Chicken Romano: A Crispy, Cheesy Italian Delight You Can Make at Home

Chicken Romano is a classic Italian-American dish that’s incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make at home. It features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Romano cheese crust and often served with a light lemon-butter sauce. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.

## What is Chicken Romano?

Chicken Romano gets its name from the use of Romano cheese in the breading. Romano cheese is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. Its sharp flavor and ability to melt beautifully make it perfect for creating a crispy, flavorful crust on chicken. While Parmesan cheese is sometimes substituted, using Romano cheese authentically delivers the dish’s signature taste.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Restaurant-Quality at Home:** This recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Relatively Quick to Make:** From start to finish, this dish can be prepared in about an hour.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of the crispy cheese crust, tender chicken, and zesty lemon-butter sauce is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with pasta, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Chicken:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 ½ cups grated Romano cheese (plus extra for topping, optional)
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ cup olive oil, for cooking

**For the Lemon-Butter Sauce:**

* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup chicken broth
* ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 3 shallow dishes or plates for breading
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Meat mallet or rolling pin
* Paper towels
* Tongs

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making Chicken Romano into manageable steps:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap (or in a resealable plastic bag). Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. Thinner cutlets also provide a better surface area for the Romano cheese crust.

**2. Set Up the Breading Station:**

* **Flour Station:** In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
* **Egg Station:** In the second shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs.
* **Cheese Station:** In the third shallow dish, combine the grated Romano cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

**3. Bread the Chicken:**

* **Coat in Flour:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
* **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess egg to drip off.
* **Coat in Cheese:** Press the chicken breast firmly into the Romano cheese mixture, ensuring it is completely coated on both sides. Press down gently so that the cheese adheres well to the chicken. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, flavorful crust.

**4. Cook the Chicken:**

* **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of cheese mixture is dropped into it. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause the cheese to burn before the chicken is cooked through.
* **Cook the Chicken:** Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
* **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.

**5. Prepare the Lemon-Butter Sauce:**

* **Melt the Butter:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Add Liquids:** Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
* **Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:** Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Simmer and Thicken:** Continue to simmer the sauce for another minute or two, or until it has slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken it. Add the slurry gradually, whisking constantly, until the desired consistency is reached.

**6. Serve:**

* **Plate the Chicken:** Place the cooked Chicken Romano on a plate.
* **Drizzle with Sauce:** Generously drizzle the lemon-butter sauce over the chicken. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with extra grated Romano cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley for a more elegant presentation.

## Tips for the Best Chicken Romano

* **Use High-Quality Romano Cheese:** The quality of the Romano cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for a good-quality, aged Romano cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook in two batches if necessary.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep the heat at medium to prevent the cheese from burning before the chicken is cooked through. If the cheese is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
* **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for even cooking. This also helps create a better surface area for the cheese coating.
* **Press the Cheese Firmly:** Press the chicken firmly into the cheese mixture to ensure the cheese adheres well and creates a crispy crust.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings in the sauce to suit your personal preference.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Romano is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the lemon-butter sauce for extra flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Pair it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. These provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Salad:** Serve it with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. This helps balance the richness of the dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that complements Chicken Romano perfectly.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A simple rice pilaf is another great option for soaking up the delicious lemon-butter sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

## Variations

* **Chicken Parmesan:** While Chicken Romano uses Romano cheese, Chicken Parmesan uses Parmesan cheese. For a Chicken Parmesan recipe, simply substitute Parmesan cheese for Romano cheese in the breading mixture and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with adding other herbs to the cheese mixture, such as oregano, basil, or thyme. This can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
* **Spicy Chicken Romano:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Sauce:** Instead of the lemon-butter sauce, serve the Chicken Romano with a creamy mushroom sauce for a richer and earthier flavor.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare several components of this dish in advance to save time:

* **Pound the Chicken:** The chicken breasts can be pounded and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Prepare the Cheese Mixture:** The Romano cheese mixture can be prepared and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Make the Sauce:** The lemon-butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

**To prepare the entire dish in advance:**

1. Bread the chicken as instructed.
2. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
3. When ready to cook, heat the oil and cook the chicken as directed.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Chicken Romano in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the cooked Chicken Romano in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

## Conclusion

Chicken Romano is a delightful dish that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a zesty lemon-butter sauce. This recipe provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide for recreating this restaurant favorite at home. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can impress your family and friends with this flavorful Italian-American classic. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying Chicken Romano dinner!

## Recipe Card

**Chicken Romano**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 ½ cups grated Romano cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ cup olive oil

**Lemon-Butter Sauce:**

* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup chicken broth
* ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness.
2. Set up breading station: flour, eggs, Romano/Parmesan cheese mixture.
3. Bread chicken: flour, egg, cheese mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Make sauce: melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth and wine, simmer. Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season.
8. Serve chicken with sauce, garnished with extra cheese and parsley.

Enjoy!