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Futuristic Chicken Romano Plating with Modern Garnish

Chicken Romano

Victoria
Discover the irresistible flavor of Chicken Romano—crispy, tender chicken topped with a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces)
  • Chicken breast is the best choice for this dish as it cooks quickly and evenly, giving you a juicy, tender result. If you prefer a juicier cut, feel free to use chicken thighs instead!
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Always season your chicken well to ensure it’s full of flavor right from the start.
  • Italian seasoning 1 tbsp
  • A blend of oregano basil, and thyme will give the chicken that perfect Mediterranean touch.

For the Crispy Coating:

  • Romano cheese grated (1/2 cup)
  • This sharp nutty cheese adds a depth of flavor to the crispy crust that will make each bite irresistible.
  • Parmesan cheese grated (1/2 cup)
  • A classic Italian cheese Parmesan adds a salty, savory note to the coating.
  • Panko bread crumbs 1 cup
  • Panko bread crumbs are perfect for achieving that crunchy golden exterior. If you can’t find panko, regular bread crumbs will work too, but panko will give you the best texture.
  • Garlic powder 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor in the crust. You could also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.

For the Creamy Romano Sauce:

  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil is ideal for sautéing the garlic and creating a rich base for the sauce.
  • Minced garlic 3 cloves
  • Fresh garlic adds a bold aromatic kick to the sauce.
  • Heavy cream 1 cup
  • For a rich velvety sauce, heavy cream is the way to go. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk.
  • Romano cheese grated (1/2 cup)
  • We’re doubling down on the Romano cheese in the sauce to ensure it’s wonderfully creamy and cheesy.
  • Lemon juice 1 tbsp
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing herbaceous note that ties everything together.

Optional Garnishes and Sides:

  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Serve with a slice of lemon for an extra burst of citrus.
  • Pasta garlic bread, or roasted vegetables
  • These sides make the perfect accompaniment to this creamy crispy dish.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If they're thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner, more even pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out and helps create a crispy crust.
  • Tip: For extra juiciness, consider lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook faster and ensures they stay tender.
  • Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The seasoning will enhance the chicken’s natural flavors and provide a savory base for the breading.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Coating

  • In a shallow bowl, combine Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and garlic powder. This mixture creates the deliciously crispy coating for your chicken.
  • Tip: For the crispiest coating, make sure to press the breading onto the chicken as you coat it. This helps it stick better and gives you that perfect crunch.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on both sides. This is where the cheese really shines, creating a golden, crispy exterior with a rich, cheesy flavor.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

  • Warm a lot of olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan but not completely submerge the chicken. You want enough oil to get a crisp texture without deep frying.
  • Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil, which results in soggy breading.
  • Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) when cooked thoroughly.
  • Pro Tip: If you're unsure whether the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It’s the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked through while staying juicy inside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Romano Sauce

  • When the chicken is done, take it out of the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil or butter.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté it for 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
  • Finally, add the heavy cream and blend with the garlic. Allow the cream to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. As it thickens, add in the Romano cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Tip: Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from curdling, and adjust the heat as needed. You want the sauce to be smooth and creamy, not too thick or too runny.
  • Finally, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice to brighten the sauce and balance out the richness. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning, if needed.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

  • Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  • Tip: This step is key for making sure the chicken absorbs some of the delicious sauce while keeping its crispy exterior. Don’t let it sit too long in the sauce to avoid losing that crispy texture!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Chicken Romano with your favorite sides like pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
  • Pro Tip: For a complete meal, try serving this with a simple green salad or some roasted potatoes. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with any side!
  • Now you have a perfectly crispy, creamy, and flavorful Chicken Romano that’s sure to wow your family or guests. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant—but with the comfort of homemade goodness. Ready to dig in? Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
 
Keyword Chicken Romano, Crispy Chicken, Romano Cheese