Description
This Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is a flavorful, golden chicken cutlet recipe coated in a crunchy pecorino-panko crust and topped with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
2 chicken cutlets
1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Butterfly the chicken breasts if needed and pound until about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and Pecorino.
3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, and then press into the breadcrumb-cheese mixture until fully coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
6. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes. Season lightly.
7. Plate the chicken and spoon the lemon butter sauce over top. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For ultra crispy results, let the breaded chicken sit for 5–10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.
Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brings out the citrusy brightness in the butter sauce.
Use a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels to keep the crust from going soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken Dinner
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, pecorino chicken, crispy chicken, garlic butter sauce