Description
Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken: Tangy, cheesy, and crispy chicken coated in zesty lemon and pecorino. A crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds/900g)
- 1½ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (100g) grated pecorino Romano cheese (aged at least 6 months for best flavor)
- Zest of 2 large unwaxed lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of approximately ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness in your Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station Prepare three shallow dishes for your breading process. In the first dish, combine the flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. In the second, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. For the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated pecorino Romano, lemon zest, thyme, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper until well combined. The fragrance of this mixture will give you a preview of the incredible flavors in your finished dish.
- Step 3: Bread the Chicken Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-pecorino mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly and evenly coated. Place the breaded pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to help the coating adhere properly.
- Step 4: Cook to Perfection Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll know your Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is perfectly cooked when the exterior is a beautiful golden color and the aroma of lemon and cheese fills your kitchen.
- Step 5: Rest and Serve Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean wire rack and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite of your Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is as succulent as possible. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, which brightens the flavors and adds a final touch of zesty freshness.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 140 mg