Irresistibly Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistibly Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Delight combines crispy, golden chicken tenderloins with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish offers a flavorful twist on classic fried chicken.

Ingredients

• 8 pieces (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 zest from lemon
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ¼ cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gently flatten the chicken tenderloins using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
3. Step 3: Coat each tenderloin first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat.
4. Step 4: Heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
5. Step 5: Fry the coated chicken tenderloins in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
6. Step 6: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Step 8: Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
9. Step 9: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
10. Step 10: Stir in lemon juice and 1 tablespoon butter until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
11. Step 11: Serve the crispy chicken tenderloins drizzled with the zesty lemon Pecorino sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor and be careful not to include the bitter white pith.
• For extra crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with the cheese and lemon zest.
• Substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if desired.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet to maintain crispiness, and warm the sauce gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts sliced into thin strips. Flatten them evenly for consistent cooking and adjust frying time as needed.

Is it necessary to make the lemon sauce separately?

Making the sauce separately allows the chicken to stay crispy and ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the sauce without becoming soggy.

Irresistibly Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 124 reviews

Indulge in the irresistible zesty flavors of Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Delight. Tender chicken tenderloins are expertly flattened, breaded with a savory mix of panko, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano cheese, then pan-fried to golden crispy perfection. Finished with a creamy, tangy lemon sauce simmered with garlic, cream, and chicken broth, this dish is a vibrant and elegant entrée perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 8 pieces (2-ounce each) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 lemon zest (from one lemon)
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Sauce:

• ¼ cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

1. Flatten: Gently flatten each chicken tenderloin using a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for cooking.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each tenderloin first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even layer.
4. Heat the Pan: In a large nonstick skillet, heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until hot and melted.
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded tenderloins in batches, cooking for about 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
6. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Create the Roux: Add 1 tablespoon flour to the garlic and oil, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux without lumps.
8. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine.
9. Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
10. Finish Sauce: Stir in fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon butter for brightness and richness, then season with salt and pepper to taste as desired.
11. Serve: Plate the crispy chicken tenderloins and spoon the creamy lemon Pecorino sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best results.

Notes

• Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Using panko breadcrumbs with lemon zest and Pecorino gives a flavorful, crispy crust.
• Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain crispiness.
• The creamy sauce can be adjusted in thickness by simmering longer or adding more broth.
• Fresh lemon juice enhances the dish’s bright, zesty flavor.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: crispy chicken, lemon chicken, Pecorino Romano, pan-fried chicken, creamy lemon sauce, breaded chicken tenderloins