A beloved Italian classic, Chicken Francese features tender chicken cooked in a bright lemon, wine, and butter sauce. To make a lighter, healthier version suitable for Weight Watchers, this recipe skips the traditional breading and adds capers for extra flavor. Using a light butter substitute keeps the buttery taste while reducing saturated fat and cholesterol. Serve this dish over whole-wheat pasta with roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal prep, and yields a satisfying family dinner that’s just 5 Points per serving (2 chicken cutlets).
Chicken Francese
This fresh, light chicken recipe features delicately seasoned chicken breasts baked in a lemon, wine, and butter sauce, finished with parsley and capers. Low in calories and carbs yet high in protein, it’s an excellent Weight Watchers-friendly family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 8 thin fillets
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
- 2 tbsp light butter
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice from 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chicken breasts side by side on a large cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to about 1/4″ thickness for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, then arrange the cutlets in a baking dish lightly sprayed with nonfat cooking spray or misted with olive oil.
- Dot or spread the light butter evenly over each chicken cutlet.
- Pour the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice over the chicken, then scatter the capers on top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes to allow the tops to brown lightly and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. For a balanced plate, spoon the sauce over whole-wheat pasta and add roasted vegetables on the side.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 30 minute(s)
Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein
Number of servings (yield): 4
Culinary tradition: Italian
Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size: 2 chicken cutlets
Each serving = 5 Points
PER SERVING: 236 calories; 5g fat; 3g carbohydrates; 35g protein; 0g fiber