Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Cheesecake Factory-style Crusted Chicken Romano, featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a savory blend of panko bread crumbs, grated Romano cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading Stations:
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup (60 g) grated Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Cooking and Topping:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets. Use a meat mallet to pound them evenly if necessary to ensure uniform thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three separate shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko-Romano-parsley-lemon mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each cooked cutlet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 2 to 3 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired, and serve hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before breading.
- You can substitute Romano cheese with Parmesan if desired.
- If you prefer a lighter version, bake the breaded cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point and healthier fat option.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Cheesecake Factory, crusted chicken, Romano cheese, panko, mozzarella, pan-fried chicken, crispy chicken, chicken cutlets