Crusted Chicken Romano
A delightful dish showcasing crispy, cheesy chicken cooked to golden perfection, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
Sauces and Garnish
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (optional for a creamy pairing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges (optional, for a burst of freshness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning if desired.
Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined.
- In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Romano and Parmesan cheeses.
Coating Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Check doneness by cutting into the thickest part; the juices should run clear.
Serving
- Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter, drizzle with marinara or Alfredo sauce, sprinkle with extra cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. Use fresh cheeses for best flavor. Consider panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Maintain correct frying temperature for best results. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days.