Irresistible Lemon Chicken Romano Recipe
Lemon Chicken Romano is a deliciously crispy and zesty dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a golden Romano cheese crust, sautéed to perfection, and topped with a vibrant lemon garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings a burst of bright flavors and comforting textures, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings with family and friends.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken and Coating
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on serving size)
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to mix with eggs)
- 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating crisps up well. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one containing all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs mixed with a splash of water, and one filled with freshly grated Romano cheese. This setup will help create a perfect, even coating on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and then press firmly into the Romano cheese to ensure a thick, crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Prepare the Lemon Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, cooking for an additional minute to blend the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken breasts and drizzle the warm lemon garlic sauce over them. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired to add a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry to achieve the crispiest coating.
- Use freshly grated Romano cheese for the best flavor and texture in the crust.
- Monitor the heat carefully while cooking to avoid burning the cheese crust.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on your preference for tanginess.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil make a nice garnish to complement the dish.
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Romano, crispy chicken, lemon garlic sauce, fried chicken breast, Italian chicken recipe, Romano cheese crust