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High Protein Lemon Chicken Romano

Crispy Romano cheese-crusted chicken breasts with bright lemon sauce deliver restaurant-quality flavor and quality protein per serving.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Equipment

  • Large ovenproof skillet
  • Three shallow dishes for breading
  • Meat thermometer
  • zester or microplane
  • Meat mallet (optional)
  • Wire rack and baking sheet (optional for make-ahead)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Romano cheese and lemon zest.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally press firmly into the Romano cheese and lemon zest mixture to coat both sides completely.
  5. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
  6. Add the breaded chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown with a crispy crust formed.
  7. Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice around the chicken pieces in the skillet, avoiding pouring directly over the breading to preserve the crispy coating.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes to maintain the crispy crust. Substitutions: Pecorino Romano or Parmesan can replace Romano cheese for similar sharp flavor. Chicken thighs work well for a richer, more forgiving option. Make-ahead: Bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate on a wire rack uncovered. This helps the coating set for an even crispier result. The total time includes 5 minutes resting time after cooking.