Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that combines the tang of lemon with the savory richness of Pecorino cheese. It’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Pecorino cheese
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Pecorino cheese with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat each piece evenly with the Pecorino mixture.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier crust, mix breadcrumbs with the Pecorino cheese before coating the chicken.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aroma and flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crust’s texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino cheese?
Yes, Parmesan can be used as a substitute, although Pecorino has a sharper, saltier flavor that’s distinctive to this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The chicken holds up well when stored and can be quickly reheated for convenient meals throughout the week.
PrintLemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken Recipe
Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is a zesty and savory dish where tender chicken breasts are coated with grated Pecorino cheese and fresh lemon zest, then cooked to golden perfection. A creamy lemon sauce complements the crusted chicken, creating a delightful balance of tangy and rich flavors perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine grated Pecorino cheese and lemon zest. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat each breast evenly with the cheese and lemon zest mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crusted chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir continuously, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and heat for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Pecorino with Parmesan cheese, though Pecorino provides a sharper flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Lemon chicken, Pecorino crusted chicken, creamy lemon sauce, Italian chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner
