Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Here’s a delicious, restaurant-style recipe for Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce  crispy, tangy, cheesy, and luxuriously creamy. It’s bright, flavorful, and perfect for a dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for weeknights.

🍋 Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

🍽 Serves: 4

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min

✅ Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• 1 tbsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil, for pan-frying

For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or more to taste)

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang and depth

🔪 Instructions:

1. Prep the Crust:

• In a shallow bowl, mix panko, Pecorino, lemon zest, garlic powder, pepper, and a pinch of salt.

• Place flour in a separate bowl, and beaten eggs in another.

2. Coat the Chicken:

• Pat chicken dry. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko–Pecorino mixture to coat well.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden, crispy, and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Remove and keep warm (tent with foil).

4. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce:

• In the same skillet, lower heat and melt butter.

• Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

• Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Stir in cream, then add Pecorino, and simmer until thickened (about 2–4 minutes). Add Dijon mustard if using.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble & Serve:

• Spoon lemon cream sauce over chicken.

• Garnish with extra lemon zest, Pecorino, or fresh parsley.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over angel hair pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

• Add a side of sautéed garlicky greens or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.