Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1¼ cups chicken broth; ½ cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Chicken Francese: Classic Italian-American Chicken Dish

Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American favorite featuring tender, golden chicken breasts simmered in a rich lemon-butter sauce. The dish balances bright citrus notes with savory richness, making it a comforting yet elegant option for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, buttery broth, and Parmesan delivers a bold, zesty, and savory taste.
Elegant Yet Easy: Despite its restaurant-quality flavor, Chicken Francese is simple enough to make at home, even on busy weeknights.
Tender and Crispy: Lightly breaded and pan-fried chicken stays juicy inside while developing a beautiful golden crust.
One-Pan Meal: The whole dish is cooked in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Perfect for Guests: It’s impressive enough to serve at dinner parties, yet approachable enough for a family meal.

Chicken Francese: Classic Italian-American Chicken Dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging to make this dish gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Version: Skip the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Lemon Zest Boost: Add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce or as a garnish for an extra citrus kick.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh thyme or basil with the sauce for a fresh, aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also fine, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Freezing: While Chicken Francese can be frozen, the texture is best fresh. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese is a popular Italian-American dish where chicken breasts are lightly breaded, pan-fried, and simmered in a lemony butter sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat in the sauce just before serving.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Can I make this without Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely. The Parmesan adds richness, but the dish will still be flavorful without it.

Is this dish spicy?

No, Chicken Francese is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

What sides go well with Chicken Francese?

Great side options include pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

How do I get a golden crust on the chicken?

Make sure your pan is hot enough and don’t overcrowd it. Let the chicken brown undisturbed before flipping.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches.

Conclusion

Chicken Francese is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its golden, tender chicken and bright, buttery lemon sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give this classic a try—you won’t be disappointed!