When it comes to flavor-packed chicken recipes, Lemon Chicken Romano stands out as a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. This classic recipe combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with the zesty brightness of lemon, the richness of melted cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs. Perfect for dinner parties or a family meal, it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Chicken Romano
Picture this: tender, juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs, layered with melted mozzarella and provolone cheese, and finished with a spritz of lemon. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures. This dish is versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides, yet fancy enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Romano
Here’s everything you need to prepare this delicious dish:
Chicken and Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 (8–9 oz each, halved and pounded to ½-inch thick) |
| Whole Milk Mozzarella cheese | ½ cup (2 oz, shredded) |
| Provolone cheese | ½ cup (2 oz, shredded) |
| Large egg | 1 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Panko breadcrumbs | ¾ cup |
| Romano cheese (shredded) | ⅓ cup (packed, 1.25 oz) |
| Fresh oregano (minced) | 1 tablespoon, plus 1 tsp for garnish |
| Lemon zest | 2 teaspoons (from about 1 lemon) |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | ¾ teaspoon |
For Cooking and Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Olive oil | ⅓ cup |
| Lemon wedges | 4 (for spritzing) |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 2 teaspoons (minced) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Halve the chicken breasts through their thickness, then pound each piece to a uniform ½-inch thickness. Sprinkle each side lightly with salt and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Set Up the Coating Station
- In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour and egg until smooth.
- In another shallow dish, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Immediately press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat ⅓ cup olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry two chicken cutlets at a time, cooking for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or coated with nonstick spray.
5. Bake and Add Cheese
- Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining oregano and parsley, if using.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges for spritzing over the top.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Cutlet) |
| Calories | ~400 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Total Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~8g |
| Cholesterol | ~110mg |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Balanced Flavors
The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, creamy cheese, and zesty lemon creates a perfectly balanced
flavor profile. The garlic and herbs add depth, while the lemon zest brightens every bite.
2. Tender and Juicy Chicken
Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking, while the breading locks in moisture, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
3. Versatile Preparation
This dish works well for casual meals or elegant dinners. Pair it with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Romano
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh lemon zest, high-quality cheese, and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Frying
Frying the chicken before baking ensures a crispy coating that doesn’t get soggy in the oven.
3. Monitor the Oil Temperature
Keep the oil hot but not smoking. This ensures a golden crust without burning.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Fry the chicken in batches if needed to maintain even heat and crispness.
5. Let the Chicken Rest
Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes before serving helps retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti with a light lemon-butter sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the crispy chicken beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus or zucchini for a healthy side.
Light Options
- Arugula Salad: A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing pairing.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A protein-rich, nutty side dish that balances the richness of the chicken.
FAQs About Lemon Chicken Romano
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may require slightly longer cooking time.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
3. What can I use instead of Romano cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a great substitute if you don’t have Romano on hand.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can bread and fry the chicken in advance, then bake and add the cheese just before serving.
5. Can I air-fry the chicken instead of frying in oil?
Yes! Air-fry the breaded chicken at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, then add cheese and bake as directed.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Why You Should Try Lemon Chicken Romano
This dish is a true culinary treat. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight but elegant enough for a special occasion. The bright lemon zest, crispy coating, and gooey cheese create a flavor combination that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
Ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious Lemon Chicken Romano? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and savor the joy of cooking this delectable dish tonight!
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Lemon Chicken Romano: A Tangy, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy chicken layered with gooey cheese and a bright spritz of lemon, Lemon Chicken Romano is an irresistible fusion of textures and flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is as elegant as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8–9 oz each, halved and pounded to ½-inch thick)
- ½ cup whole milk mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup provolone cheese (shredded)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup Romano cheese (shredded, packed)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano (minced, plus 1 tsp for garnish)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- For Cooking and Serving
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 4 lemon wedges (for spritzing)
- 2 tsp fresh parsley (optional, minced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Halve and pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Lightly season with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Set Up the Coating Station
- Mix flour and egg in one dish.
- In another dish, combine breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry, dredge in the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken cutlets for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Add Cheese
- Sprinkle chicken with mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with oregano, parsley (optional), and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; work in batches if necessary.
- Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
