Name: Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 eggs, beaten; ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); Olive oil or neutral oil (for drizzling or frying); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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This Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is one of my favorite ways to turn plain chicken into something vibrant, crispy, and flavorful. The sharp, salty Pecorino Romano pairs beautifully with the brightness of lemon and a golden, crunchy crust. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The crust gets perfectly crispy in the oven or skillet, and the inside stays juicy and tender. The lemon zest gives it a fresh zing, and the Pecorino adds a rich, savory depth that’s irresistible. It also pairs with everything from salad to pasta to roasted veggies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
Lemon zest
Garlic powder
Dried Italian herbs or oregano
Salt and black pepper
Eggs
Flour (for dredging)
Olive oil or neutral oil for pan-frying or drizzling
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a skillet if pan-frying.
I pound the chicken to even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
I set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of Pecorino, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper in a third.
I dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
I place the chicken on a lined baking sheet (or into a hot skillet) and drizzle lightly with oil.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. If pan-frying, I cook each side for about 4–5 minutes until crisp and juicy.
I serve with lemon wedges for an extra squeeze of citrus.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 35–40 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 20–25 minutes cooking time).

Variations

I swap Pecorino with Parmesan or Grana Padano for a milder flavor.
I add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture when I want a bit of heat.
For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
I sometimes air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. I avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust. I can also freeze the breaded (uncooked) chicken for future use—just thaw and bake.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often do. Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor, but I adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness.

What’s the best way to get the crust super crispy?

I make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and give it a light drizzle of oil before baking or frying. Using panko also adds extra crunch.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, I bread the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to bake or cook. It makes dinner even faster.

Is Pecorino Romano too salty?

It’s saltier than Parmesan, so I taste the mix before adding more salt. I balance it with the lemon zest for freshness.

Conclusion

This Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is a flavorful upgrade to everyday chicken. The combo of crispy cheese, golden crumbs, and fresh lemon makes each bite pop. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and easy to pair with just about anything. When I need a dinner that feels special without being complicated, this one always delivers.

Zesty Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken