Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe that makes it a total crowd-pleaser every single time. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated to perfection, topped with a gooey combination of Parmesan and Provolone cheeses, all crowned by a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust. This dish balances flavors and textures beautifully, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it quickly becomes your go-to comfort food that’s both simple and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe means gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients you might already have, each playing a crucial role in crafting its rich flavor and delightful texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for marinating and crusting, they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade.
- Ranch dressing: Brings creaminess and a hint of tang that sets the base for our cheesy topping and marinade.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth with a subtle tang.
- Distilled white vinegar and lemon juice: Both provide acidity that brightens the marinade.
- Minced garlic: Infuses aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Black pepper and salt: Fundamental seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for getting that crispy sear on the chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, essential for a rich crust.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Coats the breadcrumbs, ensuring a golden, flavorful topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a light, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the melty cheese.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the breadcrumb mix with an extra hit of garlic flavor.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is packed with flavor to tenderize and infuse the chicken before cooking.
Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts
Place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about a 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps them soak up the marinade more effectively.
Step 3: Season and marinate
Lightly salt the chicken, then put the breasts into a resealable plastic bag or dish. Pour your marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated before sealing it up. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook each breast for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the cheese topping
Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the Parmesan, Provolone cheeses, and ranch dressing. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and melted, creating the creamy topping.
Step 6: Mix the breadcrumb coating
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the buttery garlicky mixture ready to provide that signature crisp crust.
Step 7: Broil to perfection
Preheat your oven’s broiler to low. Spoon the melted cheese mixture evenly onto each chicken breast, then sprinkle generously with the breadcrumb blend. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely until the crust turns golden brown and bubbly without burning. Then let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps all the flavors settle beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil really brightens the plate and adds a pop of color that feels fresh and inviting. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top finishes it with a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for balance. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli enhance the meal with vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this chicken sliced over a bed of garlic butter pasta, or alongside a warm quinoa salad to elevate the meal. For a fun twist, try assembling it in a warm wrap with some crisp lettuce and tomatoes for a flavorful lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan crusted chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3 to 4 days. Keeping it chilled this way preserves the texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap each cooked chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will retain good quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that crisp topping when reheating, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work well and add extra juiciness, but make sure to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for the ranch dressing?
You can use a homemade ranch or a creamy dressing of your choice, like blue cheese or Caesar, but ranch really balances the flavors perfectly in this dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients for gluten content to ensure safety.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is using a meat thermometer; chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. The golden brown crust and firm texture also indicate it’s cooked through.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead and even prepare the breadcrumb topping early. However, for best texture, broil just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Give the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe a try and you’ll discover a delightful way to bring restaurant-worthy flavor right into your own kitchen. Its perfect blend of creamy cheese, crunchy topping, and juicy, flavorful chicken turns every meal into a special occasion. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite dishes to share around the table!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers juicy, marinated chicken breasts topped with a creamy cheese blend and a crispy panko breadcrumb crust. The chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, then finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden topping—perfect for a flavorful, restaurant-style dinner at home.
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
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Provolone cheese
- 6 tablespoons ranch dressing
Breadcrumb Topping
- 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, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Pound Chicken Breasts: Place chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even 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, making sure the chicken is well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Heat Vegetable Oil: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the pan.
- Cook Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Provolone cheese, and 6 tablespoons of ranch dressing. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the cheese mixture is melted and smooth.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In another bowl, mix melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Preheat Broiler: Set the oven broiler to low heat and allow it to preheat.
- Assemble and Broil: Spoon the creamy cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Broil Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature.
- Marinating for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor but do not exceed this to prevent texture changes.
- You can substitute Provolone with mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can finish the cheese and breadcrumb topping in a hot oven set to 425°F for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a great garnish to add a fresh note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
