Lemon Chicken Romano

This Lemon Chicken Romano is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this cheesy entree combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the savory richness of cheese. Its crispy texture and tender chicken make it a standout choice for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and cheeses creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks to master.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a weeknight dinner or an elegant dish for gatherings, it suits any occasion.
• Quick Cooking Time: You can have this flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and enriched with vitamins from fresh herbs, it’s both satisfying and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your preparation.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Non-stick skillet
• Shallow dishes (for dredging)
• Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

Why These Tools Matter

• Non-stick skillet: Ensures easy frying without sticking, making cleanup simpler.
• Shallow dishes: Perfect for coating chicken evenly in egg and breadcrumbs.
• Meat mallet: Helps achieve uniform thickness in chicken breasts for even cooking.

Ingredients

This cheesy Lemon Chicken Romano is comfort food at its best!

For the Chicken

• 2 (8 – 9 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved through their thickness, and pounded to 1/2-inch thick

For the Cheese Topping

• 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Provolone cheese (or more mozzarella)

For the Coating Mixture

• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup (packed, 1.25 oz) finely shredded Romano cheese

For Seasoning

• 1 Tbsp minced fresh oregano (plus 1 more tsp for garnish)
• 2 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Cooking

• 1/3 cup olive oil

For Serving

• 4 lemon wedges for spritzing each serving (you can just use the one that was zested)
• 2 tsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make Lemon Chicken Romano

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, sprinkle each side of the chicken cutlets lightly with salt. Let them stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dredging Station

In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and flour until smooth. In another shallow dish, mix together the Panko bread crumbs, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Working with one cutlet at a time:
1. Dredge it in the egg mixture until both sides are coated; allow excess to run off.
2. Transfer immediately to the breadcrumb mixture and coat both sides thoroughly while pressing down so crumbs adhere well.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add two coated chicken cutlets:
– Fry without moving them until they are crispy and golden brown on one side (about 2 minutes).
– Use metal tongs to flip them over and cook until golden brown on the other side (about 2 minutes).

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the fried chicken onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Repeat frying with any remaining cutlets.
Toss together the Mozzarella and Provolone cheeses; mound this mixture over each piece of chicken.

Step 6: Final Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer—this should take about 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining oregano and parsley if desired. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for spritzing over each plate.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Chicken Romano!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Its cheesy, crispy exterior paired with the bright flavors of lemon makes it perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the flavors beautifully.

Serve over Pasta

• Lemon Garlic Pasta: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, this pasta dish adds a delightful contrast to the chicken’s cheese.
• Creamy Alfredo Pasta: The rich, creamy texture of Alfredo sauce pairs well with the crispy chicken.

Accompany with Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious side that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
• Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned and roasted asparagus adds a touch of elegance and flavor harmony to your plate.

Add a Grain

• Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a healthy grain option that complements the chicken nicely.
• Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic gives an aromatic base that soaks up any juices from the chicken.

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Romano

To achieve the perfect Lemon Chicken Romano, focus on key techniques that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips for success:

• Bold seasoning: Ensure you season both sides of the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
• Proper dredging technique: Coat each piece thoroughly in egg and breadcrumb mixture for an even crust.
• Heat control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown crust without burning.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and quality cheese for enhanced taste.
• Monitor cooking time: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165 degrees for optimal juiciness.
• Let it rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Romano

Pairing your Lemon Chicken Romano with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Consider these options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair perfectly with the crispy chicken.
2. Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles add freshness while soaking up flavors from the chicken.
3. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crisp, these sprouts provide a satisfying crunch alongside your dish.
4. Risotto Primavera: A creamy risotto loaded with seasonal vegetables is both comforting and upscale.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make for a refreshing side that enhances lemony notes.
6. Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach seasoned simply allows other flavors to shine while adding nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Chicken Romano, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the pounded chicken: Not pounding the chicken to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure each cutlet is about 1/2 inch thick for consistent results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper on each side of the chicken before cooking.
• Ignoring the oil temperature: Cooking in oil that’s not hot enough can make the breading soggy. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the chicken.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in batches if necessary.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Chicken Romano in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Romano

• To freeze, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Romano

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, until warmed through, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemon Chicken Romano?

Lemon Chicken Romano is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets topped with melted cheeses and zesty lemon flavor.

How do I customize Lemon Chicken Romano?

You can add herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor or swap out cheeses based on your preference.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken thighs or even turkey cutlets if you prefer.

What should I serve with Lemon Chicken Romano?

Pair it with pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Romano is a delightful dish that combines comfort food with bright, zesty flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!

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