Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken: A Dreamy Sauce Recipe

Zesty lemon pecorino crusted chicken brings a Mediterranean spark to your dinner table that’ll make taste buds dance.

Sharp pecorino cheese creates a golden, crispy exterior bursting with tangy flavors.

Bright citrus notes weave through each tender bite, promising a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant dish anyone can master.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a vibrant finishing touch that elevates the entire plate.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary base for this flavorful dish.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that creates a crispy, flavorful crust for the chicken.
• Flour: Helps create a golden-brown coating and adds texture to the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Combine to create a rich and tangy sauce that complements the crispy chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish and provides a pop of color.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds subtle flavor during searing.

Steps To Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken With Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting.

Step 2: Season the Star

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating

• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• All-purpose flour

Dunk each chicken breast into this magical mixture, pressing firmly to create a delicious armor of cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slide the coated chicken breasts into the pan, cooking until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Whip Up the Dreamy Sauce

• Toss in minced garlic and let it dance for a minute
• Pour in fresh lemon juice
• Add chicken broth
• Splash of heavy cream

Let everything simmer and mingle until the sauce becomes wonderfully thick and creamy.

Step 7: Plate and Celebrate

Arrange the chicken on plates, then shower it with the luxurious lemon sauce. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a final touch of freshness.

Helpful Tips For Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
• Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano for the most vibrant cheese taste and better coating adhesion.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance sauce's brightness by adding lemon zest alongside juice, which provides more intense citrus notes without excessive acidity.

Tasty Twists On Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Pecorino with a blend of dried Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired coating.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap Pecorino for a spicy Cajun seasoning mix, adding cayenne pepper and paprika to create a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Parmesan Almond Crust: Combine grated Parmesan cheese with crushed almonds for a nutty, crunchy alternative to the original Pecorino crust.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Goes Well With Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: This zesty white wine complements the lemony chicken with its bright, acidic profile and herbal undertones, cutting through the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: The earthy, tender asparagus provides a fresh, green contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken, balancing the dish's flavors and adding nutritional depth.
• Create Garlic Parmesan Risotto: This creamy, cheesy side dish echoes the Pecorino in the chicken's crust, while its smooth texture harmonizes with the lemon sauce's velvety consistency.
• Add Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A light, herb-infused quinoa salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes brings a refreshing, tangy element that enhances the chicken's bright, citrusy notes.

Storing Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

Your Questions Answered About Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• What makes Pecorino Romano special in this recipe?

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian sheep’s milk cheese that adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the chicken crust, creating a crispy and flavorful coating that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Pecorino Romano?

Parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute with a similar texture and flavor profile. Both are hard, aged cheeses that will provide a comparable crispy and savory crust for the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

Why Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Is Bursting With Flavor

• Craft Gourmet Delight: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speed Up Dinner Prep: Complete this sophisticated meal faster than ordering takeout, with straightforward steps that guarantee impressive results.
• Family-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy lemon, rich Pecorino cheese, and creamy sauce that appeals to both adults and kids, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Versatile Culinary Adventure: Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with a dish that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to execute.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 43-49 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon pecorino crusted chicken dances with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising a culinary journey through Italian-inspired elegance. Rich, creamy lemon sauce elevates each bite, inviting you to savor a restaurant-quality meal crafted with passion and simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pecorino romano cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a precise culinary workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for this lemon-infused chicken delicacy.
2. Calibrate oven temperature to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
3. Delicately season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
4. Create a crisp coating by blending Pecorino Romano cheese with flour in a shallow mixing vessel.
5. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the cheese-flour mixture, pressing firmly to establish a uniform crust.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden searing surface.
7. Carefully place coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet, achieving a rich golden-brown exterior on both sides (approximately 3-4 minutes per surface).
8. Migrate seared chicken to a baking dish, transferring into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through.
9. Utilize the same skillet to craft the luxurious sauce by sautéing minced garlic until aromatic.
10. Introduce lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for roughly 5 minutes.
11. Plate the golden-crusted chicken and cascade the creamy lemon sauce overtop.
12. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant final presentation.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality aged Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more intense flavor that elevates the chicken’s crust.
• Prevent Dryness: Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly juicy results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Sauce Consistency Control: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to maintain a silky, pourable texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 33-39 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg