Crispy Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chicken Romano Recipe
Enjoy a crispy, flavorful homemade version of Cheesecake Factory’s famous Chicken Romano. This recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy panko and Romano cheese crust, pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner with a gourmet touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare Coating Bowls: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and the last with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Romano cheese.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the panko and Romano mixture, coating thoroughly for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken breasts, cover the skillet briefly, and let the cheese melt slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, and garnish with lemon zest and chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, bake the coated chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy coating.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked.
Keywords: Chicken Romano, Cheesecake Factory copycat, crispy chicken, panko crusted chicken, fried chicken breast recipe, homemade chicken romano
