Crusted Chicken Romano Recipe

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There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a perfectly golden, crusted chicken cutlet, and when that crust is made with Romano cheese, the flavor reaches a new level of indulgence. Crusted Chicken Romano is a restaurant-style dish often found in Italian-American kitchens, where simple ingredients—bread crumbs, grated cheese, herbs, and tender chicken—combine to create something both rustic and elegant. This recipe delivers juicy chicken wrapped in a crispy, cheesy crust, served with a side of lemon wedges or pasta for a meal that feels equally at home on a weeknight table or at a special dinner.

What makes this dish shine is the Romano cheese in the breading. Unlike Parmesan, Romano has a sharper, saltier, and slightly tangier bite, which balances the richness of the chicken and the crunch of the coating. When fried to perfection, the crust becomes deeply golden and crisp while locking in the chicken’s natural juices. Paired with a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of marinara, it’s a dish that promises both flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream

  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style bread crumbs

  • 1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup olive oil or light vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional for Serving:

  • Fresh lemon wedges

  • Marinara or Alfredo sauce

  • Cooked pasta or roasted vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and tenderness, pound the chicken to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy inside while the crust crisps beautifully on the outside.

Step 2: Set Up a Dredging Station

Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, place the flour, seasoned lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In the third, combine the bread crumbs, grated Romano cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and salt. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb-Romano mixture, coating both sides evenly. For an extra-crisp crust, press down gently with your hands to help the coating adhere. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts, cooking two at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Crusted Chicken Romano can be served in several ways. For a lighter presentation, serve it simply with a wedge of lemon, letting the citrus brighten the rich flavors of the crust. For a heartier meal, pair it with spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, or even with creamy Alfredo pasta for a decadent twist. A crisp salad or roasted vegetables also makes an excellent accompaniment.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose quality Romano cheese: Freshly grated Romano is key here. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the sharpness and doesn’t melt as well into the crust.

  2. Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Thinner, evenly pounded cutlets ensure faster cooking and juicier results.

  3. Avoid overcrowding the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady, which guarantees a crispy crust.

  4. Drain properly: Resting the chicken briefly on a rack or paper towel helps the coating stay crunchy.

  5. Experiment with herbs: Basil, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the breading for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas

  • Classic Italian Style: Serve over spaghetti with marinara sauce and fresh basil for a homestyle Italian-American dinner.

  • Light and Fresh: Pair with a simple arugula salad, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, for a refreshing balance.

  • Creamy and Decadent: Drizzle Alfredo sauce over the chicken and serve with garlic bread for an indulgent feast.

  • Family-Friendly: Cut into strips and serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for a kid-friendly twist.

Conclusion

Crusted Chicken Romano is the perfect balance of texture and flavor: juicy chicken wrapped in a cheesy, golden crust that’s crisp with every bite. It’s a dish that celebrates the bold, salty tang of Romano cheese while delivering the kind of satisfying comfort only a crispy chicken cutlet can provide. Whether served simply with lemon or elevated with pasta and sauce, it’s versatile enough to be a weeknight go-to or a centerpiece for a special dinner. Once you’ve made it, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, delighting family and guests alike.

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