Description
This Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken features tender, golden chicken tenders coated in a flavorful lemon and Pecorino breadcrumb crust, topped with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. It’s a perfect balance of crispy and creamy, ideal for a quick dinner or special meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
Instructions
- Using a meat mallet, flatten the chicken tenderloins to an even thickness.
- Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Coat each tenderloin first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 3–5 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary. Drain on paper towels.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, cream, and chicken broth.
- Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and butter.
- Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon zest.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 165mg