Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce recipe

Here’s a delicious and elegant recipe for Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce — a perfect dish when you want something crisp, tangy, and indulgently creamy. The pecorino adds salty, nutty flavor to the crust, while the lemon cream sauce balances it with brightness and richness.

🍋 Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)

• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch).

2. In one shallow bowl: mix pecorino, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt & pepper.

3. In another bowl: beat the eggs.

4. In a third bowl: place flour for dredging.

🔹 Step 2: Bread and Cook the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into egg, then coat in the pecorino breadcrumb mixture.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Pan-fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

4. Remove and keep warm.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in cream, lemon juice, zest, and pecorino.

4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🔹 Step 4: Plate and Serve

• Spoon sauce over the crispy chicken.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or lemon slices.

• Serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple arugula salad.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add herbs to the crust (e.g., thyme or rosemary) for extra flavor.

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

• Lighten the sauce by using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream.

• Want a kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Would you like a printable recipe card, or a low-carb version using almond flour and no breadcrumbs?