If you’re ready to dazzle your dinner table with a dish that perfectly balances zest, creaminess, and irresistible crunch, you simply have to try Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. This recipe sings with the bright pop of fresh lemon, the savory depth of Pecorino cheese, and the luxurious texture of a velvety sauce, creating a meal that feels equally at home on a busy weeknight or as the shining star of a special gathering.

Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a precious role, from amplifying flavor to providing that signature golden crust, and nothing here is fussy or hard to find.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for bold flavors and a crispy crust.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: Freshly grated, this cheese creates a gorgeous, salty crust that browns beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the cheese cling to the chicken and gives it an extra layer of crispness.
Olive Oil: For searing; adds richness and ensures a golden, crisp finish.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Bursts with acidity, brightening both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth and body for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Lends luxurious creaminess and melds all the flavors into a luscious sauce.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but their aroma and flavor make the sauce sing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
Fresh Parsley: Adds color, freshness, and a final aromatic flourish when serving.

How to Make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them on both sides with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This simple step ensures that every bite of the Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is deeply flavorful, right from the very first taste.

Step 2: Create the Pecorino Crust

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Pecorino Romano cheese with the all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken breast through the mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This is the key to a crunchy, golden crust that’ll really set this dish apart.

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, until a golden, cheesy crust forms. This step locks in the juices and builds the foundation for that craveable exterior.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and slide it into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and that pecorino crust is gloriously crisp.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Lemon Sauce

While the chicken finishes baking, make the luscious sauce: in the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, whisking to combine, then let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to luxurious perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Plate the baked chicken, then generously spoon the creamy lemon sauce over each piece. Scatter a pinch of fresh parsley for color and brightness. There you have it—Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce, ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

To truly make this dish sing, finish with a shower of vibrant chopped parsley and perhaps a few extra grates of Pecorino Romano right before serving. A thin slice of fresh lemon or a delicate twist can add color and announce the bright, zesty flavors within.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up that dreamy sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a bed of al dente pasta. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or lemony sautéed spinach also make excellent accompaniments, adding freshness and a bit of crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little playful, try slicing the Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce on the bias and fan the pieces out on a platter, drizzling with extra sauce. Or, serve atop a salad of peppery arugula with cherry tomatoes for a light and lovely lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store the cooled chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and makes reheating a breeze.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce in advance, freeze the cooked (but unsauced) chicken breasts tightly wrapped for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and make the sauce fresh when ready to serve—it’s worth the few extra minutes!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a 325°F oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying, until hot through. Gently reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking as needed to restore its creamy texture. Pour sauce over the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find Pecorino Romano?

Absolutely! Parmesan makes a great substitute, as it also offers a sharp, nutty flavor and crisps up nicely for the crust. Just make sure it’s finely grated for maximum adhesion.

What if I only have bone-in chicken?

You can still make this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. You may need to increase the baking time slightly until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else in Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce is naturally gluten-free!

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even a splash of whole milk in a pinch, though the sauce will be a little lighter and less thick. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut cream can work surprisingly well.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Toss some thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or baby potatoes around the chicken before baking. They’ll soak up the chicken’s juices and pair beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable way to wow both guests and family alike, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Sauce. Its uplifting flavors, crunchy crust, and golden sauce just might make it your new go-to favorite. I hope you give it a try soon—and that it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!