Introduction
Craving that famous Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken but don’t want to leave the comfort of your own kitchen? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe brings all the juicy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of Longhorn’s popular dish straight to your dinner table. With tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
It’s perfect for a special weeknight dinner or even a weekend feast. Whether you’re a fan of crispy chicken or love that irresistible Parmesan flavor, this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s get started on creating this restaurant-style meal at home!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (Italian or seasoned preferred)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for the cheese topping)
For the Parmesan Cheese Crust Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or white cheddar cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional, for added flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the chicken breasts.
Step 2:
Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, start by pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure even cooking. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3:
Prepare the Breading
In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 4:
Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating both sides. Then, press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Lightly press down to adhere the bread crumbs well. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.
Step 5:
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they are golden brown. This will give the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 6:
Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 7:
Prepare the Parmesan Crust Topping
While the chicken is baking, prepare the Parmesan cheese crust topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone (or white cheddar), and ranch dressing if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 8:
Add the Parmesan Crust
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spoon the Parmesan cheese topping over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and place the baking sheet back into the oven.
Step 9:
Broil for a Golden Finish
Turn your oven to broil and cook the chicken for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 10:
Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
COOKING Note:
- Pounding Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly, preventing the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still undercooked.
- Crispy Crust: Searing the chicken in a skillet first gives it a crispy exterior. This step can be skipped, but it’s highly recommended for the best texture.
- Custom Cheese Topping: If you don’t have provolone or white cheddar, you can substitute with more mozzarella or even Swiss cheese. The ranch dressing in the topping is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Steamed asparagus or broccoli would also complement the richness of the dish.
- Sauce Pairing: A drizzle of garlic butter or a light lemon butter sauce would enhance the flavors of the chicken even more.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge before cooking and fry/sear just before you’re ready to bake and serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Bread the chicken and freeze it uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer it to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. You can sear and bake directly from frozen, just increase the cooking time slightly.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 600-650
- Protein: 55g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion:
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With crispy, golden breaded chicken, a creamy, cheesy Parmesan crust, and a final layer of melted mozzarella, this dish is pure comfort food at its best. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please!
Print
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe – A Restaurant Favorite at Home!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (Italian or seasoned preferred)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for the cheese topping)
For the Parmesan Cheese Crust Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or white cheddar cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for the chicken breasts.
Step 2:
Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, start by pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure even cooking. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3:
Prepare the Breading
In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 4:
Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating both sides. Then, press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Lightly press down to adhere the bread crumbs well. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.
Step 5:
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they are golden brown. This will give the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 6:
Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 7:
Prepare the Parmesan Crust Topping
While the chicken is baking, prepare the Parmesan cheese crust topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone (or white cheddar), and ranch dressing if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 8:
Add the Parmesan Crust
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spoon the Parmesan cheese topping over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and place the baking sheet back into the oven.
Step 9:
Broil for a Golden Finish
Turn your oven to broil and cook the chicken for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 10:
Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 55g