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Zesty Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken

This Baked Lemon Chicken Romano with Herbs is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with zesty lemon and savory Romano cheese. It’s a comforting yet gourmet meal that’s perfect for impressing family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Romano cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
  2. Prepare your dredging station: in one shallow dish, place the flour; in a second dish, whisk the eggs; and in a third, combine the grated Romano cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Set these aside as you prepare the chicken.
  3. Take each chicken breast and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them cook uniformly and ensures tenderness. Avoid pounding too hard to prevent the meat from tearing.
  4. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. This step enhances the overall flavor.
  5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess before dipping it into the egg mixture. Ensure it's fully coated; this helps the breadcrumb mixture stick.
  6. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. You want a thick, even layer for that desirable crunch.
  7. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a proper sear.
  8. Once browned, pour the lemon juice and zest over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: One common mistake is to skip the pounding step for the chicken. Always ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy crust.