Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

If you adore vibrant dinners that walk the line between comfort and elegance, you’ll fall head over heels for Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. Juicy, golden chicken with a crisp, cheesy crust gets enveloped in a luscious, lemony sauce that brightens every bite—this dish tastes like pure sunshine on a plate!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is simple, yet each ingredient plays a critical role—whether it’s creating that delightfully crisp crust, infusing the sauce with citrusy richness, or adding a fresh finish. Here’s how it all comes together:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish—tender and juicy, just waiting for that golden crust.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese, Grated: Provides the sharp, salty bite for the crispy coating. Freshly grated is best for melting and flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and lifts the sauce while infusing the chicken with an irresistible zing.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the Pecorino adhere and forms the foundation for that beautiful crust.
• Olive Oil: Adds flavor and ensures your crust gets gorgeously golden during searing.
• Chicken Broth: Lends depth and savory backbone to the creamy lemon sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that feels downright decadent.
• Garlic, Minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
• Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note at the end.

Variations

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious! Don’t be afraid to get creative—Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce shines whether you tweak it for dietary needs or play with flavors you love.

• Go Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or finely ground almond flour for a gluten-free crunch.
• Add a Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of black pepper in the sauce brings subtle heat that balances the brightness of the lemon.
• Try Other Cheeses: Parmesan or Grana Padano can stand in for Pecorino for a slightly milder, nutty flavor profile.
• Lighten Up the Sauce: For a lighter touch, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, or blend in a bit of Greek yogurt for tang.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything’s perfectly timed, so your chicken finishes cooking through gently in the oven while staying juicy inside and crisp on the outside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season them all over with salt and pepper. This simple step really lets the flavor of the chicken—and that amazing crust—shine through.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Pecorino Crust

In a shallow dish, combine your grated Pecorino Romano and flour. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly, pressing down so the crust mixture sticks and coats every surface. This is where the magic happens—don’t be shy about pressing that cheesy goodness onto each piece!

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your crusted chicken breasts and let them sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden. This step locks in flavor and gives your chicken that irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Gently transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking through without drying out—leaving you with ultra-tender results.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

While the chicken bakes, return the skillet to the heat (no need to clean out those tasty browned bits!). Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for about five minutes, until the sauce has thickened and smells like heaven.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

To finish, plate your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce and spoon the warm, glossy sauce over the top. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness!

How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your chicken with a generous scattering of freshly chopped parsley and, if you want to get fancy, an extra zesting of lemon over the top. A few paper-thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper makes everything look (and taste) even brighter.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs like a dream with simple sides—think roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or just-steamed broccoli to echo the sauce’s brightness. It also loves a mound of silky mashed potatoes or a tangle of buttery pasta to soak up every drop of that irresistible creamy lemon sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken on a bias and fanning it over a bed of wilted spinach, or serve atop a bed of lemony risotto for a dinner party-worthy plate. For tapas-style entertaining, slice and skewer pieces with toothpicks, serving sauce on the side for dipping—trust me, people will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and the sauce as fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked, un-sauced chicken breasts individually wrapped or in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small container—the texture may change slightly but will be revived with gentle whisking when reheated.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil until warmed through. The creamy lemon sauce should be reheated low and slow in a saucepan, whisking often; add a splash of broth or cream if needed to smooth it back out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that will impress your guests, delight your family, and quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is just the ticket. I hope you give it a try—and that you love every golden, saucy, zesty bite!

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