Chicken Francese Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish known for its tender chicken cutlets bathed in a tangy lemon and white wine sauce. This recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, skinless boneless (250-300g / 8-10oz each)
- 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk (any fat %)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (0.3cm / 1/8″)
- 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1/3 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (no pepper)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin steaks in total.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
- Step 3: On a plate, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then set aside on a plate.
- Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 5: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then place them into the hot pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the undersides are golden.
- Step 6: Flip the chicken, lower the heat to medium, and cook for another 4 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 68°C/155°F). Remove chicken onto a plate.
- Step 7: Add the lemon slices to the pan and cook for about a minute until they soften and brown slightly, then flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. Remove the lemon slices onto a plate.
- Step 8: Wipe the pan clean with paper towels.
- Step 9: On medium heat, melt the butter in the pan. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
- Step 10: Gradually pour in half of the chicken stock, stirring to dissolve any lumps. Add the remaining stock, then the white wine and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir well.
- Step 11: Increase the heat slightly and simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Step 12: Return the chicken and lemon slices to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with parsley if using, and serve immediately, ensuring you pour all the sauce onto the plate.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before coating in flour.
- If you prefer, substitute white wine with more chicken stock or a splash of white grape juice.
- Serve with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure they brown evenly.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce thickens too much.
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 for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
While white wine adds depth and acidity, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or a bit of white grape juice if you prefer not to use alcohol.
PrintChicken Francese Recipe
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, lightly floured chicken breasts dipped in egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with a luscious lemon and white wine sauce. This elegant yet simple recipe combines bright lemon flavors with a rich buttery sauce, making it perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, skinless boneless (250-300g / 8-10oz each)
- 1/4 cup plain all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk (any fat %)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Lemon and Sauce
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced 0.3cm / 1/8″
- 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1/3 cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (no pepper)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin chicken steaks total, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk thoroughly, then set aside for dipping the chicken.
- Flour Coating: Combine the flour, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then place coated pieces on a plate ready for frying.
- Heat Oil: In a large nonstick pan, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off before placing in the hot pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown, then flip, reduce heat to medium and cook an additional 4 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 68°C/155°F. Remove chicken onto a clean plate.
- Cook Lemon Slices: In the same pan, add the lemon slices and cook for 1 minute until they soften and start to brown, then flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. Remove lemons onto a plate.
- Clean Pan: Wipe out the pan with paper towels to remove any residue, preparing it for the sauce.
- Make White Wine Sauce: Over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter in the pan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour using a wooden spoon and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in half the chicken stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the remaining stock, white wine, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt (no pepper), stirring to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: Increase heat slightly and simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Serve: Return the cooked chicken and lemon slices to the pan and spoon the thickened sauce over them. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately, making sure to use all the flavorful sauce with the chicken.
Notes
- Use any dry white wine such as Chardonnay for a balanced and bright flavor in the sauce.
- Cooking lemon slices until slightly brown enhances their sweetness and mellow acidity.
- To avoid lumps in the sauce, add the chicken stock gradually and stir constantly while incorporating the flour roux.
Keywords: Chicken Francese, chicken breasts, lemon chicken, white wine sauce, Italian-American, pan-fried chicken, lemon butter sauce

