Easy Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken Recipe
This Easy Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crispy Chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy crust and bright lemony flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded thin, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and Pecorino cheese mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection and finished with a fresh lemon juice drizzle. It’s an ultimate, simple dish that is packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading and Seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino cheese
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Other Ingredients
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan to ensure even frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add Lemon Juice: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice from one large lemon to add bright, zesty flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Pounding the chicken evenly ensures it cooks uniformly and stays juicy.
- If you prefer, you can swap Pecorino with Parmesan cheese.
- For a lighter version, bake instead of frying at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Always check chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s safely cooked.
- Adding garlic to the breadcrumb mixture can deepen the flavor if desired.
Keywords: crispy chicken, lemon chicken, pecorino chicken, panko breaded chicken, easy chicken recipe, Italian crispy chicken
