Chicken Costoletta ( The Cheesecake Factory Copycat )

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Chicken Costoletta is the perfect recipe for a weekday dinner win or weekend treat. Crispy, lemon-y, and smothered in creamy sauce, this dish feels fancy but comes together in under an hour—ideal for busy moms, professionals, or anyone craving comfort food without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Costoletta

Fast yet impressive – ready in about 45 minutes
Kid-friendly crunch – bonus points with brisk cook time!
Cheesecake Factory vibes – all the flavor, none of the takeout guilt
Lemon zest brightness – lightens the rich sauce beautifully

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Costoletta

8 (2‑ounce) chicken tenderloins
½ cup all‑purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Zest from 1 lemon
¼ cup grated pecorino romano cheese
¼ cup extra‑virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon extra‑virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon all‑purpose flour
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup milk
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prep the Tenderloins

Flatten each chicken piece with a meat mallet until even in thickness—this helps them cook evenly.

2. Set Up a Breading Station

Bowl 1: flour
Bowl 2: whisked eggs
Bowl 3: panko + lemon zest + pecorino
Coat each tenderloin sequentially: flour → egg → breadcrumb mix.

3. Pan‑Fry the Chicken

Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, fry chicken 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels; set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt oil over low‑medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes. Whisk in flour until slightly bubbly.

Slowly stir in milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in butter until silky.

5. Plate and Serve

Arrange chicken on plates and spoon sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with lemon zest or parsley, if you like.

Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens )

Sauce too thick? Thin it with a splash more broth or milk.
Breadcrumbs soggy? Use fresh panko and don’t stack chicken after frying.
Make‑ahead alert: You can prep the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first tested this Chicken Costoletta on a raucous Thursday night when my kids burst in hungry after soccer practice. They devoured it in minutes, complete with crunchy breadcrumbs and creamy sauce—declaring it “fancier than grandma’s!” Since then, it’s been our go‑to when we want something comforting and restaurant‑worthy without blowing our schedule.

Crispy Chicken Costoletta served with creamy lemon sauce, asparagus, and corn on the cob — Chicken Costoletta plated to perfection—crispy, golden, and topped with a rich, creamy sauce

FAQs About Chicken Costoletta ( The Cheesecake Factory Copycat )

Can I substitute pecorino romano?

Sure! Parmesan works too—you’ll still get that salty, nutty flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. Keeps well for 2–3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes—just flatten them similarly and adjust cooking time (a bit longer, about 4‑6 minutes per side).

Bring the Restaurant Experience Home with Chicken Costoletta

You’ll walk away from this Chicken Costoletta feeling like you’ve pulled off a little kitchen magic—crispy, creamy, lemony goodness that brings that Cheesecake Factory flair right to your dinner table, without ever having to leave the house. It’s comfort food with a polished twist, and best of all, you made it yourself!

Whether you’re impressing guests, feeding picky eaters, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers. The textures, the sauce, the aroma—everything comes together in that just-right way that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

So go ahead, give it a try tonight. Pour a glass of wine (or bubbly water, no judgment!), crank up your favorite playlist, and enjoy every crispy, creamy bite.

More Chicken Recipes to Savor Next

If Chicken Costoletta sparked joy in your kitchen, wait until you try a few more of our crowd-pleasing chicken creations. Whether you’re in the mood for something grilled, creamy, or globally inspired, here are some perfect next stops on your flavor journey:

Craving more restaurant-inspired comfort food? Try this crispy and tangy Crusted Chicken Romano for another Cheesecake Factory classic brought to life at home.
If you’re into bright, citrusy flavors like in today’s recipe, you’ll love the zesty twist in these Lemon Basil Chicken Kebabs—perfect for your next cookout.
For a cozy, creamy twist, our Alfredo Chicken Lasagna layers indulgence with ease, ideal for a hearty family meal.
Want something quick yet satisfying on a chill night? Whip up a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup—a hug in a bowl, basically.

Let your chicken adventures continue with these tasty options—your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!