Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken Recipe: A Tangy Dinner Gem

Crafting a mouthwatering zesty italian lemon pecorino chicken dish brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen.

Bright citrus notes dance with sharp cheese in this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Succulent chicken becomes a canvas for bold, vibrant flavors that spark excitement.

Herbs and lemon combine effortlessly, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Crisp pecorino adds a salty, tangy dimension that makes every bite memorable.

Come explore this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate!

Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken Highlights

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon and sharp pecorino cheese create a mouthwatering taste experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Simple dredging steps and straightforward pan-frying method make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, guaranteeing a professional-looking meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Fast preparation and minimal ingredients mean you can whip up a restaurant-quality dinner in under half an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust breadcrumb mix or sauce ingredients to match personal preferences, making this recipe a versatile kitchen staple for creative cooks.

What Goes Into Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein for this zesty Italian dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Eggs: Create a classic breading technique to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs, Lemon Zest, Pecorino Cheese: Provide a crispy, flavorful exterior with bright citrus and sharp cheese notes.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for frying the chicken and creating a rich, golden coating.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Italian flavor to the sauce.
• Milk, Cream, Chicken Broth: Form the creamy base of the sauce with complex layered flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy brightness that complements the chicken and cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Cooking Steps For Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Grab your meat mallet and gently pound the chicken tenderloins until they reach an even thickness.

This helps the chicken cook uniformly and ensures a tender bite.

Step 2: Create Dredging Stations

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumb mixture (combine breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated pecorino cheese)

Dip each tenderloin first into flour, then egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Sizzle and Golden Fry

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken is fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes per side.

If needed, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Lemon Sauce

In a saucepan, warm olive oil and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic essence.

Step 5: Build the Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the garlic oil and whisk.

Slowly pour in milk, cream, and chicken broth.

Increase heat to medium-high, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Bright Citrus Notes

Remove the sauce from heat.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and a pat of butter, creating a luxurious, tangy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Generously drizzle the creamy lemon sauce over the crispy chicken cutlets.

Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Secrets For Making Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken Great

• Use a meat mallet with gentle, even strokes to create uniform chicken thickness for consistent cooking.
• Freshly grated lemon zest adds bright, citrusy notes that elevate the entire dish's aromatic profile.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to ensure the flour and breadcrumb mixture adheres beautifully and creates a crisp exterior.
• Use medium heat when frying to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the delicate breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk continuously while adding liquid ingredients to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce consistency.

Fresh Takes On Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic coating that adds earthy flavors to the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Twist: Incorporate Greek yogurt into the sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top to enhance the tangy, Mediterranean profile of the dish.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture and include a dash of cayenne in the sauce for those who enjoy a subtle heat with their lemony chicken.

Serving Ideas To Complement Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Platter: Arrange crispy chicken on a bed of zesty arugula, drizzle with lemon cream sauce, and sprinkle fresh parmesan shavings for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Bright Mediterranean Sides: Pair with roasted garlic rosemary potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a light Mediterranean quinoa salad to complement the chicken's tangy profile.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Serve with a chilled pinot grigio or crisp sauvignon blanc to enhance the lemon and pecorino notes, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into gourmet sandwiches or slice over mixed green salads for a delicious next-day lunch option.

How To Store Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles. Add a tablespoon of sauce or water to prevent chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

• Why flatten the chicken tenderloins?

Flattening ensures even cooking and creates a uniform thickness, which helps the chicken cook quickly and prevents dry or undercooked spots.

• What's the purpose of dredging in three different stations?

Dredging creates a crispy, flavorful coating by layering flour for adhesion, egg for binding, and seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch and extra taste.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have pecorino cheese?

You can use parmesan or romano cheese as alternatives, which have similar sharp and salty flavor profiles that work well in this recipe.

Zesty Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Italian Lemon Pecorino Chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with zesty, bright flavors. Juicy chicken kissed with tangy lemon and sharp pecorino cheese invites you to savor a delightful culinary journey through Italy’s delicious landscapes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 8 2-ounces (56 grams) chicken tenderloins

Coating and Breading:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (8 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
• Zest from 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Gently pound chicken tenderloins to create uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking.
2. Prepare three separate dredging stations: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a zesty blend of breadcrumbs, freshly grated lemon zest, and grated pecorino cheese.
3. Carefully coat each tenderloin by first dipping in flour, then completely covering in egg wash, and finally rolling thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
4. Warm a large nonstick skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat (around 350°F), creating a golden cooking surface.
5. Fry chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
7. In a separate saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic and lightly golden.
8. Incorporate flour into the garlic, then gradually whisk in milk, cream, and chicken broth, creating a smooth base.
9. Increase heat to medium-high, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes while stirring consistently.
10. Remove sauce from heat, then finish by stirring in fresh lemon juice and butter for a vibrant, rich flavor.
11. Generously drizzle warm sauce over crispy chicken before serving, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and tender texture throughout the meat.
• Try gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the crispy coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to help breading adhere perfectly and create a crispier golden crust.
• Allow sauce to rest briefly after cooking to develop richer, more concentrated flavors before drizzling over the chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 274 kcal
• Sugar: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg