Description
This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a deliciously tangy and savory dish featuring crispy chicken breasts coated in a Pecorino Romano and flour crust. The chicken is first seared to a golden perfection, then baked to juicy tenderness. It’s served smothered in a luscious creamy lemon sauce made from fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, garlic, and heavy cream, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Lemon Sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Season the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and all-purpose flour thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the cheese-flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and generous crust.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken breasts and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts onto a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Make the creamy lemon sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich, creamy consistency.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy lemon sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.
- You can substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before searing to achieve a crispy crust.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
