Irresistibly Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Delight Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Flatten: Gently flatten each chicken tenderloin using a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create the Roux: Add 1 tablespoon flour to the garlic and oil, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux without lumps.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
- 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.
- 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
