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Lemon Chicken Romano

Lemon Chicken Romano

Crispy panko-crusted chicken cutlets topped with melted cheese and finished with a bright, creamy lemon sauce. Restaurant-quality dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts halved through thickness and pounded to ½-inch thick
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup olive oil for frying
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Romano cheese for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • 12-inch large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • 3 shallow dishes for breading
  • Meat mallet
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle each side of chicken cutlets lightly with salt and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Set up your three-station breading line. Place flour in the first shallow dish. Beat the 2 eggs in the second shallow dish. In the third dish, combine panko bread crumbs, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
  3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Working with 1 chicken cutlet at a time, dredge chicken in flour coating both sides and shaking off excess, dip into beaten eggs allowing excess to drip off, then immediately press into Romano-panko mixture coating both sides firmly to allow plenty of crumbs to adhere.
  4. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken cutlets 2 at a time until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
  5. Toss together mozzarella and provolone cheese and sprinkle in a mound over each chicken cutlet.
  6. Transfer to preheated oven and bake until internal temperature registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 8-10 minutes.
  7. For the sauce, add butter and garlic to the skillet over medium heat, sauté until light golden brown, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let simmer and reduce by about half, about 2 minutes.
  8. Stir together 1 tablespoon chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth, pour into broth mixture and cook stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
  9. Pour in cream, then reduce to low, add Romano cheese and cook just until melted and sauce is smooth.
  10. Remove chicken from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges and sauce drizzled over top.

Notes

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain coating crispiness. Reheat in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Can bread chicken cutlets up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking. Freeze uncooked breaded cutlets for up to 2 months.