Crispy Lemon Pecorino Chicken Recipe – Easy Chicken Dinner Idea
This Crispy Lemon Pecorino Chicken Recipe is the ultimate combination of flavor and texture. Juicy chicken cutlets are coated in a pecorino cheese crust with a hint of lemon zest, then baked or pan-fried until golden and crunchy. The best part? The crust stays crisp long after cooking. Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta for a complete meal that feels gourmet yet simple enough for weeknights.
Equipment
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Meat mallet (for pounding chicken evenly)
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet (for pan-frying) or baking sheet with wire rack (for baking)
- Zester or grater
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenders)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for crunch)
- ¾ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for frying or drizzling if baking)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Pecorino, lemon zest, parsley, and garlic powder in a third.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb-cheese mixture until fully coated.
- Cook:Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.Bake: Place coated chicken on wire rack over baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
- Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over chicken before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Variations: Add chili flakes for spice, oregano and olives for Mediterranean flair, or rosemary and cranberries for a holiday twist.
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness.
- Healthier Options: Bake instead of fry, use whole-grain breadcrumbs, and reduce cheese for a lighter crust.
- Pairings: Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables. Pair with white wine, lemonade, or sparkling water.
- Common Mistakes: Don’t overcrowd the pan, don’t skimp on cheese, and always zest lemon directly into the breadcrumb mix for maximum flavor.