Description

This Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken cutlets coated with a crunchy panko and Romano cheese crust, topped with melted mozzarella for a gooey finish. Prepared skillet-style, it’s perfect for a quick, indulgent dinner that rivals restaurant quality.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Breading Stations

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

Cooking and Topping

1/4 cup Avocado Oil or Olive Oil (avocado oil preferred)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or Provolone)
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets for faster and even cooking. Pound gently to ensure uniform thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper generously.
Set up Breading Stations: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon zest for a flavorful crust.
Coat the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in beaten egg allowing excess to drip off, then press thoroughly into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture to ensure an even coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place breaded cutlets in the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top of each cooked cutlet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, creating a gooey melty topping.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp crust and flavorful cheesy topping.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Avocado oil is preferred for its higher smoke point to prevent burning during frying.
Ensure chicken cutlets are of even thickness for consistent cooking and juiciness.
Use fresh lemon zest for brightness and an enhanced flavor profile.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated in a skillet to retain crust crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crusted Chicken Romano, Cheesecake Factory Chicken Recipe, Panko Crusted Chicken, Skillet Chicken, Melted Cheese Chicken, Crispy Chicken Cutlets