Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Flavorful and Easy Meal

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Looking for a tasty and simple chicken dish? My Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken combines fresh flavors and a golden crust. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and it’s perfect for any meal. With basic ingredients and a few steps, you can impress family and friends. Ready to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon and Pecorino Romano cheese creates a refreshing and tangy flavor profile that elevates the chicken to new heights.
2. Crunchy Texture: The use of breadcrumbs, especially panko, gives the chicken a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
3. Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for weeknight dinners, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
4. Versatile Serving: Pair this dish with a variety of sides, such as salads or roasted vegetables, to create a well-rounded meal that suits any occasion.

Ingredients

When making Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken, gather these tasty ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

– Zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus juice of another lemon

– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

These ingredients create a wonderful blend of flavors. The chicken provides protein, while the breadcrumbs and Pecorino cheese add crunch and richness. Fresh lemons bring brightness, and garlic and thyme add depth.

Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken and cheese elevate the dish. Choose high-quality breadcrumbs for the best crust.

This dish is simple yet impressive. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To start, you need to prep the chicken. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. This helps keep things tidy. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it gently. Aim for an even thickness of about 1 inch. This step is vital because even thickness ensures the chicken cooks well.

Creating the Mixture

Next, let’s make the mixture. Grab a large mixing bowl. Combine these dry ingredients: breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well. This helps blend all the flavors together.

Setting Up the Breading Station

Now, let’s set up your breading station. You will need three shallow dishes. Fill one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the last with your breadcrumb mixture. This assembly line makes breading faster and easier.

Coating the Chicken

It’s time to coat the chicken. Take each breast and dredge it in flour first. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Aim for a thick layer of crumbs for a crispy crust.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, let’s cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to turn a lovely golden-brown color and get nice and crispy.

Finishing in the Oven

After frying, it’s time to finish cooking in the oven. Squeeze the juice of the second lemon over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step is crucial to ensure the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Crust

– For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They make the crust light and crispy.

– You can swap breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crackers for a fun twist.

Flavor Enhancements

– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. It gives a nice kick to the dish.

– Consider mixing in grated lemon zest. It boosts the lemon flavor even more.

– Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add depth. Use them for a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. They balance the rich flavors perfectly.

– For a beautiful plate, place the chicken on a bed of greens. Drizzle lemon juice on top to brighten the dish.

– Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra pop of color. It also adds a fresh squeeze for each bite.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

You can switch up the cheese for fun flavors. Here are two great choices:

– Cheddar: This cheese adds a sharp and creamy taste. It melts well and pairs nicely with the lemon.

– Parmesan: A classic choice, Parmesan brings a nutty flavor. It also creates a nice crust when baked.

Cooking Method Alternatives

You can try different cooking methods for this dish. Here are two options:

– Air-Fried Version: Use an air fryer to make this chicken. It cooks quickly and keeps the chicken juicy while making the crust crispy.

– Grilled Option: Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Simply bread the chicken and grill it for a delicious twist.

Dietary Adjustments

If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps you can make:

– Gluten-Free Substitutions: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten.

– Dairy-Free Alternatives: Swap Pecorino for a dairy-free cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you follow these steps, your chicken will stay tasty and safe to eat.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the crust crispy and the chicken juicy.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken for up to three months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn.

Thawing Recommendations

To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge a day before you plan to eat it. This slow method keeps the chicken safe. If you need it fast, place it in cold water for about an hour. Check often to ensure the water stays cold.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. The cooking time will change. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook than boneless ones. I suggest adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

What can I serve with Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken?

You have many great options for side dishes. Here are some ideas:

– Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.

– A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

– Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

– Lemon or herb rice for a light touch.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, try these suggestions:

– Mix in some red pepper flakes with the breadcrumb mixture.

– Use a spicy paprika instead of regular paprika.

– Add sliced jalapeños to the side when serving.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Checking the internal temperature is key. Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check if the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken.

This blog post showed you how to make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken. We covered key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best results. By following clear steps, you can create a delicious dish that your family will love. Remember to experiment with flavors and adjust for dietary needs. With these insights, you’ll feel confident in the kitchen. Enjoy your cookin

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated with a flavorful lemon and Pecorino Romano crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus juice of another lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Working with one chicken breast at a time, place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
• Create the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
• Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: fill one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick layer of crumbs.
• Cook the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
• Finish in the Oven: Squeeze the juice of the second lemon over the chicken and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Serve Hot: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula with lemon wedges.

Keyword baked, chicken, crusted, lemon, Pecorino

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