If you’re craving crispy, flavorful chicken with a bright, citrusy kick, look no further than Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken. This dish combines tangy lemon zest, salty Pecorino Romano, and a perfectly seasoned crust to create chicken that is golden, crunchy, and juicy on the inside.

It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner perfect for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or even a casual dinner party that feels gourmet.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

Crispy, golden crust infused with Pecorino cheese and lemon zest

Tender, juicy chicken inside
Bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness
Quick and easy prep—ready in under 30 minutes

Family-friendly and versatile
Pairs perfectly with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables

This recipe transforms a simple chicken dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Ingredients Overview

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Coating

Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
Panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)

Lemon zest
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper

Optional Italian herbs (thyme, oregano, or parsley)

Wet Layer

Eggs, beaten (to help the coating stick)
Olive oil or melted butter for brushing

Optional Serving Ingredients

Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables

Choosing the Best Chicken

Chicken Breasts

Lean, cooks quickly
Can be pounded to even thickness for uniform crust

Chicken Thighs

Juicier and more flavorful

Ideal if you prefer dark meat

Tip: Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and a crunchy, consistent crust.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels

Pound to even thickness if needed
Season lightly with salt and pepper

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, mix Pecorino Romano, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, and optional herbs.

In a separate dish, beat eggs to create a wet layer for dredging.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece in egg, letting excess drip
Press chicken into the Pecorino-lemon mixture, coating evenly on all sides

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet

Lightly brush with olive oil or melted butter
Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through

Skillet Method:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
Finish in oven for 5–10 minutes if thicker cuts

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges
Serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad

Texture & Flavor Profile

Crispy, golden crust from Pecorino and breadcrumbs

Juicy, tender chicken inside
Bright, citrusy zing from lemon zest
Savory, cheesy depth from Pecorino Romano

Balanced flavor with optional herbs enhancing aroma

Each bite is crispy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

Use freshly grated Pecorino—pre-grated may not crisp as well.

Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking and a crunchy crust.
Pat chicken dry—moisture prevents crisping.
Brush with oil or butter before baking for extra golden crust.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—ensure each piece cooks evenly.

Delicious Variations

Lemon-Herb Crusted Chicken

Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the coating.

Garlic-Parmesan Option

Substitute Pecorino with Parmesan for a milder, nutty flavor.

Low-Carb / Keto

Replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Spicy Lemon Pecorino

Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a mild heat boost.

Mediterranean Twist

Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives on the side for extra flavor

What to Serve with Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken

Pasta: Angel hair, spaghetti, or penne with olive oil or light cream sauce
Rice or Risotto: Lemon-herb rice or creamy risotto pairs beautifully
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or green beans

Salad: Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette

This dish is versatile and can fit into weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Prep the coating and chicken in advance

Store uncooked coated chicken in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheating

Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness

Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using pre-grated cheese that doesn’t crisp well
Not drying the chicken—wet chicken prevents crust formation

Overcrowding the pan or baking sheet
Skipping the lemon zest—it’s essential for brightness
Overcooking the chicken—can result in dryness

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and flavorful but may require slightly longer cooking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute Pecorino with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use olive oil.

Q: Can I cook this in a skillet instead of baking?
A: Absolutely—sear in oil and finish in oven if needed for thicker pieces.

Q: Can I prep this for meal prep?
A: Coat chicken in advance and store in the fridge, then cook when ready.

Why This Recipe Works

Pecorino Romano provides a crispy, savory crust
Lemon zest adds brightness and balance

Evenly pounded chicken cooks tenderly and evenly
Simple ingredients deliver bold, fresh flavor
Versatile and approachable—perfect for any occasion

This dish is crispy, flavorful, and elegant while still being quick and easy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Weeknight dinners with family
Dinner parties or casual gatherings

Meal prep for quick lunches
Romantic dinners at home
Holiday meals or special occasions

It’s versatile, flavorful, and always impressive.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and zesty flavors. Juicy chicken, a golden Pecorino-lemon crust, and bright fresh herbs make it a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly recipe that feels gourmet.

If you want a simple yet impressive chicken dinner that balances crispiness, cheesiness, and citrusy brightness, this recipe belongs in your rotation.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken (Crispy, Zesty & Irresistible)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Prep chicken: Pound chicken to even ½” thickness. Season with salt and pepper.

Set up breading station:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: mix panko, Pecorino, lemon zest, and herbs
Bread chicken: Dredge each breast in flour → egg → crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
Cook: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest 5 minutes before serving. Squeeze with fresh lemon and sprinkle with extra Pecorino if desired.

💡 Pro Tips:
– For extra crispiness, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 min after searing.
– Swap Pecorino for Parmesan if preferred (Pecorino is sharper and saltier).
– Serve with roasted asparagus, arugula salad, or lemony orzo.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):