If you’ve ever savored the rich, cheesy flavor of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you know it’s the kind of dish you crave again and again. What if you could recreate that same delectable experience right in your own kitchen? With this recipe, you’ll master the art of making juicy, flavorful chicken topped with a creamy Parmesan crust that will leave your taste buds singing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality: This recipe captures the rich flavors and textures of the famous Longhorn Steakhouse dish.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll have a gourmet meal in no time.
- Perfectly Cheesy: The Parmesan crust is a blend of creamy and crispy textures that elevate every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this iconic dish to life:
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil (for searing) | 1 tbsp |
| Shredded mozzarella (optional) | ½ cup |
For the Parmesan Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Ranch dressing | ½ cup |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Italian seasoning | ½ tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp |
For the Parmesan Crust
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Pound the Chicken
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it in to adhere.
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll finish cooking the chicken in the oven after searing.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the Skillet
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat.
Sear the Chicken
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet once the oil is shimmering.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- You’re not cooking the chicken through yet—just giving it a nice sear.
Transfer to the Oven
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10–12 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven.
3. Make the Parmesan Topping
Mix the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Mozzarella (Optional)
- For an extra cheesy layer, mix in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Make the Parmesan Crust
Prepare the Breadcrumbs
- In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5. Assemble and Bake
Add the Parmesan Topping
- Spread a generous layer of the Parmesan topping over each chicken breast.
Add the Parmesan Crust
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the Parmesan topping, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake Until Golden
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the crust is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Perfect Balance of Flavors
The seasoned chicken, creamy Parmesan topping, and crispy breadcrumb crust create a symphony of flavors and textures.
2. Easy Restaurant-Quality Meal
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can replicate a high-end dish without leaving your kitchen.
3. Customizable for Your Taste
From adjusting the spice level to adding extra cheese, this recipe is endlessly versatile.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Tips for the Best Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic make a big difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
3. Toast the Breadcrumbs
- For an even crunchier crust, toast the Panko breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before using.
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Parmesan Chicken
- Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the Parmesan topping for a spicy kick.
2. Lemon Herb Twist
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, zesty flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Swap Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Pair the chicken with fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter noodles.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh side salad.
- Rice or Potatoes: Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto are excellent companions.
FAQ: Your Questions About Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Answered
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the chicken and Parmesan topping in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take longer to cook.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the crust crispy.
5. Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
You can use Caesar dressing or even Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a tangy alternative.
6. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and a vegan mayo alternative for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crispy Parmesan crust and juicy, tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to share your creation and inspire others to bring this delicious recipe to their table!
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Restaurant-Style Recipe at Home
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bring the rich, cheesy flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken to your own kitchen! This recipe features juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy Parmesan topping and crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this restaurant-style dish is both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Garlic powder – ½ tsp
- Paprika – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for searing)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional) – ½ cup
For the Parmesan Topping:
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
- Ranch dressing – ½ cup
- Mayonnaise – ¼ cup
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Italian seasoning – ½ tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp
For the Parmesan Crust:
- Panko breadcrumbs – ½ cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter (melted) – 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – 1 tbsp
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch for even cooking.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with the spice mix.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Parmesan Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- For extra cheesiness, mix in shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Prepare the Parmesan Crust
- In a separate bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
6. Assemble and Bake
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spread a generous layer of the Parmesan topping over each breast.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, pressing gently to adhere.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the crust is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers superior flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in a pan before assembling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Bake
- Cuisine: American
I made it for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Chicken was a bit dry, but otherwise it was good!
Made this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, so delicious!
Several steps, but so worth it!!
My husband loved it!