There's something magical about recreating restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen, and this Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is no exception. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are topped with a flavorful Parmesan crust and finished with a drizzle of creamy ranch sauce. It's the perfect way to bring a little Longhorn Steakhouse magic to your dinner table.

I first fell in love with this dish after a visit to Longhorn, and it became a personal mission to recreate it at home. Now, it’s a family favorite, gracing our menu on busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation! This dish isn't just tasty—it's easy to prepare and delivers big on flavor.

It’s a restaurant favorite at home. No need to head out or splurge on dining out when you can recreate this signature dish with simple, store-bought ingredients.

The Parmesan crust is unforgettable. The golden, cheesy topping adds a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken underneath.

Customizable to your taste. Whether you prefer more cheese, less seasoning, or even a little kick of spice, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Perfect for any occasion. It’s elegant enough to serve for guests yet simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients that bring this dish to life.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you'll have everything you need to create this iconic dish.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Make sure to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese works in a pinch but won't melt as smoothly.
Ranch Dressing: This creamy base ties everything together. You can use your favorite brand or homemade ranch for an extra-special touch.
Provolone Cheese: Melty and mild, provolone is the perfect complement to the Parmesan crust.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices add depth to the crust without overpowering the other flavors.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For a light, crispy topping, panko breadcrumbs are unbeatable. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but the texture won't be quite the same.
Butter: Adds richness to the crust and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.

You’ll also need a baking dish, a meat mallet for pounding the chicken, and a skillet for searing.

How To Make This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Recreating this Longhorn favorite is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed hit.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch, to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Parmesan Crust: While the chicken bakes, prepare the crust by combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Assemble and Broil: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and top each piece with a slice of provolone cheese. Spoon the Parmesan crust mixture over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until the crust is golden and bubbly.
Finish with Ranch: Before serving, drizzle the chicken with ranch dressing or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

The result? A perfectly cheesy, crispy, and juicy chicken dish that rivals the original.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Add a Kick: Mix a dash of cayenne pepper into the Parmesan crust for a spicy twist.
Try Different Cheeses: Swap out provolone for mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a unique flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly crust.
Grilled Chicken: Skip the oven and cook the chicken on a grill for a smoky flavor.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free ranch to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.

Experimenting is half the fun—who knows, you might just create your own signature version!

This Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is proof that you don’t need a reservation to enjoy a show-stopping meal. With its perfectly cooked chicken, gooey cheese, and crunchy crust, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether you're cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!