If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite, then you are going to absolutely love this LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. It captures all the magic of tender chicken breasts layered with a flavorful ranch spread and a golden, crispy Parmesan and provolone crust that bakes up beautifully. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into something truly spectacular that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential for achieving the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Each component brings something special, from tender juicy chicken to an irresistible cheesy crust with just the right hint of herbs and spices.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick, while aiding in searing the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle, warming spice that complements the cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic aroma throughout the chicken and crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the Parmesan topping.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the ranch spread): Intensifies the cheesy goodness and binds the spread to the chicken.
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to help form that irresistible crust with a mild, creamy flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for the crust): The star cheese that gives the crust its distinct sharpness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds delightful crispness and light texture to the crust.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps brown the crust perfectly and enriches the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the crust): Boosts the garlic notes in the crispy topping.
How to Make LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and stay tender. Rub each piece generously with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build a fragrant and flavorful base.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then sear the chicken breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust forming here, which locks in the juices. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked on the stove since it will finish baking in the oven.
Step 3: Apply the Ranch Spread
Mix ranch dressing and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this creamy, tangy mixture evenly over each seared chicken breast—this layer adds rich flavor and moisture that complements the crust perfectly.
Step 4: Make and Add the Parmesan Crust
In another bowl, combine shredded provolone, shredded Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. The butter helps everything crisp up beautifully while the cheese layers bring flavor and meltiness. Spoon this mixture generously over the ranch-covered chicken, creating a thick, cheesy crust ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the chicken in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust turns golden and bubbly. For an extra-special finish, broil the chicken for a minute or two at the end to crisp up the crust even more.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Don’t rush the best part: letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving locks in those juicy flavors, making every bite tender and satisfying.
How to Serve LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the rich cheese. A lemon wedge on the side offers zesty brightness if you want to add a little citrusy lift.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, hearty roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice. The simplicity of the sides lets the flavorful chicken shine, while their textures round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the chicken whole alongside your sides. If you’re hosting, slice the chicken into strips and fan them out on a platter, topped with a drizzle of ranch or a light vinaigrette to add an elegant touch that still feels homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that wonderful crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the crust?
Absolutely! While provolone and Parmesan are spot on for the classic flavor and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella or Asiago for a twist. Just stick to cheeses that melt well and taste great together.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese for its signature flavor and crust, so dairy-free versions will change the texture and taste significantly. However, you could try dairy-free cheese alternatives and a ranch dressing substitute to get close.
How thick should I pound the chicken breasts?
Aim for about ½ to ¾ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and that the crust doesn’t overpower the chicken’s tenderness.
Can this recipe be made without searing first?
Searing adds fantastic flavor and a beautiful golden crust before baking, but if pressed for time, you can skip it. Just bake a bit longer at 400°F, and keep an eye on the doneness.
What is the best way to ensure the cheese crust stays crispy?
Broiling the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking helps crisp up the crust. Also, letting the chicken rest on a rack instead of a flat surface prevents sogginess underneath.
Final Thoughts
This LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is such a delightful way to turn simple chicken breasts into an unforgettable meal. With its crispy, cheesy crust and creamy ranch spread, it hits all the comfort food notes without any fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to dinner for weeknights or weekend gatherings alike!
Print
LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously cheesy and crispy baked chicken dish featuring a flavorful ranch and Parmesan spread topped with a crunchy Parmesan crust. Perfectly seared and baked to golden perfection, this main course is ideal for an easy yet indulgent dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Ranch Spread
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Parmesan Crust
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure thorough cooking. Rub each breast with olive oil and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are nearly cooked through.
- Prepare Ranch Spread: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of each seared chicken breast in a baking dish.
- Make Parmesan Crust: In another bowl, combine shredded provolone cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Spoon this mixture generously over the ranch-covered chicken breasts.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the crust to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
