Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken has won the hearts of many with its tender, juicy chicken breast topped with a creamy, cheesy crust that’s irresistibly crispy. This homemade version brings the restaurant’s classic dish to your table without the hassle of dining out. With a flavorful marinade, perfectly cooked chicken, and a delectable Parmesan crust, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant-Style Experience: Recreate the famous Longhorn dish at home for a fraction of the cost.
2. Customizable: Adjust seasonings and cheese blends to suit your taste.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: A versatile dish that’s great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
4. Delicious Layers: The combination of marinated chicken, creamy ranch spread, and crispy Parmesan crust is absolutely indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Flatten the Chicken
   • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
   • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
   • This ensures even cooking and tender results.
2. Season the Chicken
   • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil.
   • Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
   • Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet.
2. Bake the Chicken
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Bake the chicken for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust

1. Mix the Base Layer
   • In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and Dijon mustard.
   • Spread a thin layer of this mixture over the top of each cooked chicken breast.
2. Prepare the Crust
   • In another bowl, mix grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
   • Sprinkle this mixture generously over the mayonnaise layer on each chicken breast.

Step 4: Broil for a Crispy Crust

1. Set the Oven to Broil
   • Adjust your oven rack to the top position and set the oven to broil.
2. Broil the Chicken
   • Place the chicken back in the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
   • Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
3. Garnish and Serve
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the Parmesan crust.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a fresh, healthy contrast.
• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread completes the meal.

Sauce Pairings

• Serve with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing or a lemon butter sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Success

Chicken Perfection

• Marinate Overnight: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for a few hours or overnight.
• Flatten Evenly: Uniform thickness ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

The Ultimate Parmesan Crust

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged grated cheese doesn’t melt as well.
• Combine Cheeses: A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella gives the perfect blend of flavor and meltiness.

Avoid Overcooking

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection without drying out.

Variations

Cheese Options

• Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Herb Additions

• Mix fresh basil or oregano into the crust mixture for an herby twist.

Spice It Up

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the crust for a kick of heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the crust mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Cook the chicken in advance and assemble with the crust just before serving.

Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to the irresistible Parmesan crust lies in the combination of creamy, tangy ranch dressing and the buttery, cheesy topping. The balance of juicy chicken with the crispy crust creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will make any dinner feel like a special occasion. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken has won the hearts of many with its tender, juicy chicken breast topped with a creamy, cheesy crust that’s irresistibly crispy. This homemade version brings the restaurant's classic dish to your table without the hassle of dining out. With a flavorful marinade, perfectly cooked chicken, and a delectable Parmesan crust, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Ranch Spread:
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Parmesan Crust:
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
   In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
   
2. Prepare the Ranch Spread:
   In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese.
   Spread a thin layer of the mixture over each chicken breast.
   
3. Prepare the Parmesan Crust:
   In another bowl, mix provolone, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter until crumbly.
   Sprinkle the Parmesan crust evenly over the chicken.
   
4. Bake the Chicken:
   Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, make sure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness.
• Ranch Substitute: You can use a creamy Caesar dressing or a homemade garlic sauce if you prefer.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a little heat.