Description
Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken: Crunchy chicken coated with tangy lemon and sharp pecorino cheese. Quick, flavorful, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 cup (100g) Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (Parmesan can substitute in a pinch)
- 1½ cups (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (12g) lemon zest (from approximately 2 large lemons)
- 2 teaspoons (2g) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (63g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken by placing each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pounding to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly with your fingers to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Using your dry hand, dredge a chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Transfer to the egg mixture and, using your wet hand, turn to coat completely. Finally, place in the breadcrumb mixture and, using your dry hand again, press the coating firmly onto both sides of the chicken. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, carefully add chicken breasts to the hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll see the coating becoming beautifully crisp with specks of lemon zest and cheese visible throughout.
- Step 5: Transfer your **Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken** to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest for 3-5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle each piece with a few drops of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. The final result should have a satisfyingly crunchy exterior with a moist, flavorful interior that showcases the perfect balance of lemon and Pecorino.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 mg