If you’re craving a dish bursting with cheesy, crispy goodness, then the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This beloved restaurant-style favorite perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, all melted under a blanket of mozzarella and garlic-infused Parmesan topping. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that turns simple chicken into a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal any night of the week. Once you try this recipe, it’ll surely become one of your go-to dishes for both family dinners and impressing guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe starts with its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create such a flavor-packed plate. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy coating to the cheesy topping—so gather these essentials for a delicious outcome.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless provide the perfect tender base that absorbs all the flavors.
- Bread crumbs: Adds a crispy crunch that contrasts the tender meat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, savory flavor directly into the coating and topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating that golden, gooey layer everyone loves.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Large eggs: Acts as the binding agent between flour and bread crumbs.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth dredge.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant pungency that elevates the cheese topping.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying, creating a golden crisp exterior.
How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dredging Station
Preheat your oven to 375°F, allowing it to reach the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with the flour, another with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and a third combining breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, and the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This setup ensures each piece of chicken gets evenly coated for that crispy crust.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and coat it first in the flour, pressing lightly to cover every inch. Next, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to create a crunchy coating packed with Parmesan flavor. This three-step dredging is key to achieving that signature Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe texture you love.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to a Golden Brown
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This quick sear locks in juices and starts building that irresistible crust before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with shredded mozzarella and minced garlic, then spread this mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. This step creates the melty, savory topping that defines the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe experience.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic note that balances the richness of the cheese and garlic. A lemon wedge on the side also pairs beautifully, offering a zesty contrast to the creamy, crispy chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company, so pair it with some buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up those cheesy juices. A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables adds freshness and texture that complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also stack the chicken breast atop fluffy polenta for a rustic presentation. Serving family-style in a cast-iron skillet straight from oven to table amps up the cozy, inviting vibe that this recipe deserves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day meal that reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, wrap each cooked chicken breast tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Properly stored, they maintain their quality for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through, which prevents sogginess while preserving that crunchy coating and melted cheese topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier, though cooking times may vary slightly. Just keep an eye on them while baking.
What kind of bread crumbs are best for this recipe?
Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work great. For an extra crunch, try panko breadcrumbs, but reduce the seasoning a bit since panko is typically less flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour blends that will yield a similar crunchy crust.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella to lighten it up. Baking the chicken instead of pan-frying is another option to cut down on oil while still achieving a tasty result.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. It’s comfort food with personality, simple yet so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a flavorful night in, this recipe promises irresistible taste and texture from start to finish. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring breaded chicken breasts coated with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, topped with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic, then baked to juicy perfection. This recipe combines stovetop searing for a golden crust and oven baking to melt the cheese and finish cooking the chicken evenly.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Cooking
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare coatings: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast by first dredging it in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dipping it into the egg and milk mixture, and finally pressing it into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix to ensure an even coating.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the remaining Parmesan cheese with shredded mozzarella and minced garlic. Evenly spread this cheese mixture over the tops of the chicken breasts.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- Adjust baking time based on chicken breast size to avoid over or undercooking.
- For a crispier crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
