Description
Introducing the Lemon Pecorino Chicken Delight, a succulent chicken recipe that combines the zest of lemon with the robust flavor of Pecorino Romano cheese. This dish revolves around tender chicken tenderloins ensconced in a crispy panko crust, infused with lemon zest and topped with a creamy, aromatic lemon sauce. Ideal for anyone looking to elevate their dinner repertoire, this recipe promises a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy both family and guests alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prep the Tenderloins
Gently flatten the chicken tenderloins using a meat mallet to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three bowls for the breading process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another combining panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
3. Dredge the Chicken
Coat each tenderloin first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally cover completely with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, if necessary.
5. Sauté the Garlic
For the sauce, start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Make the Sauce Base
Whisk in flour to the sautéed garlic, cooking briefly before gradually adding the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Finish the Sauce
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in lemon juice and a tablespoon of butter, mixing until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
This recipe serves up to 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10-15 minutes, while cooking time is around 20 minutes, making for a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ideally covered to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it might make the breading soggy.
Conclusion
The Lemon Pecorino Chicken Delight is not just a dish but an experience. Its combination of zesty flavors and creamy textures makes it a standout dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
PrintLemon Pecorino Chicken Delight
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Introducing the Lemon Pecorino Chicken Delight, a succulent chicken recipe that combines the zest of lemon with the robust flavor of Pecorino Romano cheese. This dish revolves around tender chicken tenderloins ensconced in a crispy panko crust, infused with lemon zest and topped with a creamy, aromatic lemon sauce. Ideal for anyone looking to elevate their dinner repertoire, this recipe promises a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy both family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prep the Tenderloins: Gently flatten the chicken tenderloins using a meat mallet to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three bowls for the breading process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another combining panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each tenderloin first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally cover completely with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, if necessary.
- Sauté the Garlic: For the sauce, start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce Base: Whisk in flour to the sautéed garlic, cooking briefly before gradually adding the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in lemon juice and a tablespoon of butter, mixing until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes