Lemon Chicken Romano Recipe
Lemon Chicken Romano is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, golden-browned chicken breasts coated in a flavorful lemon and Romano cheese sauce. The chicken is first pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior, then baked to juiciness in a zesty, cheesy sauce, creating a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that make it a delicious main course for any dinner.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Dredge Chicken: Coat each chicken breast thoroughly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even crust.
- Heat Fats: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter along with 2 tablespoons olive oil for a balanced frying base.
- Sear Chicken (First Batch): Place two chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove and set aside.
- Sear Chicken (Second Batch): Repeat the cooking process with the remaining butter, oil, and two chicken breasts to ensure all pieces are browned evenly.
- Arrange Chicken: Place all four browned chicken breasts into a baking dish, ready for final cooking in the oven.
- Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and Romano cheese. Stir constantly to deglaze the pan, combining all flavorful browned bits into a creamy, savory sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer briefly to meld the flavors and slightly thicken before pouring.
- Pour Sauce and Add Zest: Pour the lemon-Romano sauce over the chicken breasts evenly. Sprinkle the lemon zest on top to infuse bright citrus aroma during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the butter with additional olive oil.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light pasta to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lemon chicken romano, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe, lemon chicken, Romano cheese chicken, easy chicken dinner