Name: Comforting Lemon Chicken Romano for Family
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin); 2 eggs (beaten); 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese (plus more for sauce and garnish); 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tbsp butter (divided); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Comforting Lemon Chicken Romano is a flavorful, crispy chicken dish that’s lightly breaded, pan-fried, and finished with a bright, lemony Romano cheese sauce. It’s cozy enough for a family dinner but elegant enough for special occasions. I love how it delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—and it always brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish hits that perfect balance of crispy and creamy, with just the right amount of tang from the lemon. The Romano cheese adds a rich, savory depth that melts beautifully into the sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and a little fancy, and it pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad. Comforting Lemon Chicken Romano for Family

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
Eggs (for coating)
Grated Romano cheese
Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
All-purpose flour
Lemon juice and zest
Garlic (minced)
Butter
Olive oil
Chicken broth
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
I set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and Romano cheese.
I coat each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. I transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
In the same pan, I add more butter and garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Then I pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
I simmer the sauce for a few minutes, then whisk in a bit more Romano cheese to thicken it slightly.
I return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for a minute or two before serving.
I finish with chopped parsley and a little extra Romano if I want a stronger cheesy bite.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in under 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap Romano for Parmesan if that’s what I have on hand. I’ve also added capers for a briny twist or stirred in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat them gently in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. I avoid the microwave if I want to keep the coating crispy. I also save extra sauce separately and reheat it before drizzling over the chicken again. Comforting Lemon Chicken Romano for Family

FAQs

What is Romano cheese, and can I substitute it?

Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese. I can swap it with Parmesan or Pecorino if needed, though Romano has a slightly sharper taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, I bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.

Is this dish very lemony?

It’s bright but balanced. I adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on how tangy I want it.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can bread the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. I make the sauce fresh so it stays smooth and flavorful.

What can I serve it with?

I love serving this with angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed green beans. A lemony side salad also works great.

Conclusion

Comforting Lemon Chicken Romano is a delicious, family-friendly meal that brings crispy chicken and bright, cheesy sauce together in the best way. It’s simple enough for a busy evening but tasty enough to serve guests. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and flavorful, this dish always delivers.