The first time I ordered Romano Chicken at The Cheesecake Factory, I was expecting a typical breaded chicken dish. Instead, I was treated to a thin, crispy shell of Romano cheese that shattered delicately with each bite, revealing perfectly tender chicken inside. The contrast between the savory, crisp exterior and the juicy meat was unforgettable. After several attempts to recreate this magic at home, I finally perfected this copycat recipe—and incredibly, it’s so simple that it’s become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Friends and family are consistently amazed that something this delicious requires just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Crusted Chicken Romano: A Cheesecake Factory Favorite
At the Cheesecake Factory, not only do they make some of the best cheesecake around, you can even go there for dinner or lunch. One of my favorite dishes is the Romano Chicken – I absolutely love it!
The pasta isn’t overcooked or gummy like at so many other places. And, the real star here is the crusted chicken romano.
Instead of the usual diced breasts, Cheesecake Factory wows you with a thin Romano cheese crispy shell that adds some crunch to your enjoyment. This unique preparation transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something truly special that will have your family thinking you’ve mastered restaurant-quality cooking.
Why this Chicken Romano Recipe is the Best
So, we were happy to discover this copycat Cheesecake Factory Romano Chicken recipe developed by Megan K. Devolve. She suggests you serve this crusted chicken romano Cheesecake Factory dish with spaghetti sauce, but she thinks that it is really sinful with alfredo sauce.
This has been one of CopyKat’s highest-rated recipes because it isn’t tricky to make and it tastes very, very good.
This will be hands down one of your favorite meals. Your family will clean their plates and ask for seconds every time. And, it will be requested for any special occasion like a birthday or Valentine’s Day. If you make this dish, I sure hope you’ll come back and let me know how it turned out and what you thought of it.
Ingredients for Chicken Romano
This crispy chicken breast recipe is perfect for when you have a few ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is so diverse you can pair it with any sauce you enjoy. For this recipe, you will need:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – The foundation of the dish, providing lean protein that becomes tender when pounded thin
- All-purpose flour – It creates the first coating that helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken
- Finely grated Romano cheese – This forms the distinctive crispy, savory crust that makes this dish special
- Eggs – Act as the binding agent that helps the cheese stick to the floured chicken
- Salt and pepper – Enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and balance the sharpness of the Romano cheese
- Olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken, adding flavor while creating that perfectly golden crust
How to Make Chicken Romano
- Whisk egg and water together to make an egg wash.
- Season flour with salt and pepper.
- Pound out chicken breasts until they are ½-inch thick.
- Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess flour.
- Dip the chicken in the egg wash.
- Dredge the chicken in Romano to coat it with the cheese.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet with some oil until it is golden brown and done.
Romano Chicken Recipe Variations
- For a gluten-free dish, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
- Add some prosciutto slices and/or some mushrooms.
- Turn it into a salad – fresh greens, prosciutto, crusty chicken, and buttermilk ranch dressing.
- Use center-cut pork chops in place of chicken. Don’t pound, but remove all fat.
- Make it with herbs and lemon slices.
- Coat your chicken with crushed cornflakes.
- Serve it up in a wine sauce.
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Romano Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
- Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
- Pound out chicken breasts to, at most, ½-inch thick.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Lightly coat the chicken with the seasoned flour.
- Dip the flour-coated chicken in the egg wash.
- Dredge the chicken in grated Romano to coat it with the cheese.
- Place the chicken in a frying pan with oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and done (internal temperature is 165°F).
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store:
Keep leftover Romano Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as the cheese crust may lose its crispness. If you must freeze, wrap each piece individually and store for up to 1 month.
Reheat:
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps restore some crispness to the cheese coating. Avoid microwaving, which will make the crust soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pound and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prepare your dredging stations just before cooking for the best texture.
- If serving with sauce, make the sauce a day ahead and reheat while cooking the chicken.
More Copycat Cheesecake Factory Recipes
More irresistible chicken recipes you have to try!
- Bourbon Chicken like Food Court
- Low Carb Chicken Divan
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Hunan Style Chicken
- Leftover Chicken Casserole Recipes
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Poppyseed Chicken
Don’t miss these reader’s favorites!
- Orange Julius Recipe
- Copycat Chick Fil A Nuggets
- White Chocolate Mocha like Starbucks
Be sure to try some of these famous restaurant chicken recipes, and pair them up with some restaurant sides.
You can get more copycat restaurant recipes just like the Cheesecake Factory recipes here at Copykat.com.
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
This was a very easy recipe to follow! Family thought is was a 4 out of 5. Thanks!
Your recipes are an inspiration to novice cooks like myself. Thank you for helping and sharing
Susana Cummings
I am glad you enjoy the recipes!
This looks sooo good. I’m going to try it asap but I’m thinking I’ll air fry it instead of in oil. Seems like if I spray the chicken with olive oil it should turn out just as good. I’ll let you know. More and more we need air fryer friendly recipes!
Did you Airfry it?
If anyone knows where to get the recipe for cheesecake factory’s meatball garlic bread with that spread that has cilantro sauce on it I would love to have it. That is the best stuff ever. I know the spread is made from ricotta and sour cream (my waiter told me) but not sure if there is something else in it or the ratio or anything like that. It is then served with the cilantro sauce drizzled over it.
does anybody know how to make the pasta they serve with this?
Marinara sauce and add heavy whipping cream.
I would LOVE the recipe for Olive Garden’s Chicken Alfredo.