Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe

Turn your weeknight dinner into a bright, elegant feast with Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. Imagine tender chicken breasts wrapped in a crisp, savory crust, draped with a silky sauce bursting with citrus and cheese — it’s downright irresistible and deceptively easy. This is one dish that looks and tastes restaurant worthy, but comes together with everyday ingredients!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick tour of what goes into this Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce! The ingredient list may be short, but each element plays a starring role in creating a dish with amazing flavor, color, and texture.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This lean cut stays juicy beneath the crust — flatten them for even cooking if you wish!
• Pecorino Romano cheese, grated: The sharp, salty tang gives the crust its signature kick and golden color; freshly grated is best for maximum melt and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the cheese stick and ensures a crispy finish; don’t skip it.
• Olive oil: For that beautiful, golden sear and added richness — use a good-quality extra virgin if possible.
• Fresh lemon juice: The zesty backbone of both the sauce and the dish as a whole; fresh-squeezed really makes a difference!
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce, balancing out the tang from the lemon.
• Heavy cream: The base of your luscious, velvety sauce; opt for full-fat for the silkiest results.
• Garlic, minced: Provides subtle aromatic warmth that lets the lemon and cheese truly sing.
• Salt and pepper: A quick seasoning step brings out the best in every ingredient.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For a burst of green color and freshness right before serving.

Variations

This Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is absolutely delicious as written, but don’t be shy about making it your own! There are so many ways to adapt the recipe for your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the Cheese: Go with Parmesan for a slightly milder, nuttier flavor, or try Asiago for an extra punch.
• Add Herbs: A little grated lemon zest or fresh thyme in the crust amplifies the freshness.
• Make it Gluten Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are succulent and work beautifully if you prefer dark meat.
• Lighten the Sauce: Sub in half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version of the creamy lemon sauce.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. This not only brings out the natural flavor, but also helps the crust stick like magic. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are!

Step 2: Make the Pecorino Crust

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Pecorino Romano and all-purpose flour. Press each piece of chicken into the mixture, gently patting to coat all sides evenly. The cheese and flour blend will create a crisp, deeply flavored crust once golden and baked.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes, just until a golden, cheesy crust forms — you’re looking for gorgeously caramelized edges here!

Step 4: Finish Baking

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers are cooked through and the juices run clear. The crust becomes crisp while the chicken stays beautifully juicy.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

While the chicken bakes, return the skillet (don’t wipe it out!) to the stove over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic just until fragrant, then add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce will reduce and thicken — taste and season as you go for a perfect tangy, velvety finish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

To serve, nestle each golden Pecorino-crusted chicken breast onto a plate and spoon that dreamy creamy lemon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a shower of fresh parsley for a touch of color and herbal freshness. Dive in and savor the bright, bold flavors!

How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce with a generous sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley — it not only adds a pop of green, but a hint of brightness that lifts every bite. For an extra burst of color and aroma, add a touch of lemon zest right before serving, or even some delicate lemon slices for a pretty finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company! Serve over a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes, wild rice, or simple pasta — all perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. A crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, slice the chicken on the bias and fan the pieces atop a pool of creamy lemon sauce — it looks stunning! For a casual platter, try serving the chicken family style with sauce drizzled down the center and scatter extra herbs over the top. Mini versions made with chicken tenders are wonderful for a party spread, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, while still tasting fresh and delicious!

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead, the chicken (without sauce) freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. For best results, make the creamy lemon sauce fresh just before serving for that velvety texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven (covered with foil at 325°F) or in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. If using the sauce, reheat separately on the stovetop over low, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s just as joyful to make as it is to eat, give this Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce a try. It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and genuinely mood-lifting — I can’t wait for you to taste just how special simple ingredients can be when they come together in the right way. Enjoy every bite!

Print