Sizzling Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Crafting a delectable copycat Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe brings excitement to home cooking adventures.

Restaurants often guard their secret formulas with passion and precision.

Passionate food enthusiasts can recreate restaurant-quality dishes right in their personal kitchen.

Tender chicken breasts become the canvas for a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that sparks culinary creativity.

Succulent layers of parmesan and seasoned breading promise a mouthwatering experience that rivals professional chef preparations.

Crisp textures and rich flavors await you in this simple yet impressive meal.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining celebration.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breakdown

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms boring cauliflower into a decadent, irresistible dish that even veggie skeptics will love.
• Low-Carb Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for anyone following keto or low-carb diets, delivering maximum flavor without the heavy carbohydrates.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Versatile Side Dish: Works beautifully as a crowd-pleasing side for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings with its rich, creamy texture and savory bacon punch.

Ingredients For Parmesan Crusted Chicken Copycat

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut that serves as the main protein base for this delicious copycat recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Ranch Dressing: Provides a creamy base that helps the cheese and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a rich, melty, and crispy golden crust with a delightful cheesy flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a light and crunchy texture to the chicken's exterior.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior before baking.

Stepwise Cooking For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will help create a perfectly golden and crispy crust on the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into the meat to ensure full coverage and maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.

Step 4: Add Creamy Ranch Layer

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.

Generously spread ranch dressing over each chicken breast, adding a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish.

Step 5: Create the Crunchy Cheese Topping

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the ranch-covered chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken that rivals the Longhorn Steakhouse version.

Cooking Insights For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Ensure chicken breasts are evenly thick for consistent cooking by gently pounding them before seasoning.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Flavor Variations For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace ranch dressing with a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil mixed with olive oil for a fragrant Mediterranean-style coating.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to the seasoning mix. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to create a crispy crust for those with dietary restrictions.
• Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Substitute ranch dressing with homemade or store-bought pesto, adding a rich, herbal flavor to the classic recipe.

Best Accompaniments For Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Pair this crispy chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Elegant Lunch Plate: Slice the chicken and serve atop a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, creating a protein-packed lunch that feels both sophisticated and delicious.
• Game Day Appetizer Twist: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking, serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing game day snack that will disappear quickly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare multiple chicken breasts in advance, store in airtight containers, and enjoy throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone protein for quick and easy meals.

Storage Guidelines For Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crispy crust intact. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breadcrumbs and maintain the original texture.

FAQs

• Is the chicken crispy after baking?

Yes, the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese create a golden, crispy crust that adds a delightful crunch to the tender chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While the recipe calls for Parmesan and mozzarella, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like asiago or romano for a similar crispy coating.

• Do I need to pound the chicken before cooking?

No, you can use whole chicken breasts, but pounding them to an even thickness helps ensure uniform cooking and prevents dry edges.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

The recipe is protein-rich and can be relatively healthy, especially if you use reduced-fat cheese and ranch dressing, but it’s still a moderately indulgent dish.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken brings bold Italian-American flavors to home kitchens. Crispy exterior and juicy meat make this restaurant-inspired dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you can easily recreate.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a scorching oven environment at 400F (200C) to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a robust blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, massaging the seasonings deeply into the meat.
3. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, creating a golden-brown sear on chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in rich, caramelized flavors.
4. Carefully transition seared chicken into a prepared baking dish, then lavishly spread ranch dressing across each breast, creating a creamy flavor foundation.
5. Craft a crispy topping by meticulously combining Parmesan, mozzarella, and panko breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl, then artfully distribute the mixture uniformly over the chicken.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C) and the crust transforms into a glistening, golden-brown armor.
7. Remove from oven, let rest momentarily, then present the succulent, cheese-encrusted chicken for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning intensity by increasing or decreasing spice quantities according to personal taste preferences.
• Choose high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better melting properties.
• For gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture.
• Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even searing and prevent dryness during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 512 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg