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Golden-brown crispy chicken thighs topped with zesty lemon slices and sprinkled with finely grated Pecorino cheese on a elegant white plate, garnished with fresh herbs, vibrant yellow lemon wedges, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, with a clean, bright background

Lemon Pecorino Chicken – Crispy, Creamy & Flavor-Packed!

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Enjoy the crispy, creamy, and flavor-packed Lemon Pecorino Chicken, an Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken breasts coated with a flavorful pecorino crust, infused with lemon zest, and cooked to perfection. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, this recipe offers a zesty, cheesy taste explosion with crispy textures that will delight your palate.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  2. Mix grated pecorino cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and lemon zest in a shallow dish to create a flavorful crispy coating.
  3. Dip each chicken breast in olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the pecorino breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere evenly.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. During the last minute, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add a burst of citrus flavor.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour.
  • Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste, adding extra lemon zest or herbs if desired.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Any

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg