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Golden-brown Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken drizzled with creamy lemon sauce and topped with fresh herbs on a serving plate.

Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins

  • ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan works as a substitute)

  • ¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup milk

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup chicken broth

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp butter


Instructions

  1. Flatten the Chicken:
    Gently pound chicken tenderloins with a meat mallet for even thickness and tenderness.

  2. 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.

  3. Coat the Chicken:
    Dredge each tenderloin in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Create the Roux:
    Whisk in 1 tbsp flour, cooking for 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.

  7. Add the Liquids:
    Slowly whisk in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase heat slightly, stirring until the sauce thickens.

  8. Finish the Sauce:
    Stir in lemon juice and 1 tbsp butter for a smooth, silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  9. 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

  • For extra crunch: Use fresh panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan.

  • Make it lighter: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes instead of frying.

  • Storage: Keep chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers; reheat chicken in the oven to maintain crispiness.

 

  • 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