Introduction

Lemon Chicken Romano is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home. With a tangy lemon sauce and a golden, cheesy crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests.

Lemon Chicken Romano: Crispy Delight for Cozy Dinners Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour)
2 large eggs (can substitute with a flax egg for vegan options)
1 cup grated Romano cheese (Parmesan is a good substitute)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (fresh zest preferred)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (fresh juice is best)
1/2 cup chicken broth (can use vegetable broth)
1/4 cup dry white wine (substitute with more chicken broth if avoiding alcohol)
2 tablespoons olive oil (vegetable oil can be used)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (any fresh herbs can be used)
2 slices lemon (for presentation and flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set up a dredging station with three dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of grated Romano cheese and lemon zest in the third.
Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the cheese and lemon zest mixture.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the coated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Pour fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and dry white wine into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce, heating through for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the chicken topped with sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Swap Romano cheese with Parmesan if you prefer a milder taste.
For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax egg and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
If you don’t have white wine, extra broth works well to keep the sauce rich.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken crispy and the sauce warm. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the chicken dry before flattening and seasoning to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.

What can I serve with Lemon Chicken Romano?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad. Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus also complement the tangy flavors nicely.

Lemon Chicken Romano: Crispy Delight for Cozy Dinners Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

Lemon Chicken Romano is a crispy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a zesty Romano cheese and lemon zest crust, pan-fried to golden perfection and finished with a bright lemon, white wine, and chicken broth sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of crispy texture and tangy citrus notes.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour)
2 large eggs (can substitute with a flax egg for vegan options)
1 cup grated Romano cheese (Parmesan is a good substitute)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (fresh zest preferred)

Sauce and Garnish

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (fresh juice is best)
1/2 cup chicken broth (can use vegetable broth)
1/4 cup dry white wine (substitute with more chicken broth if avoiding alcohol)
2 tablespoons olive oil (vegetable oil can be used)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (any fresh herbs can be used)
2 slices lemon (for presentation and flavor)

Instructions

Preparation: Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
Set up dredging station: In separate dishes, place the flour, beat the eggs, and mix the grated Romano cheese with lemon zest. This setup is essential for the coating process.
Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the cheese and lemon zest mixture to create a flavorful crust.
Heat the skillet: Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Prepare the sauce: Add fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and dry white wine to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the tangy sauce and heating through for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, spoon the sauce over them, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for a refreshing presentation and added flavor.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute chicken breasts with firm tofu or seitan and use flax eggs instead of eggs.
Using fresh lemon zest and juice is crucial for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice and dried zest will diminish the brightness.
If avoiding alcohol, replace the white wine with additional chicken or vegetable broth.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain crispiness.
Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Romano, Crispy Chicken, Zesty Chicken Recipe, Pan-fried Chicken, Romano Cheese Chicken, Cozy Dinner Recipes