Description
Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken is a flavorful and crispy baked or pan-fried chicken dish coated in a lemony pecorino-parmesan crust — juicy inside, golden outside, and bursting with bold citrusy-herb flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying) or spray oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet with oil over medium heat if pan-frying.
- Set up a dredging station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs and lemon juice, one plate with a mix of Pecorino, Parmesan, panko, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken piece first in flour, then egg mixture, then the breadcrumb-cheese coating. Press to adhere.
- For oven method: place on a greased baking rack over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For pan-fry method: cook chicken in hot olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use Pecorino for a sharp, salty flavor — substitute with Parmesan if preferred.
- Serve with arugula salad, pasta, or roasted potatoes.
- Double the zest for a more intense lemony bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon pecorino chicken, crispy chicken, baked parmesan chicken, citrus chicken, Italian chicken recipe