Name: 30-Minute Chicken Francese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets); 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs (large); 2 tbsp milk or water; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 0.75 cup chicken broth; 0.33 cup lemon juice (fresh); 1 tbsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp capers (optional)

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Chicken Francese is one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet comforting, elegant yet completely approachable. Lightly floured chicken cutlets dipped in egg, pan-fried until golden, and finished in a bright lemon-butter sauce—this Italian-American classic has stood the test of time for good reason. Best of all? You can make authentic, restaurant-quality Chicken Francese in just 30 minutes at home.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving something cozy but elevated, this quick Chicken Francese recipe delivers bold flavor without complexity. The balance of citrus, butter, and savory chicken creates a dish that’s rich without being heavy, fresh without being bland.

What Is Chicken Francese?

Chicken Francese (sometimes spelled “Française”) is an Italian-American dish, not traditionally Italian. It emerged from Italian immigrant kitchens in the United States, blending European cooking techniques with American ingredients and tastes.

Unlike Chicken Piccata, which is dredged only in flour, Chicken Francese is dipped in egg after flouring. This creates a delicate, golden coating that absorbs the lemon-butter sauce beautifully. The result is a silky, flavorful dish that feels refined yet homey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes
One-pan cooking
Bright, fresh lemon flavor
Restaurant-quality results at home
Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
Easily customizable

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk or water
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup chicken broth
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally into thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Set Up the Dredging Station
Place flour in one shallow dish. In another dish, whisk eggs with milk or water until smooth.
Dredge the Chicken
Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Pan-Fry
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce
Reduce heat slightly. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers to the pan. Scrape up browned bits and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish with Butter
Stir in remaining butter until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Return Chicken to Pan
Add chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese

Use thin cutlets for fast, even cooking
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Fresh lemon juice is essential
Keep heat moderate to avoid burning butter
Serve immediately for best texture

Variations

Creamy Chicken Francese: Add 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Garlic Francese: Sauté minced garlic before adding broth
Fish Francese: Substitute sole or tilapia
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour

Serving Suggestions

Angel hair pasta
Garlic mashed potatoes
Steamed green beans
Simple arugula salad
Crusty bread to soak up sauce

Cultural Context & Fun Facts

Chicken Francese is most popular in Italian-American restaurants in New York and New Jersey. Though not traditionally Italian, it reflects the immigrant tradition of adapting classic techniques to new environments—simple ingredients elevated through method and balance.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated
Reheat gently over low heat
Avoid microwaving to preserve sauce texture

Final Thoughts

This 30-Minute Chicken Francese proves that classic comfort food doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. Bright, buttery, and deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.