1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Lemon Pecorino Chicken

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

Featured in Master the Art of Main Course Creation.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful lemon pecorino crust and a creamy lemon sauce. The chicken is coated in a blend of Pecorino Romano cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and flour, then pan-seared and baked. The creamy lemon sauce is made with chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice, creating a tangy and rich accompaniment. This dish balances savory, bright, and creamy flavors, making it a versatile main course. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The recipe includes options for a lighter sauce using half-and-half or Greek yogurt. The chicken can be prepped ahead of time, making it convenient for weeknight dinners or gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors ensures a satisfying and impressive meal.
Rana
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 01:27:52 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe Pin it
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce: A Citrus Delight

Let's create a dish that's both elegant and comforting: Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with a zesty lemon pecorino crust and a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. It's a delightful experience that's perfect for any occasion. I'm excited to share this flavorful recipe with you.

Ingredient Essentials

Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish.
Pecorino Cheese:
Grated Pecorino cheese adds a salty and sharp flavor to the crust.
Panko Breadcrumbs:
Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture to the crust.
Lemon Zest and Juice:
Fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright and citrusy flavor.
Shallot and Garlic:
Shallot and garlic add a savory depth to the sauce.
White Wine:
White wine deglazes the pan and adds flavor to the sauce.
Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth:
Heavy cream and chicken broth create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
All-Purpose Flour:
All-purpose flour is used for the chicken coating.
Eggs:
Eggs are used for the egg wash.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken.
Butter:
Butter adds richness to the sauce.
Parsley:
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Pin it
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Crafting Your Chicken

Chicken Preparation:
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Crust Preparation:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Pecorino cheese, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Chicken Coating:
Dip the chicken in flour, then egg wash, and finally the Pecorino breadcrumb mixture.
Chicken Cooking:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation:
In the same skillet, sauté shallot and garlic. Deglaze with white wine. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer until thickened. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and butter.
Plating and Serving:
Place a chicken breast on each plate. Spoon the lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley.

You Must Know

  • This chicken dish is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and citrusy flavors.
  • It's easy to customize with different herbs and spices.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.

I love the crispy texture of the Pecorino crust and the bright, tangy flavor of the lemon sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a truly delightful experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Garlic mashed potatoes, Roasted vegetables, or a Simple green salad.

Flavorful Variations

Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture. Use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino. Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick. For a vegan version, use tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute and dairy-free cream.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

The Best Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Pin it
The Best Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Chef's Helpful Tips

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.
Coat the chicken evenly with the crust mixture.
Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken.
Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth or simmering longer.
Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.

This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a stunning dish that combines texture, flavor, and freshness. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful chicken as much as I do.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for Pecorino Romano.
→ Can I make the sauce lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
→ How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
→ Can I prepare the chicken crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
→ What are good side dishes for this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad pair well with this dish.

Lemon Pecorino Chicken

This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken features tender chicken with a zesty lemon crust, served with a creamy and tangy lemon sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
03 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 2 large eggs, beaten
06 2 tbsp olive oil
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Creamy Lemon Sauce

08 1 tbsp olive oil
09 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 1/4 cup chicken broth
11 1 tbsp lemon zest
12 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 1 clove garlic, minced
14 Salt and pepper, to taste
15 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large plate, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another plate, mix the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the Pecorino-panko mixture. Press down gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 03

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and transfer to plates. Spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Variations: For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for the sauce.
  2. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
  3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then cook it when ready to serve.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ovenproof skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Plates
  • Bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten
  • Eggs