Description
This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is a delightful dish combining a crispy, cheesy chicken crust with a rich and tangy lemon cream sauce. Perfectly seared and oven-baked chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious sauce that balances brightness with creaminess, making it an elegant yet easy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Lemon Sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and all-purpose flour, mixing well.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the cheese and flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even crust forms.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and sear until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in moisture and adds crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet used for searing, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy lemon sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to help the coating adhere better.
- Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- The creamy lemon sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more lemon juice for extra tanginess or cream for richness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
