There are some recipes that just stick with you, passed down through generations, becoming a beloved staple in family gatherings and intimate dinners alike. This Pecorino Chicken Francese recipe is precisely one of those. It’s a treasured dish from my mom, a culinary gem she shared with me years ago, and it has consistently proven to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s the star of a lively dinner party or the elegant centerpiece of a romantic candlelit evening, its appeal is undeniable and truly special.

Chicken Francese, sometimes spelled Chicken Francaise, holds a special place in the canon of Italian-American restaurant favorites. It’s often considered the Italian-American answer to classic French chicken dishes, characterized by its beautifully delicate, yet incredibly flavorful lemon, butter, and white wine sauce. While its ‘authenticity’ as a traditional Italian dish might spark debate among purists, there’s no denying its universal and mouthwatering appeal. What truly elevates this particular recipe to something extraordinary, however, is my mom’s ingenious addition: a generous kick of Pecorino Romano cheese, infusing it with a unique depth that sets it apart.

As with any truly exceptional recipe, the magic of Pecorino Chicken Francese lies in paying meticulous attention to the details. For instance, using freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount – you’re already slicing a fresh lemon for garnish, so why not maximize that vibrant, zesty flavor throughout the dish? The difference between bottled juice and fresh is remarkable and truly impacts the brightness of the sauce. Personally, I find that Italian seasoned bread crumbs add an extra layer of pre-blended flavor and aroma that perfectly complements the dish. However, if you prefer to exercise your culinary creativity, starting with plain bread crumbs and adding your own blend of Italian seasonings – perhaps a touch of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder – is a fantastic way to truly personalize this dish and make it your signature creation.

The Unmistakable Flavor of Pecorino Romano: A Game Changer

In this recipe, Pecorino Romano truly takes center stage and acts as the secret ingredient that transforms a delicious classic into a culinary masterpiece. By incorporating this sharp, salty, and nutty sheep’s milk cheese directly into the chicken breading, its rich, savory notes are infused into every bite of the chicken from the very first sizzle in the pan. As the chicken cooks, the Pecorino melts and subtly blends into the foundation of the luscious lemon-butter-wine sauce, adding an incredible depth of umami and a satisfying complexity. But the magic doesn’t stop there. A final, generous sprinkle of the remaining grated Pecorino Romano over the finished dish provides that immediate burst of flavor, the very first taste sensation to greet your palate. This exquisite combination – the bright zing of fresh lemon, the deep, aromatic notes of a quality white wine, and the unmistakable savory punch of Pecorino – creates a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly have you craving this chicken dish again and again.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pecorino Chicken Francese

Given the rich and flavorful nature of the sauce, I always find that Pecorino Chicken Francese pairs beautifully with a starchy side that can generously soak up every last drop of that incredible liquid gold. Pasta is an absolute natural choice and a classic accompaniment. The exquisite sauce generously coats both the tender, breaded chicken and the al dente pasta, creating an absolutely divine and cohesive culinary experience. While linguine is my personal favorite, providing a perfect texture and ample surface area for the sauce to cling to, fettuccine works just as wonderfully. In fact, most pasta shapes you might have on hand – from classic spaghetti to versatile penne or fun rotini – would be an excellent accompaniment. Don’t feel limited to pasta, though! On occasion, I love serving it with hearty roasted vegetables like tender potatoes or sweet carrots, which become wonderfully infused with the sauce’s bright and savory flavors. And for those warmer months, a light and fresh green salad, perhaps crisp arugula tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, offers a delightful contrast and cuts through the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing balance.

Ingredients for a Flawless Pecorino Chicken Francese

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total, or 6-8 smaller cutlets)

• 1 cup whole milk (for soaking, helps tenderize and adheres breading beautifully)

• 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (or plain with added seasonings, see notes below for customization)

• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, divided (3/4 cup for breading, 1/4 cup reserved for garnish)

• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – avoid cooking wine)

• 1 cup chicken stock (low sodium preferred, for better control over seasoning)

• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced (for presentation and flavor infusion during baking)

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (crucial for that vibrant, zesty flavor)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for pan-frying the chicken to a golden crisp)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided, for breading and garnish)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (adds a luxurious richness to the sauce)

• salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste (essential for balancing flavors)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pecorino Chicken Francese

• 1. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully remove the tenderloin from each chicken breast. Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner cutlets. Take all chicken pieces, including the tenderloins, and pound them evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan. This crucial step ensures even cooking and tender results. Arrange the pounded chicken in a shallow dish, cover it completely with milk, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. Soaking in milk helps tenderize the chicken further and ensures the breading adheres perfectly.
• 2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: While the chicken is soaking, preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Lightly butter the bottom and sides of an oven-safe baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle richness to the final dish.
• 3. Create the Pecorino Breading: In a shallow bowl or a wide, shallow pan, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, 3/4 cup of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese (be sure to reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for later!), a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and about 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform and highly flavorful breading mixture.
• 4. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the milk, allowing any excess milk to drip off slightly. Dredge each piece of chicken generously through the prepared Pecorino bread crumb mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly and evenly coated on all sides. Gently press the breading onto the chicken to help it adhere during cooking.
• 5. Sear the Chicken: Heat the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning). Cook until each side is lightly golden brown and crispy, typically 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.
• 6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken cutlets to your prepared buttered baking dish. Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and any flavorful browned bits (fond) in the skillet – these will form the absolutely delicious base of your incredible sauce. Season the chicken lightly with additional salt and pepper, if desired, after placing it in the dish. Artfully arrange a few thin lemon slices over each piece of chicken for both flavor infusion and an appealing presentation.
• 7. Craft the Signature Sauce: Add the 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet with the reserved olive oil and pan drippings. Once the butter has melted, deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, vigorously scraping up all the delicious caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or whisk. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low to medium heat. Next, pour in the chicken stock and bring it back to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half and slightly thickened, concentrating its wonderful flavors. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the freshly squeezed lemon juice – adding it off the heat preserves its vibrant, fresh flavor. Pour this exquisite sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
• 8. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 180° F (82° C) when measured with a meat thermometer, and the sauce is bubbling deliciously around the chicken. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• 9. Finish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese evenly over the hot chicken and sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley for a final flourish of color and freshness. Serve your delectable Pecorino Chicken Francese hot, directly from the baking dish or plated individually, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for Pecorino Chicken Francese

• Versatile Serving Suggestions: This incredibly flavorful dish is exceptionally versatile. It works perfectly served over a bed of al dente pasta, such as delicate linguine or hearty fettuccine, allowing the rich, zesty sauce to coat every strand. It’s also fantastic alongside hearty roasted potatoes or other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet carrots, which absorb the bright sauce beautifully. For a lighter meal option, simply pair it with a crisp, fresh green salad, perhaps a peppery arugula tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette to complement the chicken’s vibrant flavors.
• Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, or simply don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it effectively without compromising flavor too much. Use 1 tablespoon of good quality white wine vinegar (such as Chardonnay or Champagne vinegar) along with an additional 3/4 cup of chicken stock. This combination will provide a similar acidic tang and contribute to the sauce’s body without the alcohol.
• Homemade Italian Bread Crumbs: No Italian seasoned bread crumbs? No problem! You can easily make your own. Simply use plain bread crumbs and enhance them with your favorite Italian herb blend. A good starting point is to add about a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of dried basil, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder. Feel free to adjust these amounts to suit your personal preference and create your signature blend.
• Pecorino Romano Alternatives: While Pecorino Romano offers a unique sharp, salty, and distinctively nutty flavor that truly shines in this recipe, you can substitute it with other hard, aged Italian cheeses. Excellent alternatives include Parmigiano Reggiano (which is slightly milder, fruitier, and nuttier), Grana Padano, or even aged Asiago, each offering a distinct yet delicious profile to the dish.
• Importance of Pounding Chicken: Don’t skip this critical step! Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and quickly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. It also tenderizes the meat significantly, making for a much more enjoyable and succulent bite.
• Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice: While convenient, bottled lemon juice undeniably lacks the bright, nuanced, and aromatic flavor of fresh lemons. Since you’re already using a fresh lemon for decorative slices, take the extra minute to juice it for the sauce – you will absolutely taste the remarkable difference in freshness and vibrancy!