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Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano is a bright and zesty chicken dish featuring a crispy Parmesan crust and fresh lemon juice and zest. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it offers a delightful combination of tangy citrus and savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating

  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well. If they are thick, pound lightly to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Season the flour with salt and pepper in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl until smooth. In a third bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the Parmesan mixture, making sure every side is evenly coated.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts carefully into the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Lemon Juice: Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken directly in the pan or on the serving plate to enhance the zesty flavor. Garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks quickly and evenly without drying out.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed juice and zest make a significant difference compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to keep the crust crisp and prevent steaming.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.
  • Choose Quality Parmesan: Freshly grate Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, crispy chicken, Parmesan crust, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken