Crispy Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano brings together crispy pan-seared chicken, sharp Romano cheese, and a bright burst of fresh lemon for a comforting dish that still feels light. The golden crust creates incredible texture, while the citrus adds a refreshing balance that makes every bite pop. This is the kind of dinner that feels elegant but stays easy enough for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy coating that stays golden and flavorful
• Bright lemon flavor that lifts the dish
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
• Works with pasta, rice, or veggies

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 chicken cutlets (or 2 breasts sliced thin)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Breading

• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Egg mixture

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Lemon Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat chicken cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice and lemon zest until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
4. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, then press into the Romano breadcrumb mixture to fully coat.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Transfer to a plate.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
8. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 2 minutes.
9. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top.
10. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
11. Scatter chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use grated Romano, not shredded, for even coating.
• Swap Romano with Parmesan if needed.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
• Serve with angel hair pasta for a classic pairing.
• For extra crispiness, bake coated chicken at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Use thin chicken cutlets so the crust browns evenly.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Lemon herb rice
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Simple garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges for extra brightness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Parmesan instead of Romano?

Yes, Parmesan works well, though Romano gives a sharper bite. Romano melts beautifully into the crust, but Parmesan creates a slightly nuttier flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have available.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off while cooking?

Make sure the chicken is dry before coating, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the cutlets, and avoid flipping too early. Cooking over medium heat helps the crust adhere and brown evenly without burning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture stays crispy, and the flavor remains the same. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free as well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Lemon Chicken Romano reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor. Store the chicken separately from sides, and add a bit of broth when reheating to maintain moisture.

Ready to Make It?

This Lemon Chicken Romano delivers bright citrus flavor, savory cheese, and crisp texture in one simple and comforting dish. Save it to your recipe board so you can make it whenever a fresh and cozy dinner sounds perfect.

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