Description
Lemon Chicken Romano is a restaurant-style Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in Romano and Parmesan cheese, lightly pan-fried until golden, then finished in a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for serving with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and combine the Romano and Parmesan cheeses in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the cheese mixture.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream if using and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken evenly ensures quick and uniform cooking.
- Freshly grated Romano cheese delivers the best flavor and texture.
- Serve with angel hair pasta, fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Add capers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American