Description
Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken brings a tangy Mediterranean twist to your dinner table that sparks serious flavor excitement. Crisp breading, sharp pecorino, and bright citrus notes create a restaurant-worthy meal your family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Pecorino Romano Cheese
Liquid & Seasonings:
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Milk
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Pound 1 lb chicken tenderloins to a consistent ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
- Create three separate preparation stations: one bowl with 1 cup all-purpose flour, another with 2 beaten large eggs, and a third containing 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 Tbsp lemon zest and ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Dredge each chicken piece through the flour, shaking off excess, then fully submerge in egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat (375°F). Carefully place breaded chicken into the pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For the sauce, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 Tbsp olive oil until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Whisk in 2 Tbsp flour, then gradually incorporate 1 cup milk, ½ cup heavy cream, and 1 cup chicken broth.
- Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Transfer crispy chicken to serving plates and generously drizzle warm lemon sauce over the top, ensuring each piece gets an even coating.
Notes
- Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture throughout each piece.
- Create a smooth breading station with three separate bowls to make coating quick and mess-free.
- Use a combination of olive oil and butter for frying to enhance flavor and prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 541 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg