Quick & Tangy Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crispy and golden, our lemon pecorino crusted chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside tangy citrus notes, creating a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Sharp pecorino cheese adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the tender meat.

Weeknight cooking just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Bright lemon and salty cheese promise a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

Dive into this irresistible chicken that will make every bite a celebration of fresh, bold tastes.

Keeping Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Moist

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy crust.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain quality and taste.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to crisp the crust.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and texture. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Fresh Ideas For Pecorino Chicken

• Pair Bright Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine complements the zesty lemon and sharp Pecorino flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce while enhancing the chicken's delicate profile.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Tender green vegetable with light olive oil and sea salt provides a fresh, earthy contrast to the rich lemony chicken, balancing the meal's texture and taste.
• Create Herbed Couscous Side: Light, fluffy grain studded with fresh parsley and chives adds a delicate Mediterranean touch, soaking up the creamy lemon sauce and offering a perfect textural companion.
• Drizzle Herb Infused Olive Oil: Finish the dish with premium extra virgin olive oil mixed with fresh thyme and basil, adding another layer of aromatic complexity that elevates the entire chicken preparation.

Zesty Styles of Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the crispy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Pecorino Romano with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a lactose-free alternative that still offers rich taste.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the crunchy coating intact.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the coating mixture for an enhanced aromatic dimension and extra layer of flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What's the role of Pecorino Romano in this recipe?

Pecorino Romano adds a rich, salty, and tangy flavor to the chicken’s crust, creating a crispy, savory coating that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

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

Parmesan cheese is a great substitute. It provides a similar salty and nutty flavor profile that works well with the lemon and chicken.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also look white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour in both the chicken coating and sauce. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Worth The Extra Step

• Boost Weeknight Cooking: Quickly transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Hands-Off Preparation: Bake the chicken in the oven while effortlessly creating a tangy lemon cream sauce, allowing multitasking without constant monitoring.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Infuse each bite with bright lemon notes and rich Pecorino Romano cheese, creating a vibrant and sophisticated taste profile that elevates traditional chicken dishes.
• Family-Friendly Sophistication: Deliver restaurant-quality meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making dinner time exciting and delicious without complicated techniques.

Lemon Pecorino Crust Prep for Chicken

• Flour: Helps create a crispy, even crust for the chicken.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the coating.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy notes to the chicken crust.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Main protein of the dish, lean and tender cut.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brings fresh, tangy brightness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and seasons the sauce.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Method

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Station

Turn the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

• Flour
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Lemon zest
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients to create a delicious and zesty coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Carefully coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and generous layer of flavor.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Place the fully coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Lemon Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour.

Cook for one minute, stirring continuously to develop a rich base.

Step 7: Build the Sauce Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture.

Let it simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Enhance With Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it reaches a silky, slightly thickened consistency.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Generously drizzle the warm, tangy lemon sauce over the crispy baked chicken.

Serve immediately and savor the incredible flavor combination.

Chicken Tips For Lemon Pecorino Perfection

• Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the flour mixture for maximum citrusy aroma and intense flavor profile.
• Press the flour mixture firmly onto chicken breasts to create a crispy, even crust that locks in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results every time.
• Whisk chicken broth gradually and constantly to prevent lumps in the creamy lemon sauce.
• Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy lemon pecorino crusted chicken brings Mediterranean zest to weeknight dinners. Herbed breadcrumbs and tangy cheese create a golden, irresistible coating you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams total)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare an oven environment at 400°F (200°C) and create a non-stick surface on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Craft a textural coating by blending flour, Pecorino Romano, aromatic lemon zest, robust garlic powder, seasoning elements, and ground pepper in a shallow vessel.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring thorough and even coverage by gently pressing the mixture onto the protein.
4. Position the herb-encrusted chicken pieces strategically on the prepared baking sheet, allowing adequate spacing between each piece.
5. Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes until the chicken achieves perfect doneness with a golden, crispy exterior.
6. Concurrently, generate a luxurious sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.
7. Incorporate flour into the melted butter, whisking consistently to create a smooth roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
8. Gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking continuously to develop a silky, lump-free consistency.
9. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring attentively until the sauce reaches a desirable thickened state.
10. Enrich the sauce with heavy cream, tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and complementary seasoning elements.
11. Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer, developing deeper flavors and achieving a velvety texture.
12. Once the chicken emerges golden and crisp, lovingly drench the pieces with the creamy lemon sauce.
13. Present the dish immediately to preserve its optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Customize the crust by experimenting with different hard cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago for varied flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the same crispy texture.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help the flour mixture adhere more effectively and create a crispier crust.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg