If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug yet packs a punch of flavor, the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. With tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy, savory blend and topped with a decadent, crispy cheese and breadcrumb crust, this recipe recreates the magic of your favorite restaurant dish right in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful blend of creamy, crispy, and hearty textures that make every bite unforgettable and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from building the marinade’s bright and savory flavor, to creating the rich, golden crust that defines this dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin to ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to marinade for juicy chicken.
- Ranch dressing: Provides a creamy, tangy backbone that brightens every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth to the marinade.
- Distilled white vinegar: Adds a refreshing zing to balance the richness.
- Lemon juice: Infuses brightness and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and robust savoriness.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all layers of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to get that golden, crispy sear on the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the crust, delivering a sharp, salty punch.
- Shredded Provolone cheese: Adds melty creaminess to the topping mix.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the breadcrumb coating with buttery goodness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Key to that irresistible crunchy texture.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory flavor in the breadcrumb crust.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the marinade
Begin by combining olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, flavorful marinade that’s both tangy and rich—this will be the magic bath that infuses the chicken with irresistible taste.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet or rolling pin to pound them evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness. This step ensures your chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Lightly season with salt before placing the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every inch gets coated beautifully. Seal or cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this resting time is key for deep flavor penetration, but you can leave it up to 2 hours if you want a more intense taste.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip back into the bowl, then carefully lay the breasts in the oil. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through—internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the cheese topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and ranch dressing. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring after each, until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy mixture that’s ready to top your chicken with cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Make the breadcrumb crust
In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter—this will give you the perfect golden crunch once broiled.
Step 7: Broil to finish
Preheat your broiler to low. Spoon the warm cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, then generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Broil for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the crust bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Be sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Step 8: Rest and serve
Let your beautiful Parmesan crusted chicken rest for a few minutes to let the flavors settle. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then get ready to enjoy every rich, crunchy, melty bite.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil elevates the dish with vibrant color and a bright herbal note that complements the rich, cheesy topping perfectly. A light drizzle of lemon juice can add a fresh pop that balances the creamy and crispy textures.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables that soak up the flavorful crust. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also offers a refreshing counterpoint to this indulgent entrée, bringing harmony to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Parmesan crusted chicken atop a bed of creamy risotto or garlic pasta. You can also slice it thin and layer it inside a toasted sandwich with fresh arugula and tomato for a gourmet spin on lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals that still feel special.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for longer storage—wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken is best used within 2 months, retaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the crust crispy and the chicken juicy; microwave reheating can be done for convenience but may soften the crust. To revive crispiness, a quick broil after reheating works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan and Provolone?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and Provolone deliver the signature flavor and meltiness of this dish, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or Asiago for extra sharpness, keeping the cheesy crust just as delightful.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is highly recommended because it infuses the chicken with flavor and helps keep it moist during cooking. However, if you’re short on time, a quick seasoning before cooking can still yield tasty results, though it won’t be as rich.
How can I ensure the breadcrumb topping stays crunchy?
Coating the breadcrumbs in melted butter before broiling is key to achieving that golden, crispy texture. Also, broil on low and watch closely—high heat or extended broiling can burn the crust quickly.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Then, add the cheese and breadcrumb topping and broil to finish as the recipe advises, but pan-frying first develops a nice sear that adds extra flavor.
What should I serve with this Parmesan crusted chicken for a balanced meal?
Pair it with steamed or roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a whole grain side like quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious, well-rounded plate that complements the richness of the chicken without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a recipe that’s not just a meal, but an experience. The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe brings together layers of flavor and texture so perfectly that it will soon become one of your favorite dishes to prepare and share. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll never look at Parmesan-crusted chicken the same way again. Give it a try, and watch how it turns an ordinary day into a delicious celebration.
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken features tender, marinated chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of Parmesan and Provolone cheeses, ranch dressing, and a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. This dish is pan-seared to golden brown perfection and finished under the oven broiler for a deliciously bubbly crust that’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Cooking and Topping
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese
- 6 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pound the chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of 1/2-inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season and marinate: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, place them in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade allowing excess to drip off, then cook the chicken breasts in the skillet for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to baking sheet: Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Make the cheese topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, mix melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Preheat broiler: Set the oven broiler to low and allow it to warm.
- Assemble the topping: Spoon the melted cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add the crust: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheese layer evenly.
- Broil the chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 3–4 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after broiling to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and enjoy: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Do not skip resting the chicken after broiling to keep it juicy.
- Keep a close eye on the broiler as the breadcrumb topping can burn quickly.
- Use fresh Parmesan and Provolone cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and salt according to your taste preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
