Crusted Chicken Romano

Crusted Chicken Romano is a popular dish known for its crispy, cheesy exterior and tender chicken interior. The chicken is coated with a mixture of Romano cheese and panko breadcrumbs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. It's often served with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti with marinara sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for frying

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Spaghetti with marinara sauce (optional)
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thinner cutlets.

   • Place the chicken between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch thick.

   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up Breading Stations:

   • In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.

   • In a second shallow dish, beat the egg.

   • In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.

3. Bread the Chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess.

   • Dip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.

   • Press into the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating.

   • Let the breaded cutlets rest for 5 minutes to set the coating.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

   • Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Melt the Cheese:

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken cutlet.

   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the chicken to serving plates.

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

   • Optional: Serve alongside spaghetti with marinara sauce for a complete meal.
     
     

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal

• Protein: 45g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 2g

• Sodium: 600mg

• Cholesterol: 150mg

• Potassium: 700mg

• Calcium: 150mg

• Iron: 2mg