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Lemon Pecorino Chicken

Crispy Lemon Pecorino Chicken

Golden-brown chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy lemon and Pecorino crust, drizzled with a creamy lemon sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for perfect weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tablespoon for sauce
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus 1 tablespoon for sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided (2 tablespoons for cooking, 1 tablespoon for sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Meat mallet
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Place chicken tenderloins between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they reach an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Set up breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in first bowl, beaten eggs in second bowl, and mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano in third bowl.
  3. Working with one tenderloin at a time, coat in flour and shake off excess, dip into egg allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture using your palm to ensure complete coverage on all sides. Let breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until mixture shimmers (about 2-3 minutes). To test readiness, drop a breadcrumb in oil - it should sizzle immediately. Place breaded chicken in pan leaving at least 1 inch between pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken to paper towel-lined plate. In medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Whisk 1 tablespoon flour into garlic and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, cream, and chicken broth while whisking constantly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce lightly clings to spoon when lifted.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon butter until smooth. Drizzle over crispy chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let breaded chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.