Lemon Chicken Romano
Lemon Chicken Romano features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crisp, golden Parmesan crust with bright lemon zest and juice. This easy, quick recipe delivers a tangy and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, combining fresh ingredients and pantry staples for a satisfying, versatile meal.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil for dairy-free alternative)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Make the Coating Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs mixed with a splash of lemon juice, and one with grated Parmesan combined with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan mixture to form a thick, even crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts carefully and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with Fresh Lemon: Remove chicken from the skillet, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor and brightness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain crust crispiness and even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- Grate Parmesan from a block instead of using pre-shredded for better texture.
- Maintain medium-high heat to brown the coating without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, Parmesan crust, quick dinner, tangy chicken, easy recipes, Italian chicken, gluten-free option