Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bright, rich, and utterly satisfying, Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is your answer. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken with a zesty, cheesy crust and the most luscious lemon-infused sauce you can imagine. It’s a restaurant-quality plate you can easily whip up at home, transforming an ordinary night into something truly special. Each bite is the perfect harmony of crispy, creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Every ingredient in this Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce recipe serves a purpose – from the panko that gives an unbeatable crunch to the Pecorino that delivers a sharp, salty kick, and, of course, all the fresh lemon for that zippy brightness. These pantry staples and fresh finds combine to create a meal that looks and tastes downright impressive.

• Chicken Tenderloins: Use eight 2-ounce pieces for a tender, juicy base that cooks quickly and stays moist.
• All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting helps the egg and coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
• Large Eggs: Their richness acts as the glue between the flour and those crispy panko crumbs.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: This Japanese-style breadcrumb creates a gorgeously crisp, golden crust.
• Lemon Zest: Use fresh zest for a fragrant, citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the cheese and sauce.
• Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese: Salty and nutty, it makes the crust deeply flavorful and addictively savory.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds depth and richness both to frying the chicken and to making the sauce.
• Butter: Combines with olive oil for frying, and enriches the silky sauce with its creamy texture.
• Minced Garlic: A little goes a long way for added aroma and classic savory notes in the sauce.
• Milk: Brings lightness and silkiness to the luscious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to a dreamy, velvety lemon sauce that feels luxurious and satisfying.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth, body, and savory backbone to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: For bold, bright acidity that ties all the flavors together and wakes up every bite.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Flatten the Chicken

Start by making sure your chicken tenderloins are an even thickness. This little bit of prep means your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce will cook evenly, staying juicy inside without any dry bites. Grab a meat mallet or rolling pin, place the tenderloins between pieces of plastic wrap, and gently pound them until they’re uniformly thick. Set them aside as you prepare your dredging stations.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Stations

This classic three-part breading setup is what creates that irresistible golden crust. In the first shallow dish, place your flour. In the second, beat your eggs until smooth. In the third, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino, and freshly zested lemon for a punchy, aromatic coating. Dip each tenderloin in the flour, shake off any excess, then coat in egg, followed by a generous roll in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, lay the coated chicken tenderloins into the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, turning only once, until the crust is deep golden and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil, keeping the crust crisp and beautiful.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

While the chicken rests, build the sauce in a separate saucepan. Warm the olive oil and add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle briefly to mellow and perfume the oil. Stir in the flour to make a quick roux, then whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth gradually, avoiding lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring often, until it thickens to a velvety texture (about 3-5 minutes). Take off the heat, add the lemon juice and butter, and whisk until glossy and smooth.

Step 5: Plate and Sauce It Up

Arrange your crispy chicken on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with the warm creamy lemon sauce, letting it cascade over the crusted chicken. For bonus points, garnish with a bit more lemon zest or chopped herbs, making your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce look as gorgeous as it tastes.

How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

Bring a pop of color and fresh flavor to your finished dish with the right garnish! A sprinkling of fresh parsley, a little more grated Pecorino, or an extra curl of lemon zest on top will make your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce look truly irresistible. Not only does it impress your guests, but it also adds extra brightness and visual flair.

Side Dishes

This chicken loves good company! Silky mashed potatoes, simple sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini, or a light arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette all work beautifully. If you’d like to soak up every drop of the creamy lemon sauce, serve it with orzo, angel hair pasta, or some crusty bread on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Dinner parties and special occasions call for a little flourish! For an elegant touch, slice the chicken on a diagonal and fan it out on each plate, spooning the sauce in a swoosh underneath. Or, stack the tenderloins atop a bed of herbed rice, letting the golden crust peek through a cascade of sauce. However you serve it, Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a definite showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll want every last bite of your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce, so saving leftovers is a must! Let the chicken cool completely, then store both the chicken and sauce in separate, airtight containers in the fridge. The crispy crust will stay firmer if kept out of the sauce until ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or made a big batch, freeze the cooked, cooled chicken (without sauce) in a single layer until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. The sauce, thanks to its creamy base, is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen too; just know the texture may change slightly, so whisk vigorously after thawing to help it come back together.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop, stirring and adding a splash of milk if needed to return it to silky perfection. Assemble just before serving for the ultimate Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips or cutlets, then lightly pound to the right thickness. The result is just as juicy and flavorful in Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce.

What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano?

No worries – grated parmesan works as a great substitute, offering that same salty, umami punch. Pecorino is a bit sharper, but parmesan keeps your crust cheesy and ultra-tasty.

Is there a gluten-free option?

You bet! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko. The sauce can be made gluten-free as well by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, just store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm it slowly and whisk well before serving to make your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce as creamy as ever.

What herbs pair well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme all add a burst of freshness and color. Lemon zest and a few microgreens also look beautiful if you want to dress up your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce for guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about sharing a meal that wows everyone at the table, and Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is always met with big smiles and empty plates. The crispy, cheesy chicken topped with silky lemon sauce feels both comforting and sophisticated, and it couldn’t be more approachable. I hope you’ll give it a try and add a bit of bright, delicious magic to your own dinner routine!

Print