Cheesecake Factory's Crusted Chicken Romano (Copycat Recipe) – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Craving that crispy, golden crust and tender chicken you love from Cheesecake Factory’s Crusted Chicken Romano? This copycat recipe brings all the deliciousness of the restaurant version straight to your kitchen! With a perfectly seasoned Romano cheese and panko crust, this chicken is fried to golden perfection and pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’ll make you feel like you’re dining out—without leaving home!

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cheesecake Factory’s Crusted Chicken Romano

This beloved dish from Cheesecake Factory features tender chicken breasts, coated in a flavorful Romano cheese and panko bread crumb crust. The crispiness of the chicken is complemented by the rich, nutty flavor of the Romano cheese, making each bite a delight. Whether paired with a classic marinara sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish is all about that contrast between crispy and juicy, cheesy and savory. This recipe perfectly recreates that balance and allows you to enjoy this favorite anytime!

Why Crusted Chicken Romano Will Be Your Go-To Dinner Recipe

This dish is a family-friendly, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. The key to its success is the Romano cheese, which adds a salty, slightly tangy flavor to the crispy coating. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but also impressive enough for guests or a special occasion. Plus, it pairs perfectly with just about any pasta and sauce you like—whether you go for something simple like garlic butter or more elaborate like marinara or Alfredo. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick frying process, you can have a plate full of cheesy, crispy chicken that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fiber: 2g

This dish is satisfying and rich, making it the perfect comfort food to pair with pasta for a complete, hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cheesecake Factory’s Crusted Chicken Romano is traditionally served with pasta, so you can pair it with any of your favorite pasta dishes. Spaghetti with marinara sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, or a simple garlic and olive oil pasta all work beautifully with the crispy chicken. For a light and fresh option, try serving the chicken with a lemon butter sauce and a side of roasted vegetables. If you want to elevate the meal, add a Caesar salad or garlic bread on the side. Don’t forget to garnish with extra grated Romano cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For extra crispiness, try reheating the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the breading soggy. If you’re making the chicken ahead of time, you can freeze it after frying—just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the frozen chicken at 375°F until heated through.

Fun Fact: The Charm of Romano Cheese

Romano cheese, known for its sharp, tangy flavor, gets its name from the city of Rome. Traditionally made from sheep’s milk, today’s Romano is often made from cow’s or goat’s milk, giving it a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for crusting chicken or sprinkling over pasta. It’s one of Italy’s oldest cheeses, and its bold, salty taste is what makes this Crusted Chicken Romano so flavorful.

Cooking Tips

• Pound the Chicken Thin: For even cooking and that classic crispy texture, make sure to pound the chicken breasts until they are an even ¼ inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Resting: After breading the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. Frying in batches helps maintain the temperature of the oil, ensuring a crispy, golden crust.

Optional Variations

• Herb-Crusted Romano Chicken: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cheesy Overload: For a cheesier twist, add a layer of shredded mozzarella on top of the fried chicken and broil it in the oven until bubbly and golden.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture to give the crust a little heat.

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Cheesecake Factory's Crusted Chicken Romano (Copycat Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
• 1 ½ cups grated Romano cheese, plus ½ cup extra for serving
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 6 thin cutlets. Place the cutlets between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow dishes on the counter. In the first dish, combine the flour and Italian seasoning. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and water until frothy. In the third dish, mix the panko bread crumbs and grated Romano cheese.
3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured cutlets into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat each cutlet thoroughly with the panko and Romano mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere. Let the breaded cutlets rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.
4. Fry the chicken: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the cutlets to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each cutlet for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Keep the chicken warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and cover lightly with foil to keep warm while you finish frying the remaining cutlets.
6. Serve and garnish: Serve the crusted chicken over your choice of pasta and sauce. Garnish with extra grated Romano cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. Enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake Factory Crusted Chicken Romano copycat recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen! The crispy, cheesy Romano crust pairs perfectly with pasta, making it a deliciously satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with marinara, Alfredo, or simply a squeeze of lemon for a meal that’s as versatile as it is flavorful!