Lemon Chicken Romano Recipe
Lemon Chicken Romano is a flavorful and crispy skillet-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in Romano cheese and a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant 30-minute meal, this recipe balances a crunchy exterior with bright, savory flavors, ideal for serving alongside fresh greens or roasted vegetables.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare dredging stations: Arrange three shallow dishes. Place all-purpose flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with a splash of water in the second, and freshly grated Romano cheese in the third. This setup will ensure an even coating on the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture to bind the coating, followed by a thorough coating with Romano cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the coated chicken breasts carefully without crowding to ensure even cooking. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Make the lemon garlic sauce: Remove cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits to create a quick flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Plate the crispy lemon chicken and drizzle the lemon garlic sauce over the top. Serve alongside fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to retain a crispy crust.
- Using freshly grated Romano cheese is key for the distinct flavor and texture.
- Adjust lemon juice amount to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy sauce.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F to ensure safety.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Lemon chicken, Romano cheese chicken, skillet chicken, crispy chicken breast, lemon garlic sauce