Are you craving the incredibly juicy, cheesy, and crispy Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken but prefer the comfort of your own kitchen? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through recreating that beloved restaurant experience right at home. Prepare for an unforgettable Yummy Dinner that will impress everyone at your table.
Your Guide to Perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Master the art of crafting Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken with this ultimate copycat recipe. We’ve synthesized the best techniques to ensure your chicken breasts are perfectly tender, infused with flavor from an optional marinade, and crowned with a luscious creamy Parmesan spread, gooey provolone, and a golden-crisp Panko topping. Ideal for a memorable Chicken Dinner, this dish combines simple steps with incredible results. Get ready to elevate your home cooking with this must-try Chicken Breast Recipe Baked, perfect for any night of the week.
Introduction: Recreate the Magic of Longhorn at Home
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly cooked piece of chicken, and Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken has captivated countless diners with its signature blend of savory, creamy, and crunchy textures. Imagine tender, succulent chicken breasts, generously coated in a rich Parmesan sauce, layered with melted cheese, and finished with a crispy Panko crust. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a special meal or simply looking for delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes, this copycat dish promises to deliver that authentic steakhouse flavor and texture.
Essential Tools for a Seamless Cooking Experience
To make your journey to creating the perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken even smoother, here are some kitchen tools that will prove invaluable:
- For Meal Prep & Storage: Keep your ingredients fresh and organized with the Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9. Its leak-proof design and stackable nature make it perfect for marinating chicken or storing leftovers.
- For Efficient Chopping: A good food processor is a game-changer. The Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor is excellent for quickly mincing garlic, blending your creamy spread, or preparing your Panko crumb topping.
- For Prolonging Freshness: If you love to meal prep or buy in bulk, a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine will be your best friend. It keeps your chicken and other ingredients fresh longer and prevents freezer burn, ensuring quality for future Chicken Dishes.
- For Versatile Cooking: While not strictly for this recipe, a powerful blender like the Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender is a versatile tool for any home cook, perfect for preparing tahini sauce or harissa paste for other dishes.
- For Healthy & Quick Sides: The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is fantastic for roasting chickpeas, crisping vegetables, or reheating your leftovers, adding a healthy dimension to your Easy Dinner Recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this fantastic Chicken Dinner:
For the Chicken:
- 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total, pounded to ¾-inch thickness or sliced into cutlets)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for cooking)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Marinade (Optional, but highly recommended for flavor):
- ¼ to ½ cup ranch dressing (buttermilk ranch preferred)
- ¼ to 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
For the Creamy Parmesan Spread/Sauce:
- ¼ to ½ cup ranch dressing (buttermilk ranch preferred)
- ¼ to ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder/salt)
- Alternative Shortcut: ¾ to 1 cup Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 4-6 thin slices or 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2-4 thin slices or ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
For the Panko Crumb Topping:
- ½ to 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned Panko is a great choice)
- 2-4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or garlic powder)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If using full chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Optional Marinade: In a large bowl or a Ziploc bag, combine the ranch dressing, Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, black pepper, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the prepared chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours, or even overnight for the best flavor and tenderness. This step greatly enhances your Chicken Dinner.
Step 2: Prepare the Toppings
- Creamy Parmesan Spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, ¼ to ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic (or garlic powder). If using the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce shortcut, simply set it aside. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Panko Crumb Topping: In another small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic salt (or garlic powder). Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken (Grill, Skillet, or Oven)
- Grilling/Searing (Recommended for best flavor): Preheat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or avocado oil. Remove chicken from the marinade (if used), letting any excess drip off. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not using marinade, brush chicken with a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Baking (Alternative for a Chicken Breast Recipe Baked): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. If not marinating, you can dredge the chicken in flour, then an egg wash (whisked eggs and milk), then a mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for an extra crust. Sear the coated chicken in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Then, transfer to the baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Finish
- Preheat your oven broiler to high.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe casserole dish or a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Evenly spread about 2 tablespoons of the creamy Parmesan spread over the top of each chicken breast.
- Place a slice of provolone cheese (and mozzarella, if using) on top of the creamy spread on each chicken breast.
- Generously sprinkle the Panko crumb topping over the cheese layer.
- Broil for 1-4 minutes, watching very closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Panko topping is golden brown and delightfully crispy. (Broilers can vary, so keep a close eye to prevent burning!)
- If you opted to bake the chicken initially, bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown. A brief broil at the very end can be added for extra crispiness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let the finished Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a truly satisfying Chicken Dinner. For more exciting Easy Dinner Recipes, explore our full recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home:
- What is Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken? It’s a popular menu item featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch/Parmesan spread, provolone, and a crispy Panko-Parmesan crumb topping.
- How do you make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home? The general process involves marinating chicken, cooking it (grilling or searing), topping it with a creamy Parmesan mixture and breadcrumbs, and then broiling it until golden and bubbly.
- What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used, often pounded thin or cut into cutlets for even cooking. This is key for many Chicken Breast Recipes.
- Do I need to marinate the chicken? While optional, several recipes highly recommend marinating the chicken in Italian or Ranch dressing for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- What makes the crust crispy? Panko breadcrumbs combined with melted butter are key for achieving the signature crispy, crunchy topping.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling/searing? Yes, some recipes provide instructions for baking, often with an initial sear and then finishing in the oven or under the broiler. This is a common method for Chicken Breast Recipes Baked.
- What kind of cheese is used? The main cheeses are Parmesan and provolone, with mozzarella sometimes included for extra gooeyness. Freshly grated Parmesan is often emphasized for better flavor and melt.
- How long does it take to make? The hands-on time can be as little as 30-45 minutes, though marinating the chicken requires additional time.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? Yes, the chicken can be assembled up to the breadcrumb topping and refrigerated for up to 12 hours before baking. The ranch spread and Parmesan crumb topping can also be made ahead.
- What are good side dishes to serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Popular suggestions include mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, honey glazed carrots, or a simple salad. For more recipes follow us on
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Disclaimer: This recipe is an independent creation inspired by the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Longhorn Steakhouse. All product recommendations are for convenience and may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Always exercise caution and follow food safety guidelines when preparing meals.
