Lemon Chicken Romano
Lemon Chicken Romano is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a savory Parmesan Romano cheese topping. This flavorful recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner packed with bright, zesty flavors and a luscious sauce, finished off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the fresh parsley finely and mince the garlic cloves to get them ready for cooking.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a balanced flavor base.
- Sear Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are nearly cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring briefly to release its aroma, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken cooks through.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the cornstarch and cold water mixture into the skillet. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Cheese: Squeeze the freshly pressed lemon juice over the chicken, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly into the warm sauce for a rich, tangy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
Notes
- For extra zest, add lemon zest to the sauce along with the juice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Italian seasoning based on your taste preference.
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook chicken breasts to keep them juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, chicken romano, Italian chicken recipe, easy dinner, lemon garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken, healthy chicken recipe