Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will brighten up your dinner table. The tenderloins are coated in a crispy, cheesy breading infused with fresh lemon zest. Served with a creamy lemon sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the combination of lemon and Pecorino Romano cheese brings a unique flavor that is both satisfying and refreshing. Lastly, chicken tenderloins are lean and cook fast, ensuring everyone enjoys a tasty meal without the wait.
How to Make Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
Directions
For the Chicken: Use a meat mallet to gently flatten the chicken tenderloins to an even thickness for even cooking. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Coat each tenderloin in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and finish in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels and work in batches if necessary.
For the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook briefly, then slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice and butter until smooth. Drizzle the lemon sauce over the chicken tenderloins before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins
Serve Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins hot, drizzled with the creamy lemon sauce. You can accompany this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
How to Store Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins
To store leftovers, place the chicken tenderloins in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins
- Make sure to flatten the chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh lemon zest to get the best flavor.
- Don’t crowd the pan while cooking; work in batches to ensure the chicken gets crispy.
Variation
You can try adding herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. Alternatively, you could use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino Romano for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can work, but be sure to slice them into strips for even cooking.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Just reheat it gently before drizzling it over the chicken.
Enjoy making and savoring your Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins!
Print
Lemon Pecorino Chicken Tenderloins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free options)
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy, cheesy breading infused with fresh lemon zest and served with a creamy lemon sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 (2-ounce) chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
Instructions
- Use a meat mallet to gently flatten the chicken tenderloins to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Coat each tenderloin in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and finish in the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels and work in batches if necessary.
- For the sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook briefly, then slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice and butter until smooth.
- Drizzle the lemon sauce over the chicken tenderloins before serving.
Notes
Make sure to flatten the chicken evenly for uniform cooking. Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. Don’t crowd the pan while cooking; work in batches to ensure the chicken gets crispy. You can add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Pecorino Chicken, Easy Dinner