Description
Indulge in the crispy, zesty goodness of Easy Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a crunchy coating infused with the brightness of lemon and the savory richness of Pecorino cheese. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently pound to an even thickness, approximately ½ inch.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add Lemon Juice: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and immediately drizzle with lemon juice from one large lemon.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 40g