Description
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, this Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is your new go-to dinner for nights when you crave something special yet simple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan works as a substitute)
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Flatten the Chicken: Gently pound chicken tenderloins with a meat mallet for even thickness and tenderness.
- Prepare Dredging Stations: In three bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino cheese in the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each tenderloin in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Whisk in 1 tbsp flour, cooking for 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Liquids: Slowly whisk in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase heat slightly, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and 1 tbsp butter for a smooth, silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken and drizzle the creamy lemon sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Pecorino if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken, chicken recipe, easy dinner recipe