Lemon Chicken Romano
Lemon Chicken Romano is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Romano cheese crust enhanced with fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. This recipe balances bright citrusy notes with savory, nutty cheese and herbs, making it perfect for a hearty main or elegant appetizer that pleases the whole family.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Coating
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely grated Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 fresh lemons (for zest and juice)
- Prepare the Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½-inch to ensure uniform cooking and retain juiciness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the coating adhere better.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, finely grated Romano cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful, crisp crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly dust each chicken breast with flour, then dredge thoroughly in the Romano cheese mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly on all surfaces.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat to prevent burning while keeping the chicken tender.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Once the chicken is nearly cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each piece and let it simmer for an additional minute to enhance the bright, tangy flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded for consistent cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for best flavor impact.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.
- Maintain medium heat during cooking to avoid burning the cheese crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken Romano, lemon chicken, Romano cheese crust, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, gluten-free chicken