Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce
This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a delightful and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with a crispy Pecorino Romano and flour crust. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven, then topped with a rich, creamy lemon sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon juice. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe balances tangy citrus flavors with savory cheese crust for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for balanced flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and all-purpose flour.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast evenly in the cheese and flour mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere well.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, creating a crisp crust.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Make the lemon sauce: While the chicken bakes, use the same skillet to sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For an extra citrusy punch, add some lemon zest to the cheese and flour mixture before coating the chicken.
- You can substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan cheese if necessary, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Make sure not to overbake the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, pecorino crusted chicken, creamy lemon sauce, baked chicken breasts, Italian chicken recipe