I love making lemon chicken Romano when I want a dish that feels bright, comforting, and a little elegant without being complicated. The crispy Romano-crusted chicken paired with a fresh lemony finish creates a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. I often serve this when I want a restaurant-style meal that still feels very homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. The Romano cheese creates a crispy, salty crust, while the lemon adds freshness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. I also enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for both weeknights and special dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts
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All-purpose flour
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Eggs
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Grated Romano cheese
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Breadcrumbs
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Garlic powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Olive oil
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Butter
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Fresh lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Fresh parsley
Directions
I start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and gently pounding them to an even thickness. I season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
I set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and pepper in a third. I dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the egg, then coat it well in the cheese mixture.
I heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
I lower the heat and add lemon juice and zest to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. I let the sauce simmer briefly, then spoon it over the chicken. I finish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add capers to the lemon sauce for a briny kick. When I want a lighter version, I bake the breaded chicken instead of pan-frying it. I also enjoy serving this over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the chicken in the oven or a skillet to help keep the coating crisp. I avoid microwaving when possible, as it softens the crust.
FAQs
Can I Use Parmesan Instead Of Romano?
I use Parmesan when needed, but I prefer Romano for its sharper, saltier flavor.
How Do I Keep The Chicken Crispy?
I make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I Bake This Recipe?
I bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (205°C) until golden and cooked through.
What Should I Serve With Lemon Chicken Romano?
I like serving it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
I bread the chicken ahead of time and cook it just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
I love lemon chicken Romano because it combines crisp, cheesy chicken with fresh citrus flavor in a way that feels both comforting and refined. It’s a reliable recipe I return to whenever I want a satisfying meal that’s full of brightness and flavor.
Print
Lemon Chicken Romano
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
Lemon Chicken Romano is a restaurant-style dish made with crispy, Romano cheese-crusted chicken breasts finished with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half and pound to even thickness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in the cheese mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat and add lemon juice and zest to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer briefly.
- Spoon lemon sauce over chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
- Bake breaded chicken at 400°F (205°C) for a lighter version.
- Great served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
- Make ahead by prepping and breading chicken, then cooking fresh.
- Reheat in oven or skillet to keep coating crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
