30-Minute Chicken Francese (Quick, Elegant & Full of Flavor)

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When you want a restaurant-quality dinner on the table fast, 30-minute chicken francese is the answer. This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken cutlets dipped in egg, lightly floured, pan-fried until golden, and finished in a silky lemon-butter sauce that feels indulgent yet refreshingly light.

Chicken francese is beloved for its balance — rich but bright, comforting yet refined. And the best part? You can make it from start to finish in just half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

What Is Chicken Francese?

Chicken francese (sometimes called chicken French-style) is known for its unique preparation. Unlike breaded chicken dishes, the chicken is dipped in egg before flouring, creating a delicate golden coating that absorbs the lemon sauce beautifully.

This method results in:

  • Tender, juicy chicken
  • Light, elegant crust
  • Sauce that clings to every bite

Why This 30-Minute Version Works

Thin Chicken Cutlets
They cook quickly and evenly, keeping the dish fast.

Simple Ingredients
No complicated steps — just classic pantry staples.

One-Pan Sauce
The lemon-butter sauce comes together right in the skillet.

Perfect Balance of Flavor
Bright lemon, savory broth, and rich butter create harmony.

Ingredients for 30-Minute Chicken Francese

Classic ingredients, maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon slices
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions: How to Make Chicken Francese in 30 Minutes

  1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up two bowls: one with flour and one with beaten eggs.
  3. Dip each chicken cutlet into egg, then lightly dredge in flour.
  4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Pan-fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  6. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.
  8. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  10. Simmer 2 minutes, then garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
  11. Serve immediately.

30-Minute Chicken Francese

A quick and elegant chicken francese made with golden pan-fried cutlets and a bright lemon-butter sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken into thin cutlets and season.
  2. Dip chicken in egg, then lightly coat with flour.
  3. Pan-fry chicken in butter and oil until golden.
  4. Remove chicken and sauté garlic briefly.
  5. Add broth and lemon juice; simmer.
  6. Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Francese

  • Use thin cutlets for quick, even cooking
  • Don’t over-flour — a light coating is key
  • Fresh lemon juice only for best flavor
  • Control heat to avoid burning the butter

Serving Suggestions

Chicken francese pairs beautifully with:

  • Angel hair pasta or linguine
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed green beans or asparagus
  • Simple side salad

The lemon-butter sauce makes everything taste better.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 30-minute chicken francese is:

  • Elegant but easy
  • Bright and comforting
  • Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
  • Made with pantry staples

It’s a dish that feels special without the stress.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a fast, flavorful dinner with classic appeal, this 30-minute chicken francese delivers every time. Simple techniques, bold lemon flavor, and tender chicken come together in a meal that tastes like it took far longer than it did.

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