Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken

Here’s a vibrant, crunchy, and flavor-packed dinner recipe: Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken! 🍋🧀 Perfectly crispy on the outside with a burst of citrus and savory cheese, this dish is easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests.

🍋🧀 Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken

✅ Crispy coating with real flavor

✅ Juicy chicken, baked or pan-fried

✅ Tangy lemon + salty Pecorino punch

🧂 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Zest of 1 large lemon

• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crisp)

• ¼ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking or frying)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

   • Pound chicken to even thickness (about ½ inch).

   • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Breading Station:

   • Bowl 1: Flour

   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

   • Bowl 3: Mix panko, breadcrumbs, Pecorino, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt/pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Dredge chicken in flour → dip in eggs → coat in breadcrumb/Pecorino mixture.

   • Press well to ensure the coating sticks.

4. Cook (Two Options):

   🔹 Oven-Baked:

   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

   • Spray with oil or drizzle lightly with olive oil.

   • Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

   🔹 Pan-Fried:

   • Heat 2–3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

5. Serve:

   • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

   • Garnish with extra grated Pecorino, parsley, or lemon slices.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

• Serve with a simple arugula salad and vinaigrette.

• Pair with buttered noodles, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

• Great in a sandwich or sliced over a Caesar salad!

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Use Parmesan if Pecorino isn’t available (milder flavor).

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.

• Turn it into chicken cutlet sliders with lemon aioli and greens!

Want a gluten-free version, air fryer instructions, or a printable recipe card?