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Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

This dish features juicy chicken with a crunchy Pecorino crust and a silky smooth lemon cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Pounded to even thickness
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano For the crust
  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs or panko Mixed with Pecorino
  • 1 large egg Beaten for coating
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
  • 2 tablespoons butter For cooking
For the sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth For deglazing the pan
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream For the sauce
  • 1 lemon Juice and zest, for flavor
  • 1 clove garlic, minced For flavor
For garnish
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped Optional, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pound each chicken breast to even thickness then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Mix Pecorino and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Beat the egg in another dish.
  3. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then press into the Pecorino mixture to coat all over.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest on a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add garlic and the remaining butter to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape browned bits from the pan. Let broth reduce for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Heat for 1 minute more. Serve warm with sauce spooned on top.

Notes

Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Make sure to press the crust on well to prevent it from falling off during cooking. Adjust heat to avoid burning the crust.