The Cheesecake Factory is renowned for its decadent, flavor-packed dishes, and their Crusted Chicken Romano is no exception. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy panko and Romano cheese crust, then smothered in melty mozzarella. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Lucky for us, you can easily recreate this Cheesecake Factory favorite right in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and steps.
Table of Contents
Mastering the Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
The key to nailing this Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano recipe lies in the thoughtful selection and preparation of the ingredients. Let’s break down the essential components:
- Chicken Breasts: You’ll want to use about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise for even cooking.
- Breading: The breading is a mixture of all-purpose flour, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. This combination creates a crunchy, flavorful coating.
- Cooking Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil is used to pan-fry the breaded chicken until golden brown.
- Cheese Topping: Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the cooked chicken for a melty, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to recreate this Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano dish at home:
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise for even cooking and set aside.
- Season and Flour: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, coating each piece evenly.
- Bread the Chicken: Press the egg-coated chicken into the panko, Romano cheese, parsley, and lemon zest mixture until fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked chicken. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano and serve it immediately, while the cheese is still hot and melty.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
To ensure your Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano turns out absolutely delicious, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your chicken, breadcrumbs, cheese, and other components, the more flavorful your final dish will be.
- Slice the Chicken Evenly: Cutting the chicken breasts lengthwise helps them cook through evenly and prevents any dry or undercooked spots.
- Maintain the Correct Cooking Temperature: Keep the oil in the skillet between 350°F and 375°F to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the chicken.
- Substitute Ingredients as Needed: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Parmesan cheese also works well in place of Romano.
Nutritional Information for Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
One serving of Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano (about 4 ounces of chicken) contains approximately:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
To make this dish a bit more nutritious, you can serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Cutting back on the amount of oil used or substituting it with a healthier option like avocado oil can also reduce the overall fat content.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
The Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a bright and fresh green salad. For dipping, a zesty lemon-garlic aioli or tangy marinara sauce would be the perfect accompaniment.
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FAQs About Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano
What ingredients are used in Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano?
The key ingredients in Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, avocado or olive oil, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the chicken prepared and cooked for this dish?
The chicken breasts are sliced lengthwise, seasoned with salt and pepper, dredged in flour, dipped in egg, and then coated in the panko-Romano cheese mixture. The breaded chicken is then pan-fried in oil until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Finally, the cooked chicken is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and briefly covered to melt the cheese.
Can this recipe be made at home without special equipment?
Yes, this Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano recipe can be easily made at home without any special equipment. All you need is a skillet or shallow pan for cooking the breaded chicken, and a few basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and mixing bowls.
What sides or sauces pair best with Crusted Chicken Romano?
The Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a fresh green salad. For dipping, a zesty lemon-garlic aioli or tangy marinara sauce would be delicious accompaniments.
Savor the Flavors of Cheesecake Factory at Home
Recreating the Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano in your own kitchen is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for this indulgent and flavor-packed dish. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the same delicious experience right at home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the irresistible combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and robust flavors that make this dish a true Cheesecake Factory favorite.
Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!
PrintIndulge in Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano Tonight!
Recreate the Cheesecake Factory’s Crusted Chicken Romano with tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy panko and Romano cheese crust, topped with melted mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prep the chicken by slicing the breasts lengthwise for even cooking and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, coating each piece evenly.
4. Press the egg-coated chicken into the panko, Romano cheese, parsley, and lemon zest mixture until fully coated.
5. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked chicken. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
7. Plate the Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano and serve it immediately, while the cheese is still hot and melty.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for better flavor.
Slice the chicken evenly to ensure proper cooking.
Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for a perfect crust.
Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chicken, Romano, Cheesecake Factory