

Skillet: A large non-stick or cast-iron skillet works wonders for cooking the chicken evenly.
Meat Mallet: To pound the chicken thin; a rolling pin can also do the trick in a pinch.
Mixing Bowls: Use for dredging and preparing your ingredients. Any shallow bowl will suffice.

Whisk: Perfect for blending the sauce ingredients. A fork can work too!

Variations

Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Veggie Delight: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach at the end for a burst of color and nutrition.

Mushroom Madness: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the butter before adding the broth for a heartier sauce.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat that complements the lemon beautifully.
Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the chicken over zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta for a lighter meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Lemon Butter Chicken Francese with a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up that luscious sauce.
A crisp glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully and enhances the lemony notes.

For presentation, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for vibrant color!

FAQs about Lemon Butter Chicken Francese

Got questions about my Lemon Butter Chicken Francese? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered while creating this delightful dish.

Can I make Lemon Butter Chicken Francese ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. Then, reheat them gently when you’re ready!

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Mixing chicken broth with a splash of white wine also adds depth to the sauce!

Is it safe to use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before pounding and cooking. Safety first, right?

How can I make it less tangy?

If you find the lemon flavor too strong, simply reduce the lemon juice in the recipe. You can always add more at the end of cooking to suit your taste!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Definitely! This recipe adapts well to fish or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type of protein you choose.

Final Thoughts

Cooking my Lemon Butter Chicken Francese reminds me that simple ingredients can create extraordinary moments. Watching friends and family savor each bite brings me pure joy. This dish transforms any busy evening into a delightful gathering, filled with laughter and warmth. The zesty flavors and buttery sauce dance on your taste buds, making it a dish you’ll want to return to time and time again. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience that connects us all around the dinner table. So, dive in and savor the joy this recipe brings to your home!