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Zesty Lemon Pecorino Chicken

Zesty Lemon Pecorino Chicken for a Flavorful 30-Minute Meal

Zesty Lemon Pecorino Chicken bursts with flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick, gluten-free dinner option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins Main protein for a juicy and tender bite.
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour Crucial for a crispy coating; swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 2 large Large Eggs Helps breadcrumbs adhere; flax eggs are a great vegan substitute.
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Offers an irresistible crunch; regular breadcrumbs work too.
For the Coating
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Infuses vibrant citrus flavor; fresh zest makes all the difference.
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese Adds a satisfying salty punch; Parmesan can be used for variation.
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Richness for frying; avocado oil is another good option.
  • 1 tbsp Butter Elevates flavor; use vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Provides depth and aroma; fresh garlic is the best choice.
  • 1 cup Milk Creaminess for the sauce; use whole or almond milk for dairy-free.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Makes the sauce luscious; half-and-half is a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds savoriness; substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Balances the sauce with acidity; opt for freshly squeezed juice.

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Shallow bowls
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Begin by flattening the chicken tenderloins to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Create a coating station by arranging three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino cheese.
  3. Take each flattened chicken tenderloin and dredge it in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Carefully fry the coated chicken tenderloins for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  6. In a separate saucepan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Whisk in a bit of flour, then gradually pour in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and a pat of butter until well incorporated.
  9. Drizzle the creamy lemon sauce over the crispy chicken tenderloins.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 36gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe is gluten-free and easily customizable. Consider adding spices or veggies for a personal touch.

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