There’s something magical about that crispy, cheesy crust, and when it’s paired with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, it’s an absolute winner. This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is just the dish you need to add a little extra oomph to your weeknight meals or impress at your next gathering. Imagine golden-brown chicken, coated in a tangy, cheesy layer that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
This recipe is one of those that hits all the sweet spots—it’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to make! Here’s why it’s going to become one of your go-to dishes:
Versatile:
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this chicken works for any occasion. You can whip it up when you’re craving something comforting, or serve it at a dinner party where your guests will be asking for the recipe by the end of the night.
Budget-Friendly:
The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to break the bank to create something that feels fancy and indulgent. This dish proves that with just a few key ingredients, you can make something that feels gourmet.
Quick and Easy:
Don’t worry, this isn’t a complicated recipe. It’s easy to follow, even for beginners! You won’t need any fancy skills to make this one—it’s straightforward, yet packs a punch in flavor.
Customizable:
Feel free to make it your own! Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle in some chili flakes. Prefer it with a little more zest? Add a touch of extra lemon. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust it to suit your taste!
Crowd-Pleasing:
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that this dish is loved by everyone. Whether you’ve got picky eaters or foodies at your table, Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients in Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
Here’s what makes this dish special. You don’t need a ton of ingredients, just the right ones to bring out the best flavor!
Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy chicken breasts are the base of this dish. They cook up perfectly with that golden, crispy crust.
Pecorino Cheese: The star of the crust! This Italian cheese brings a salty, savory flavor that perfectly complements the lemon and adds a satisfying crunch.
Lemon Zest: Fresh and fragrant, the zest of the lemon adds a pop of citrus that elevates the whole dish. You’ll get that tangy kick in every bite!
Breadcrumbs: To create that irresistible crunchy coating. Choose a good quality breadcrumb for the best texture.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth to the crust. The garlic flavor balances out the bright lemon perfectly.
Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive right into making this mouthwatering dish! Follow these simple steps to bring your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken to life:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything gets crispy and golden without any fuss.
Prepare the Crust: In a shallow bowl, combine Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs. Mix everything together until well-combined. The aroma will already have your mouth watering.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the crust stick better. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper for that extra layer of flavor.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the Pecorino mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is perfectly crispy.
Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. This will help lock in all those delicious juices.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy, lemony chicken with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or some buttery mashed potatoes.
How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to really round out your meal:
Fresh Salads
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini are a great choice to add some color and extra nutrition to the plate.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with a little garlic butter make for the perfect side dish to balance out the crispy, cheesy chicken.
Crusty Bread
A slice of warm, crusty bread is always a great option for soaking up any juices or sauces that may be left on the plate.
As a Standalone
Honestly, this chicken is hearty enough to be the star of the show. Just add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and it’s a complete meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some bonus tips to make sure your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken turns out perfect every time:
Prep Ahead
Save yourself some time by prepping the chicken and the crust mixture ahead of time. You can even coat the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up
Want a little more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the crust mixture for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments
If you’re going for a gluten-free version, swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you prefer to avoid dairy.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to keep that crispy crust intact!
Double the Batch
Make extra and freeze it for busy nights! This chicken freezes beautifully and will come in handy on days when you don’t have time to cook.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute Pecorino cheese with another cheese?
A1: Yes, you can! If you don’t have Pecorino, Parmesan works beautifully too. It will give you a similar nutty, salty flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep everything in advance. Coat the chicken with the crust mixture and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Then, just follow the cooking steps!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the crispy crust.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze the chicken before baking it. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to keep the crust crispy.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double the recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it—Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delicious, satisfying meal. You won’t regret it!
Print
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful chicken dish features a crispy, cheesy crust with a rich and creamy lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, Pecorino Romano, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the creamy lemon sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for extra flavor and a slight kick.
- Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- To make ahead, prepare the chicken and bake when ready. Reheat the sauce gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg