Ingredients
Scale
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this scrumptious dish. As always, feel free to substitute based on what’s in your pantry. Here’s what’s on the list:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh if you have them handy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Feel free to swap Pecorino with Parmesan if that’s what’s in your fridge. The panko breadcrumbs add a light crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will do in a pinch. Remember, it’s all about working with what you have.
Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps for a seamless experience in the kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the Pecorino cheese, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the coated chicken breasts to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear, and it reads 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Remember, cooking is as much about intuition as it is about following instructions. If the crust isn’t as golden as you’d like, pop it under the broiler for a minute, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken, recipe, cooking, food
