Description
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor — this Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is your new go-to dinner for nights when you crave something special yet simple. Tender chicken tenderloins are coated in a zesty lemon-Pecorino crust and pan-fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a creamy lemon sauce that’s pure comfort on a plate. Quick, flavorful, and family-approved!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
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½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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Zest of 1 lemon
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¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan works as a substitute)
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¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp + 1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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¼ cup milk
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¾ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup chicken broth
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp butter
Instructions
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Flatten the Chicken:
Gently pound chicken tenderloins with a meat mallet for even thickness and tenderness. -
Prepare Dredging Stations:
In three bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino cheese in the third. -
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each tenderloin in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. -
Fry to Golden Perfection:
Heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches, 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels to drain. -
Make the Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Create the Roux:
Whisk in 1 tbsp flour, cooking for 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. -
Add the Liquids:
Slowly whisk in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase heat slightly, stirring until the sauce thickens. -
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in lemon juice and 1 tbsp butter for a smooth, silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning. -
Serve:
Plate the crispy chicken and drizzle the creamy lemon sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Pecorino if desired.
Notes
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For extra crunch: Use fresh panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Make it lighter: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes instead of frying.
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Storage: Keep chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers; reheat chicken in the oven to maintain crispiness.
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Pairing idea: Serve with roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 2 chicken tenderloins with sauce)
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg