Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

LongHorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is legendary. It’s rich, cheesy, crispy, and full of mouthwatering flavor. But the good news? You don’t need to go out to enjoy it. This homemade copycat version captures the same creamy, crunchy, savory magic with ingredients you can find in your pantry.

📋 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

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• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

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• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Pound each chicken breast to even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

• Rub both sides of each breast with olive oil.

• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

You have two great options depending on your setup:

Option 1: Pan-Sear + Bake

• Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.

• Sear each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

• Remove from heat. You’ll finish cooking them in the oven.

Option 2: Grill

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

• Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side or until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).

Note: Chicken will finish cooking under the broiler with the crust.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Spread

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Mayonnaise

• Ranch dressing

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

Spread about 1 tablespoon of this mixture over each cooked chicken breast. This creamy base helps the cheese topping stick and adds flavor.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Parmesan

• Provolone

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Melted butter

This topping adds that irresistible cheesy, crispy finish. If you love the crusty topping from LongHorn, you can double this part!

Step 5: Assemble & Broil

• Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or keep them in your skillet if it’s oven-safe.

• Spoon the ranch mixture over the top.

• Pile the Parmesan crust evenly on each breast.

• Broil on HIGH for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Watch closely! Broilers vary and this can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy and lets the crust set.

Top with fresh parsley or more cracked pepper if you like a little extra punch.

🍽️ What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Classic Steakhouse Sides:

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• Grilled or Steamed Asparagus

• Caesar Salad or House Salad

• Buttered Corn or Garlic Green Beans

Low-Carb/Keto Options:

• Cauliflower Mash

• Zucchini Noodles

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Side Salad with Oil & Vinegar

Bread Options:

• Garlic bread

• Crusty artisan rolls

• Keto cheddar biscuits

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

Make It Spicy

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the ranch spread or crust.

Cheese Swaps

• Use mozzarella, Swiss, or fontina instead of provolone.

• For a sharper flavor, try aged white cheddar.

Crust Alternatives

• Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko for a low-carb version.

Add Veggies

• Layer sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach under the cheese topping.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store:

• Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes

• Air Fryer: 375°F for 6–8 minutes (to re-crisp the crust)

• Microwave: Not recommended—cheese crust may get soggy

Freeze:

• Wrap chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat in oven from frozen or thaw overnight in fridge.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for Success

1. Pound Chicken Evenly
   Helps it cook uniformly and stay juicy.

2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
   It melts and browns better than pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.

3. Watch the Broiler
   Stay near your oven during the final minutes—it can go from golden to scorched in seconds.

4. Let it Rest
   Always rest cooked chicken to preserve juices and let toppings firm up.

Wine:

• Chardonnay – Buttery and rich to match the cheese

• Pinot Noir – Light red wine that won’t overpower

Beer:

• Pale Ale – Crisp and hoppy for balance

• Amber Lager – Smooth and malty

Non-Alcoholic:

• Sparkling lemon water

• Iced tea with lemon

• A cold glass of milk (classic)

🧾 Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips

Meal Prep:

• Cook chicken in advance and store.

• Make ranch spread and crust mixture ahead—store separately.

• Assemble and broil just before eating for best crust texture.

Make Ahead for Events:

• Prep everything the day before, cover the baking dish with foil, and refrigerate.

• Broil just before serving for a fresh, hot finish.

🔁 Scaled Versions

For 2 People:

• Halve all ingredients. Cook 2 chicken breasts. Broil in a smaller dish or skillet.

For a Crowd:

• Multiply ingredients based on guest count.

• Use a sheet pan to broil multiple pieces at once.

• Keep finished chicken warm in the oven (set at 200°F) until serving.

💬 Final Thoughts

LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a beloved fan-favorite for good reason: it’s indulgent, full of layered flavor, and just the right amount of cheesy. This copycat version delivers all the satisfaction of the restaurant dish, with the bonus of being made at home — where you can control the quality, the portions, and the budget.