Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
- Crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of sharp Pecorino Romano cheese and bright lemon zest.
- A perfect balance of tangy citrus and savory cheese creates an irresistible crust that seals in moisture.
- An elegant yet easy dinner option ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded to even 1/2-inch thickness
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and position rack in center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, combine Pecorino Romano cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Season chicken breasts lightly with additional salt and pepper on both sides.
- If using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer on each chicken breast to help the crust adhere better.
- Press each chicken breast firmly into the cheese mixture, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated.
- Arrange coated chicken on prepared baking sheet with at least 1 inch between pieces.
- Drizzle each piece with olive oil to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crunch, place chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet when cooking.
- If you don’t have Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a good substitute.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: lemon pecorino crusted chicken, pecorino chicken, zesty lemon chicken, cheese crusted chicken, citrus chicken dinner