Lemon Chicken Romano
Lemon Chicken Romano is an Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, enhanced with fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, and herbs. It offers a perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and savory richness, making it an ideal quick and elegant meal for weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour)
Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan Coating
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs/almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or substitute basil or thyme)
Lemon & Cooking
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the coating.
- Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and oregano. Mix well to create the flavorful coating.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each chicken breast into the fresh lemon juice, allowing the acidity to tenderize and add tang. Then press each chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Add Final Lemon Touch: Once cooked, drizzle a little extra fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Garnish with lemon zest and additional chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best brightness and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Pat chicken dry thoroughly for a crispy crust.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of chicken breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, Romano, Parmesan crust, Italian chicken, quick dinner, crispy chicken, gluten-free option