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–+ servings
Crispy homemade lemon chicken Romano topped with melted cheese, fresh lemon slices, and chopped parsley.

Lemon Chicken Romano

5 from 1 vote
Crispy, golden Lemon Chicken Romano finished with bubbling cheese and a lively splash of lemon feels both comforting and fresh.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 445
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced lengthwise for even portions
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt fine sea salt recommended for even seasoning
  • 2 large eggs used as a binding wash
  • 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour helps thicken the egg coating
  • 1 ⅛ cups panko bread crumbs for extra crunch
  • ½ cup finely grated Romano cheese freshly grated for best melt
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh oregano adds herbal brightness
  • 2 fresh lemons one zested and juiced one sliced for garnish
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder evenly distributes garlic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper freshly cracked preferred
  • ½ cup olive oil for shallow pan-frying
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for creamy melt
  • ¾ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese adds mild richness
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley optional garnish for freshness
  • 6 lemon slices for garnish and serving

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting board and sharp knife Used to slice and portion the chicken evenly
  • 1 Microplane or fine grater Needed to finely zest the lemon without bitter pith
  • 2 Shallow bowls Creates an efficient breading station
  • 1 Whisk Helps blend the egg wash smoothly
  • 1 Large skillet Used for pan-searing the breaded chicken
  • 1 Tongs or spatula Allows gentle turning of the chicken while frying
  • 1 Paper Towels Used to drain excess oil after searing
  • 1 Baking sheet Holds the chicken while finishing in the oven
  • 1 Parchment paper Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup
  • 1 Small mixing bowl Used for combining the cheese topping
  • 1 Oven Finishes cooking the chicken to a safe temperature

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  3. Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets, then season both sides evenly with salt and set aside.
  4. Finely grate the lemon zest until you have about 2 teaspoons and reserve it.
  5. Cut one lemon into wedges and set them aside for finishing.
  6. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together with the flour until smooth.
  7. In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  8. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip back into the bowl.
  9. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides.
  10. Place the breaded chicken pieces onto a clean plate while you finish coating the rest.
  11. Pour the olive oil into a large skillet set over medium-low heat and warm until the oil shimmers.
  12. Carefully add two chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the coating is crisp and lightly golden.
  13. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel–lined plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
  14. Arrange all the seared chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
  15. In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, then mound the cheese evenly over each chicken piece.
  16. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  17. Squeeze a wedge of lemon over each piece of chicken immediately after baking.
  18. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a few lemon slices before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 220gCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 27gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 1040mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Bright lemon zest and savory cheese come together for a dish that tastes like a special weeknight win, with just enough crunch to feel indulgent.

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