A zesty and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring crispy golden chicken breasts topped with a bright lemon Pecorino crust. This easy, family-friendly dinner pairs perfectly with the tangy-sweet flavor profile of lemon and Pecorino Romano cheese.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness, about 1.5 lbs total)
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten, for binding)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for crust)
1 tbsp lemon zest (for crust)
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
2 tbsp butter (divided, 1 tbsp for frying and 1 tbsp for sauce)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
0.25 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for sauce)
1 tsp lemon zest (for sauce)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and 0.5 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus 1 tbsp lemon zest.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten eggs, then press into the Panko-Pecorino mixture to evenly coat.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden browned. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce: In the same skillet on medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano, 1 tsp lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the chicken is done, place on serving plates and spoon the warm Pecorino sauce over each piece. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to soak up the lemon Pecorino sauce.
For extra crispiness, ensure the skillet is preheated properly before cooking the chicken.
If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used in place of Panko.
Find it online: https://www.makeourrecipes.com/lemon-pecorino-crusted-chicken/