Name: Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Romano cheese; 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for frying; 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

The Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano offers a crispy, flavorful chicken dish coated in a savory blend of Romano cheese and breadcrumbs. This recipe brings that restaurant favorite into your home kitchen, delivering a satisfying meal with a touch of elegance.

A white plate holds three pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried fish with a slightly rough texture from breading, each piece showing a well-cooked, uneven surface with darker charred spots. The fish is topped and surrounded by chopped bright green herbs, likely parsley, and small pieces of red roasted pepper scattered across. Under the fish is a glowing layer of light yellow buttery sauce that pools slightly around the edges, adding shine and richness. The white marbled surface beneath the plate gives a clean, elegant look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Romano cheese
1 cup bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for frying
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Flatten each chicken breast to about 1 inch thick using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Step 2: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the mixture of Romano cheese and bread crumbs.
Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in beaten eggs, letting extra drip off, and finally coat thoroughly with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5: Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Step 6: Fry the chicken breasts carefully in the hot oil for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Drain excess oil by placing cooked chicken breasts on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 8: Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
Step 9: Serve each piece of crusted chicken topped with a generous spoonful of warmed marinara sauce.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.
Add spices like oregano or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance flavor.
Try a vegetarian twist by using zucchini slices instead of chicken, prepared the same way.
For a spicy kick, mix crushed red pepper flakes into the breading.
Add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy variation.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness. Uncooked, breaded chicken can be frozen by first placing chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

The image shows three golden-brown fried fish fillets with a crispy texture, placed closely together on a white plate. Each fillet is topped with small bright red tomato pieces and sprinkled generously with chopped green herbs. The plate has a light yellow oily sauce, lightly covering the fish and pooling around the fillets, adding a shiny, moist look. The background is a white marbled texture that enhances the colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe gluten-free.