Description

Enjoy this easy homemade version of Cheesecake Factory’s Crusted Chicken Romano. Tender chicken cutlets are seasoned, coated in a crispy blend of Panko breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, and lemon zest, then pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds Chicken Breasts (sliced lengthwise for quicker cooking)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Coating

1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 large Egg (beaten until smooth)
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup Grated Romano Cheese (or Parmesan)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (freshly grated)

Cooking & Topping

1/4 cup Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or Provolone)

Instructions

Preparation: Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into cutlets and gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the cutlets generously with salt and pepper.
Set up Breading Stations: Organize three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten egg, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into the beaten egg letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the panko and cheese mixture to ensure a crispy and flavorful crust.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Top with Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each chicken cutlet. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, creating a melty, gooey layer.
Serve: Remove the chicken from heat, garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Using avocado oil is recommended due to its higher smoke point compared to olive oil.
Fresh lemon zest adds a bright flavor; you can also use a splash of fresh lemon juice for added acidity.
Provolone cheese works well as a substitute for mozzarella if preferred.
Ensure chicken is pounded to even thickness to cook uniformly and avoid dryness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesecake Factory, Chicken Romano, Breaded Chicken, Crispy Chicken Cutlets, Pan-fried Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe