Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken

Welcome to my food blog! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor: Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken. This dish features tender chicken tenderloins, coated in a crispy panko and Pecorino Romano crust, paired with a luscious lemon cream sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is ideal for anyone who loves a mix of crispy textures and creamy flavors. The lemon zest and Pecorino Romano cheese add a delightful tang to the crispy coating, while the rich lemon cream sauce elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals who want a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Zest from 1 lemon
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

Method

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Using a meat mallet, flatten the tenderloins to an even thickness.
2. Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
3. Coat each tenderloin first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary. Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, cream, and chicken broth.
3. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and butter.
5. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet
• Three bowls for dredging
• Large nonstick sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Paper towels

Tips and Shortcuts

• Flatten the Chicken: Ensure even cooking by flattening the chicken to an even thickness.
• Dredging Tips: Keep one hand for dry ingredients and one hand for wet to avoid clumping.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Crispier Chicken: For extra crispiness, bake the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, and the sauce for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and heated through. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Pairing Suggestions

This Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes. For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for Pecorino Romano.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option? A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.

Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken as much as I do! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!

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