Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that has gained legendary status for its mouthwatering flavor and irresistible crispy topping. Inspired by the iconic restaurant favorite, this recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a layer of creamy ranch spread and a crispy Parmesan-crust finish. The combination of rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors makes this dish an instant hit, whether you’re recreating the restaurant experience at home or treating your family to something special.

This dish is perfect for any occasion—be it a hearty weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for a gathering, or even an indulgent meal-prep recipe. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. What sets this dish apart is its contrast of textures: the tender chicken, creamy topping, and crispy, cheesy crust work together to create a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.

The best part? This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a crispy, golden topping, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a celebration of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’ve tried it at the restaurant or it’s your first time making it at home, you’ll fall in love with how each bite delivers a perfect blend of savory and creamy goodness. The Parmesan crust is the star of the dish, offering a buttery, cheesy crunch that complements the juicy chicken and tangy ranch topping.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. While the finished dish looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, it’s surprisingly straightforward. From searing the chicken to layering the toppings and broiling it to golden perfection, every step is easy to follow and ensures a delicious result.

Plus, this recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the level of seasoning in the chicken, experiment with different cheese blends for the crust, or even make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a versatile dish that suits a variety of palates, making it perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this dish delivers every time.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Ranch Spread

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Parmesan Crust Topping

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken sear properly and develop a flavorful crust.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
2. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The goal is to develop a flavorful crust on the outside while locking in the juices. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish in the oven.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside while you prepare the toppings.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Spread

1. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This creamy, tangy spread acts as a flavorful layer that holds the Parmesan crust in place.
2. Spread a generous layer of the ranch mixture over the top of each seared chicken breast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Crust Topping

1. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, melted butter, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and form a crumbly texture.
2. Spoon the Parmesan crust mixture over the ranch spread on each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent the crust from burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy chicken.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Ingredient Background

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for this recipe, as they cook quickly and soak up the flavors of the seasoning and toppings.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds a tangy, creamy layer that enhances the chicken’s flavor while helping the Parmesan crust adhere.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that’s the star of the crust. Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooeyness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Ensures the crust is golden and crisp while adding richness.

Technique Tips

1. Searing is Key: Searing the chicken before baking locks in the juices and creates a flavorful base for the toppings. Don’t skip this step!
2. Layer Carefully: Apply the ranch spread and Parmesan crust evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Broil for Crispiness: Broiling at the end gives the Parmesan crust a golden, crispy finish. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Family-Style Platter: Arrange the baked chicken breasts on a large platter with your chosen sides for a beautiful family-style meal.
2. Individual Portions: Serve each chicken breast on a bed of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a restaurant-quality presentation.
3. Sandwich Style: Slice the chicken and serve it in a toasted sandwich roll with lettuce, tomato, and additional ranch dressing for a fun twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes superior.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure maximum juiciness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Italian-Style Parmesan Crust: Mix in Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a more Mediterranean flavor profile.
3. Cheddar Crusted Chicken: Replace mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a tangier crust.
4. Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make the dish keto-friendly.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken breasts in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Lighten the Ranch Spread: Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream in place of full-fat ranch dressing.
2. Bake Instead of Sear: Skip the stovetop searing step and bake the chicken directly to reduce oil usage.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting, balanced meal.
• Special Occasion: Serve alongside roasted asparagus and a glass of Chardonnay for an elegant dinner.
• Meal Prep: Slice the chicken and portion it with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a flavorful, protein-packed lunch.

Special Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works best for searing and transferring directly to the oven.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Grater: Use a fine grater for freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken with the ranch spread and crust topping ahead of time, then bake it when ready to serve.

3. What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a superior flavor.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based butter alternative to create a dairy-free version.

8. How do I prevent the crust from burning?
Broil the chicken for only 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to ensure the crust doesn’t burn.

Conclusion

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a dish that combines the best of both worlds: juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust that’s absolutely packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or even meal prep, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. With its easy preparation, customizable flavors, and restaurant-quality results, it’s a dish that will quickly become a household favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress every time!

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