Lemon Chicken Romano Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Chicken Romano is a bright and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a zesty lemon sauce and savory Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic.
- Step 2: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Add minced garlic to the skillet and pour in chicken broth; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the skillet; stir until the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; let it melt slightly before serving.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic step for a subtle heat.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over cooked pasta to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and sauce flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly longer cooking time but will offer a juicier texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful with the lemon and garlic sauce.
PrintLemon Chicken Romano Recipe
Lemon Chicken Romano is a flavorful, easy-to-make skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon and garlic sauce, finished with melted Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a vibrant, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the fresh parsley finely and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly to ensure they evenly flavor the dish.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to impart robust flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Simmer: Add the minced garlic directly to the skillet. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors into the chicken and sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch combined with cold water) into the skillet. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency.
- Add Lemon Juice and Parmesan: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the seared chicken breasts and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Let the cheese melt slightly into the warm sauce to add richness and tang.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after thickening with cornstarch.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Low-sodium broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
Keywords: Lemon Chicken, Parmesan Chicken, Italian Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Easy Dinner, Garlic Chicken, Comfort Food
