Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you’re likely familiar with their irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This dish combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-crusted topping, creating an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. The crispy, cheesy topping melts beautifully over tender chicken, making it one of Longhorn’s most beloved menu items.

Now, with this copycat recipe, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table. It’s quick to prepare, full of rich flavor, and pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or even fries for a complete meal.

Let’s dive into how you can make this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken copycat recipe at home, with all the tips and tricks you need for perfect results.

Why You’ll Love Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

1. Juicy and Flavorful Chicken: The chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor.
2. Creamy Parmesan Topping: A mixture of creamy ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious layer that melts and crisps beautifully under the broiler.
3. Restaurant Quality at Home: This copycat recipe brings the flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse right to your kitchen, giving you that gourmet dining experience without the hefty price tag.
4. Quick and Easy: Despite its elegant appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
5. Versatile: This dish pairs well with many sides, so you can customize it based on what you have on hand. From roasted vegetables to pasta, the options are endless.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (depending on the size of the breasts used)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

For the Parmesan Topping:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Pound the Chicken:

To ensure even cooking, you’ll want to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This also tenderizes the chicken.

2. Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing the spices into the meat to adhere.

3. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll finish the chicken in the oven after searing it on the stovetop.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet:

In a large, oven-safe skillet (like a cast-iron skillet), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. You’re not cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage, just getting a nice sear on the outside.

3. Transfer to the Oven:

Once the chicken is seared on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the skillet from the oven and set aside while you prepare the Parmesan topping.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping

1. Mix the Parmesan Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

2. Add Mozzarella (Optional):

For an extra cheesy touch, you can mix 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella into the Parmesan topping. This will add more gooey, melty goodness to the finished dish.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust

1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:

In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. The melted butter helps the breadcrumbs toast up and gives them a rich, golden-brown color as they bake.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan Topping and Crust

1. Spread the Parmesan Topping:

Once the chicken is cooked through, spoon the Parmesan topping evenly over each chicken breast, spreading it out to cover the entire top surface.

2. Add the Parmesan Crust:

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the Parmesan topping, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. This is what gives the chicken that delicious, crispy, cheesy crust.

Step 6: Broil the Chicken

1. Turn on the Broiler:

Set your oven to broil and place the skillet with the chicken back in the oven. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Chicken:

Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chicken with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

2. Serve Immediately:

Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot, with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or fries.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich Parmesan topping.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
• Over Pasta: Place the chicken on top of a bed of pasta with a light garlic butter sauce or marinara for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
• With Salad: For a lighter option, serve the Parmesan chicken over a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can result in dry chicken, and you want it to stay moist and tender.
2. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding the Parmesan topping and broiling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
3. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded Parmesan. It’s worth the extra effort!
4. Broil for Crispy Topping: Keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s under the broiler. The topping can go from golden brown to burnt quickly, so watch it carefully.
5. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, or provolone for added flavor. Mozzarella works great for extra melty goodness.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is delicious as-is, there are a few variations you can try to switch things up:

1. Spicy Parmesan Chicken:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the Parmesan topping for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy ranch dressing for even more heat.

2. Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken:

Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the Parmesan topping for a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also add extra fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the crust for more freshness.

3. BBQ Parmesan Chicken:

For a smoky twist, brush the chicken with a layer of barbecue sauce before adding the Parmesan topping. The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the cheesy crust.

4. Parmesan Chicken Alfredo:

Serve the Parmesan-crusted chicken over a bed of fettuccine Alfredo for a creamy, decadent meal. The rich Alfredo sauce complements the crispy Parmesan topping perfectly.

5. Bacon Parmesan Chicken:

For extra indulgence, add crispy bacon crumbles to the Parmesan crust. The salty, savory bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the cheesy topping.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.

Freezing:

To freeze the chicken, allow it to cool completely after baking. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven.

Reheating Tips:

To maintain the crispy texture of the crust, reheat the chicken in the oven rather than the microwave. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

Special Equipment

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
• Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: An oven-safe skillet is essential for searing the chicken and transferring it to the oven.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Broiler: The broiler is key to getting that crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as thighs take a little longer to cook than breasts. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of Panko breadcrumbs for the Parmesan crust.

3. What if I don’t have ranch dressing?

If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can substitute it with Caesar dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a mixture of sour cream and herbs for a similar creamy, tangy flavor.

4. Can I make the Parmesan topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Parmesan topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, and give it a quick stir before spreading it on the chicken.

5. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, be sure to not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked to the right temperature without becoming dry. Also, letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain its juices.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust. This copycat recipe brings all the flavors of the restaurant to your home, making it easy to enjoy this indulgent dish whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.

The rich flavors of the ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese meld together perfectly to create a creamy, flavorful topping, while the crispy Panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch. Paired with your favorite sides, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken right in your own kitchen!

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