Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

This Longhorn Steakhouse-inspired Parmesan Chicken delivers the comforting, crispy, and cheesy satisfaction of a restaurant favorite. Each chicken breast is coated in a savory blend of bread crumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, then pan-fried to a beautiful golden crust before finishing in the oven. The result is a juicy, tender chicken topped with melted mozzarella, bursting with flavor in every bite.

Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad. The preparation is straightforward, but the flavors are rich, making it a go-to for any meal where you want to impress without the hassle.

Full Recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk until well combined.
4. Place the flour in a third shallow dish.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
7. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with the shredded mozzarella cheese and minced garlic.
10. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Savory Dish Worth Recreating at Home

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken has become a beloved dish among food enthusiasts, combining the best of comfort food with the indulgence of a restaurant-quality meal. Known for its tender chicken breasts, savory breaded crust, and rich topping of melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, this recipe is the ultimate in satisfying flavors and textures. Perfect for a family gathering or a special weeknight meal, it’s an ideal dish to recreate at home for those who love a mix of crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements. Here, we’ll delve into what makes this recipe unique, tips to achieve restaurant-level results, variations to explore, ideal pairings, and storage techniques, culminating with a few compelling reasons why you should try this recipe in your kitchen.

The Appeal of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

There are countless chicken recipes, but few achieve the balance of flavors and textures that this Parmesan chicken offers. Inspired by the popular dish from Longhorn Steakhouse, this recipe takes a simple chicken breast and transforms it into a main course that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with the mouthwatering combination of Parmesan and mozzarella. The key lies in the breaded crust, which locks in the chicken’s juiciness while adding a delightful crunch, and the cheesy topping that becomes gooey and golden in the oven. With Italian seasonings in the mix, each bite is infused with savory notes reminiscent of classic Italian-American cuisine.

Crafting the Perfect Parmesan Chicken: Key Tips

To make this dish restaurant-quality at home, a few cooking techniques and ingredient choices make all the difference:

1. Choosing the Chicken Breasts: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are of uniform size. This ensures even cooking and makes for a more visually appealing final dish. If the breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook faster and more uniformly, preventing overcooking.
2. Bread Crumb Selection: The choice of bread crumbs impacts the final texture. While standard breadcrumbs work well, opting for panko bread crumbs can add extra crunch. For those who enjoy a bit of Italian flair, seasoned Italian bread crumbs bring out a richer flavor in the coating.
3. Proper Dredging Technique: The recipe calls for a three-part dredging process: flour, egg, and bread crumbs. This layering technique ensures that the bread crumbs stick well to the chicken, creating a thick, crispy coating. When dredging, shake off excess flour, dip the chicken fully in the egg wash, and press the bread crumbs firmly onto the chicken to adhere well.
4. Pan-Frying for Extra Crispiness: Before the chicken is baked, a quick pan-fry in olive oil helps achieve the perfect crust. This step is crucial for locking in the juiciness and creating a golden-brown color that enhances both flavor and texture. While it’s tempting to skip, it’s worth the extra time for the authentic crispy coating.
5. The Cheese Topping: Parmesan and mozzarella are both essential in achieving that signature gooey, cheesy topping. Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the flavor and gives a slightly nutty, sharp bite. The mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a satisfying, creamy layer over the chicken.

Variations to Try for a Customized Flavor

For those who like to experiment, this recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few delicious variations to explore:

• Herb and Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add freshly grated lemon zest and a handful of chopped parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. This gives the dish a bright, fresh twist and pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
• Spicy Parmesan Chicken: If you prefer a bit of heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the bread crumb mixture. The slight spice adds complexity to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Extra Cheesy Chicken: For cheese enthusiasts, you can mix additional types of cheese like provolone or fontina with the mozzarella and Parmesan. This adds depth to the flavor profile and makes the dish even more indulgent.
• Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs. This adaptation ensures that everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish.
• Panko Crusted Parmesan Chicken: For a Japanese twist, replace traditional bread crumbs with panko. Panko bread crumbs have a lighter texture, offering an even crispier finish and a slight airiness to the breaded crust.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Meal

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a versatile main course that pairs beautifully with various sides:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic provide a soft contrast to the crispy chicken, and the flavors meld well with the Italian seasonings in the breading.
• Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. The fresh crunch of the vegetables complements the richness of the chicken.
• Butter Pasta or Marinara Spaghetti: For those who want a heartier meal, serve the chicken on a bed of buttery pasta or spaghetti with marinara sauce. The pasta provides a comforting base and gives a lovely Italian feel to the meal.
• Simple Garden Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can add brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors on the plate.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

For those who like to meal prep or store leftovers, this dish is easily adaptable to make-ahead techniques and can be stored efficiently:

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze, prepare the chicken up to the breading and pan-frying steps, but do not bake. Place the prepared chicken on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the breading and fry the chicken ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese mixture just before baking to keep the topping fresh and melty.

Why This Parmesan Chicken is Worth Trying

This Parmesan-crusted chicken stands out as a restaurant-quality recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, anyone can recreate this dish, enjoying the flavor and comfort of a Longhorn Steakhouse favorite without leaving the house. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy breading, and gooey cheese creates a perfect harmony that appeals to almost any palate.

By making this dish at home, you have the flexibility to customize flavors, create variations to suit dietary needs, and pair it with your favorite sides. The recipe’s adaptability makes it perfect for weekday dinners, family gatherings, or even special occasions. With proper storage tips, you can also enjoy it as a make-ahead meal, saving time while still delivering a delicious main course.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a flavorful experience that brings restaurant-quality dining into the home kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, this dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that’s both impressive and comforting. By following a few key tips, experimenting with variations, and pairing it with complementary sides, you can turn this copycat recipe into a meal your family and friends will love. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it has earned a place in the hearts of many food lovers. Not only does it bring comfort and flavor to the table, but it also inspires creativity and culinary exploration in the kitchen. Enjoy the experience of making, serving, and savoring this delicious Parmesan chicken!