Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Zesty Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Parmesan chicken from Longhorn Steakhouse captures the essence of comfort dining with its crispy, golden exterior.

Succulent chicken breasts get a delightful crunch from perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, melted parmesan coating that adds depth to every morsel.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style dish with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.

Mastering this recipe means bringing restaurant-quality magic directly to your dinner table.

Let’s dive into the steps that will transform an ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What Makes Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Irresistible

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with professional-style techniques and rich, layered flavors that impress family and guests.
  • Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Requires basic pantry staples and simple seasonings, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels without complicated shopping lists.
  • Cheesy Decadent Topping: Creates a luxurious golden-brown crust featuring multiple cheeses that delivers incredible texture and mouthwatering taste in every single bite.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepares in just a few steps with minimal hands-on cooking time, perfect for busy households seeking delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients That Create Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this delicious dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful mix that enhances the chicken's taste and provides depth of flavor.
Cheese and Sauce Mixture:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Rich and tangy cheeses that create a savory coating for the chicken.
  • Ranch Dressing, Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients that help bind the cheese mixture and add moisture.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a fresh tang to the cheese blend.
Crispy Topping:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter: Provides a golden, crunchy texture to the chicken's surface.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How to Cook Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Flawlessly

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your chicken masterpiece.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion Seasoning

Mix together a vibrant blend of seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage this magical spice mixture thoroughly over every inch of the chicken breasts, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Gently place chicken breasts into the skillet, creating a golden-brown exterior by cooking 4-5 minutes on each side.

The goal is a beautiful color, not complete cooking.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine these tantalizing ingredients:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded provolone
  • Ranch dressing
  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic powder
  • Lemon juice

Stir until the mixture transforms into a smooth, irresistible blend.

Step 5: Create Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Melt butter and fold it into panko breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy golden layer that will make your chicken extraordinary.

Step 6: Layer and Top Chicken

Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish.

Lavishly spread the creamy cheese mixture over each breast. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs generously on top, creating a mouthwatering crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (74C) internal temperature.

The top should be gloriously golden and crispy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Serve immediately while hot and irresistibly delicious.

Secrets to Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Excellence

  • Opt for high-quality chicken breasts to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor in this restaurant-style dish.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken dry.
  • Mix Parmesan and provolone thoroughly to create a rich, creamy coating that enhances the chicken's overall taste.
  • Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a skillet before adding melted butter for extra crispiness and depth of flavor.

Flavor Enrichments That Lift Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust Chicken: Replace panko breadcrumbs with grated cauliflower mixed with almond flour, creating a lower-carb alternative for keto dieters.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap ranch dressing with Greek yogurt, add oregano and za'atar seasoning, and use feta cheese instead of provolone for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace thyme with chili powder, add smoked paprika, use pepper jack cheese, and top with diced jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Complementary Sides for Longhorn Parmesan Chicken

  • Cheesy Comfort Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal that blends rich flavors and textures.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to create a balanced and colorful dinner spread.
  • Salad Companion: Complement the crispy chicken with a light, zesty mixed green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Parmesan crust.
  • Lunch Transformation: Slice the chicken and place on a fresh ciabatta roll with crisp lettuce and a dollop of ranch for an incredible gourmet sandwich option.

How to Store Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Successfully

Storing Leftovers:
  • Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Separate chicken pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Keep the breadcrumb topping crisp by storing it separately.

FAQs

  • What gives this chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of garlic powder, ranch dressing, and a blend of Parmesan and provolone cheeses creates a rich, tangy flavor that sets this chicken apart from typical breaded chicken recipes.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

While the original recipe uses Parmesan and provolone, you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like asiago or romano if needed. Just ensure they melt and brown similarly.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add the cheese and breadcrumb topping right before putting it in the oven to keep the crispy texture intact.

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Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

Description

Succulent longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables across North America. Crispy breaded chicken topped with melted parmesan creates a rich, satisfying meal you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan Crust Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a flavorful seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing container.
  2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden sear on chicken breasts for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Create a rich Parmesan coating by whisking together grated Parmesan, shredded provolone, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Prepare a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy texture.
  6. Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish, generously spreading the Parmesan mixture across each breast’s surface.
  7. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture over the Parmesan-coated chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Bake in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C) and the topping turns golden and crisp.
  9. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, serving immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Perfectly season chicken by patting it dry before applying spice rub to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy exterior.
  • Customize the dish for gluten-free diets by substituting panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same crunchy texture.
  • Control cheese mixture thickness by adjusting mayonnaise and ranch dressing ratios to prevent soggy topping and maintain a crisp golden crust.
  • Prevent overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer and removing from oven exactly when internal temperature reaches 165F to maintain juicy, tender meat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 486 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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