Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish that features crispy, golden-breaded chicken breasts, topped with a rich, savory Parmesan sauce. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, then coated in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, giving it a crunchy texture while maintaining a juicy interior. The sauce, made from creamy Parmesan and garlic, adds depth and richness, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

I first made this dish when I wanted to recreate one of my favorite restaurant meals at home. The combination of the crispy chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce was a perfect match, and the chicken came out just as juicy and flavorful as the restaurant version. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can serve it with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family gatherings
Comfort food lovers
Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a must-try:

Crispy Parmesan Crust: The golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch.
Juicy Chicken: Perfectly cooked chicken that’s tender and moist.
Rich Ranch Sauce: Creamy, tangy sauce elevates the flavor to restaurant-level quality.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for home cooks.
Versatile Sides: Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
Great for Meal Prep: Make extra and enjoy delicious leftovers.
Customizable Flavors: Add spices or herbs to suit your taste.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a restaurant favorite at a fraction of the cost.
Impressive Presentation: Looks as good as it tastes, perfect for serving guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-700 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 35g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Ranch Sauce:

½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Add crispiness to the chicken coating.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, it complements the crust beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Flatten Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Prepare Breading: In a bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.

Cook the Chicken:

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the Ranch Sauce:

Mix Ingredients: Combine ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Assemble and Serve:

Top Chicken: Spoon ranch sauce over each chicken breast. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Serve Hot: Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

With Mashed Potatoes: A classic combination for ultimate comfort.
Over Pasta: Serve with fettuccine or spaghetti and a creamy Alfredo sauce.
With Rice Pilaf: A light and flavorful pairing.
On a Salad: Slice and serve over a Caesar or garden salad.
With Grilled Vegetables: A healthy and vibrant option.
As a Sandwich: Use the chicken to make a gourmet sandwich or slider.
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra ranch sauce.
With Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes complement the tender chicken.
As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as a party starter.
With a Side of Soup: Pair with tomato or chicken noodle soup for a cozy meal.

Additional Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk or seasoned olive oil for at least 30 minutes before coating for extra tenderness and flavor.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your Parmesan cheese from a block instead of using pre-grated for the best flavor and melt quality.
Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Opt for panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Toast them lightly in a pan before coating for an extra layer of crispiness.
Season Every Layer: Add seasoning (like garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper) to the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb layers for depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If pan-frying, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a crispy crust and even cooking.
Broil the Topping: After baking, place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese topping beautifully.
Pair with a Sauce: Serve the Parmesan chicken with marinara, Alfredo sauce, or a simple lemon butter sauce to enhance its flavor.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving to retain its juices.
Serve with Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich Parmesan flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the Parmesan crust mixture for a spicy kick. Pair with a drizzle of sriracha or spicy aioli for extra heat.
Herb-Infused Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Garlic-Lover’s Parmesan Chicken: Add roasted or minced garlic to both the marinade and the crust for an extra burst of garlicky goodness.
Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the chicken breasts before adding the Parmesan crust for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
Beef Bacon-Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle crispy beef bacon bits into the Parmesan mixture or layer cooked bacon slices on top of the chicken before baking.
Cheddar-Parmesan Chicken: Mix shredded cheddar cheese with the Parmesan for a richer, more indulgent topping.
Buffalo Parmesan Chicken: Toss the chicken in Buffalo sauce before applying the crust, then serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Honey Mustard Parmesan Chicken: Brush a layer of honey mustard on the chicken before adding the Parmesan topping for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Low-Carb Parmesan Chicken: Substitute almond flour or crushed meat rinds for the breadcrumbs to create a keto-friendly version of the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken: Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely and mix them into the crust or sprinkle them over the chicken after baking for a tangy, umami-rich enhancement.

Special Equipment

Meat Tenderizer – For flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Mixing Bowls – To prepare the parmesan crust mixture and coat the chicken.
Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F).
Skillet – To sear the chicken and give it a crispy exterior before baking.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish – Used to finish cooking the chicken and melt the cheese.
Microplane or Cheese Grater – To finely grate parmesan cheese for the topping.
Basting Brush – For spreading the creamy ranch sauce on the chicken evenly.
Tongs – Helps flip and handle the chicken while cooking.
Wire Rack – Keeps the chicken elevated for even baking in the oven.
Blender or Food Processor – Useful for making a smooth parmesan crust topping.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking time as thighs may take longer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, bread and sear the chicken in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free Parmesan and ranch dressing alternatives.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that combines tender chicken with a golden, crunchy Parmesan coating. The chicken is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked or fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this dish brings the best of Italian flavors straight to your plate, making it a comforting and indulgent meal.

This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. You can customize it by adding extra seasonings or serving it with your favorite sides, like pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is sure to become a favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!