Lighter Lemon Herb Chicken Francese
484 KCAL

Lighter Lemon Herb Chicken Francese

Prep15 mins
Cook15 mins
Serves2
Under 500 Calories High Protein Low Carb Omnivore Nut Free Soy Free 30 Min or Less One Pan Dinner Italian

"Experience the classic comfort of Chicken Francese, reinvented as a lighter, brighter dish. Tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets are enveloped in a delicate, golden crust and bathed in a vibrant lemon-white wine sauce, perfectly balanced with a hint of butter and fresh parsley. A truly satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is kind to your waistline."

Why it's Healthy

This version of Chicken Francese is made healthier by significantly reducing the amount of butter and olive oil used without compromising on flavor. We achieve a light, crispy crust with a minimal flour and egg dredge, and pan-sear the chicken in just enough olive oil for a golden finish. The sauce is lightened by emphasizing the brightness of fresh lemon juice and dry white wine, using only a small amount of butter to achieve a silky texture, resulting in a dish that is lower in saturated fat and calories while remaining delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

cups, oz, lbs
Chicken breast
14.1 oz
boneless, skinless, thinly pounded to 0.5 cm
Lemon
1 (about 5.3 oz)
freshly juiced and sliced for garnish
Parsley
fresh, chopped
Black pepper
ground
Salt
Flour
1.05 oz
all-purpose
Egg
1 (about 1.75 oz)
large, beaten
Butter
0.55 oz
unsalted
Olive oil
White wine
dry

Nutrition Facts

484Kcal
Protein (51.0g)
Carbs (21.2g)
Fat (21.7g)
Sugar (2.6g)
Fiber (3.0g)

Detailed Breakdown

ItemProteinCarbsFatSugarFiber
Chicken breast90.0g0.0g10.4g0.0g0.0g
Lemon1.6g13.5g0.5g3.8g4.2g
Parsley0.5g0.9g0.1g0.1g0.5g
Black pepper0.2g1.3g0.1g0.0g0.5g
Salt0.0g0.0g0.0g0.0g0.0g
Flour3.1g22.9g0.3g0.1g0.8g
Egg6.3g0.6g5.0g0.6g0.0g
Butter0.1g0.0g12.2g0.0g0.0g
Olive oil0.0g0.0g15.0g0.0g0.0g
White wine0.1g3.1g0.0g0.7g0.0g

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the pounded chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Prepare your dredging station: place the flour in a shallow dish and the beaten egg in another shallow dish.

  3. 3

    Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, and allow any excess egg to drip off.

  4. 4

    Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the battered chicken cutlets into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate, lightly tented with foil to keep warm.

  5. 5

    Carefully wipe any excess oil from the skillet if needed. Pour ½ cup of dry white wine into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half, approximately 2-3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add the fresh lemon juice (from about half a lemon, approximately 3 tbsp) and the 0.55 oz of butter to the skillet. Whisk continuously until the butter is melted and the sauce is slightly emulsified and thickened. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and gently turn them to coat fully in the lemon-white wine sauce.

  8. 8

    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thin lemon slices. Serve immediately.

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