Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

There’s something irresistibly bright and decadent about Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. Each bite delivers a crisp, golden crust, punchy pecorino flavor, and that zesty, luscious lemon sauce draping everything in pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that’ll instantly become a weeknight favorite, but feels fancy enough for guests—or just to treat yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component adds a punch of flavor or texture. Here’s a quick breakdown of the stars of the show and their roles in creating magic on your plate.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for holding onto that luscious cheesy crust.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Nutty and bold—this cheese forms the backbone of both flavor and crunch in the crust.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and zing to both the chicken and the creamy sauce, keeping each bite vibrant.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps crisp up the crust and gives structure to keep the cheese in place.
• Olive Oil: For that golden, beautiful sear and subtle richness.
• Chicken Broth: Lends savory depth and blends seamlessly into the luxurious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and decadent—don’t skip it!
• Garlic: Infuses each bite with aromatic warmth (seriously, you’ll smell it and want to dive right in).
• Salt & Pepper: Just the right seasoning to let the main flavors shine.
• Fresh Parsley: For that fresh, herby pop that lifts the whole dish visually and flavor-wise.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce! This recipe is endlessly rewarding, but also oh-so adaptable—so let your cravings or what’s in your fridge guide you.

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour—crispy success guaranteed.
• Add a Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle (or serious!) heat.
• Herb Lovers: Stir chopped fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for extra layers of flavor.
• Swap the Cheese: Try grated parmesan or Asiago if you don’t have Pecorino—a different spin, but still deliciously cheesy.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures that, after the quick stovetop sear, your chicken will finish perfectly. While that’s happening, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. It may seem simple, but this step makes a big difference by building a foundation of flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Make the Pecorino Crust

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese with the flour. Dredge each chicken breast through this mixture, pressing gently so the cheese adheres to every curve and crevice. This is where the crunch and flavor magic happen—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Sear that Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken breasts. Sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side, until the crust is golden and the aroma is enough to make your stomach growl. The secret here? Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need so the crust crisps, not steams.

Step 4: Bake Until Juicy

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and irresistibly juicy. This double-cook method ensures you get both a crisp coating and always-tender meat inside—a total game-changer for weeknight chicken!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

While the chicken finishes baking, use the same skillet (hello, flavor!) to craft the dreamy sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and glorious heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens and turns velvety—about 5 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any golden bits from the pan for extra depth.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once your chicken is ready, drizzle each piece generously with the creamy lemon sauce. Finish with a flurry of chopped parsley. The vibrant color and freshness ties everything together—serving up the ultimate Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce experience!

How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

Go classic with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it’s more than just looks; the aromatic freshness cuts through the creamy sauce and cheese. For even more color and flavor, add a few extra shavings of Pecorino or a thin lemon slice twist on each plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy pilaf will soak up that dreamy sauce and make every bite a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the chicken on a diagonal and fan it out over a swirl of sauce for a restaurant-style look. Serve mini cutlets as a bright appetizer, or layer slices onto toasted Italian bread for a next-level gourmet sandwich. The colors and aroma make every plate a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce in a tightly covered container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and reheats surprisingly well while keeping the chicken moist.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Either freeze pieces plain or layered with a bit of sauce in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and just note the crust softens a bit (but still tastes fabulous!).

Reheating

To keep things juicy, reheat the chicken gently in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until warmed through. If you’ve stored the sauce separately, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, whisking as needed (a splash of broth will revive it if it’s a little thick).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you try just one new dish this week, let it be Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce—the result is pure sunshine comfort, worthy of both quick weeknights and big celebrations. Savor every bright, cheesy, irresistible bite, and don’t be surprised when your family requests it again (and again). Enjoy!

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