Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you're a fan of LongHorn Steakhouse's famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you're in luck! This recipe recreates the restaurant's popular dish with tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a delicious, crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust. The blend of flavors from the creamy ranch spread and the golden, buttery Parmesan-panko crust is irresistible. This dish is easy to make at home and will soon become a family favorite! Follow along for the step-by-step recipe and tips to get that restaurant-quality flavor.

What is LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious dish featuring grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch spread and a crispy, golden Parmesan-panko topping. It’s beloved for its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. While it may seem like a fancy restaurant dish, it’s actually simple to recreate at home with a few key ingredients.

Ingredients List for LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken inspired by LongHorn Steakhouse:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling or pan-searing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Creamy Ranch Spread:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, creamy ranch spread topped with a perfectly crispy Parmesan crust. The combination of tender chicken and cheesy topping will satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-ins and Sides

While Parmesan Crusted Chicken is delicious on its own, you can add sides or extra ingredients to make it a complete meal:

• Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed green beans.
• Pasta: Pair with fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter pasta for an Italian-inspired meal.
• Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
• Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed green salad complements the richness of the dish.

These sides help balance out the cheesy, rich chicken, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, and you can make a few substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
• Chicken Thighs: You can swap out chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust cooking time as needed.
• Cheese Variations: While the recipe uses provolone and Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

These substitutions make it easy to tailor the dish to your needs without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken step by step for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. This step helps the chicken cook more quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

You can grill or pan-sear the chicken depending on your preference:

• Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Pan-Searing Method: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is fully cooked, set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Spread

In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, shredded provolone (or mozzarella), and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will serve as the creamy base for the Parmesan crust.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust Topping

In another small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley (if using), and garlic powder. This topping adds a delicious, crispy texture to the chicken.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken

Preheat your broiler to high. Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil. Spread a generous amount of the creamy ranch mixture over each chicken breast. Then, top each one with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing it down slightly to help it adhere.

Step 6: Broil the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning the topping.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the Parmesan crust is golden and crisp, remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

How to Cook LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps for making LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Prepare and season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Cook the chicken by grilling or pan-searing until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Mix the creamy ranch spread with ranch dressing, provolone, and Parmesan.
4. Prepare the Parmesan-panko topping with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, butter, and seasonings.
5. Assemble the chicken, spreading the creamy mixture and topping with Parmesan-panko.
6. Broil the chicken until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

This method guarantees juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy Parmesan crust!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) but not higher.
• Burning the Parmesan Crust: The broiler can burn the Parmesan topping quickly. Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to avoid burning the crust.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the topping. The broiler is meant to crisp up the topping, not to cook the chicken further.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken with a crispy topping.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Parmesan Crusted Chicken can make all the difference. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• With Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine Alfredo or garlic butter spaghetti for an Italian-inspired meal.
• With Potatoes: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for a comforting dinner.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Serve the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges for a family-style presentation.
• Drizzle a little extra melted butter or olive oil over the top for added richness.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you make the best Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• Make Ahead: You can season and cook the chicken breasts ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and broil.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prep, so consider making extra to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cheese for the topping?
A: Yes! While Parmesan is the star of this recipe, you can use a mix of Parmesan and cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy crust.

Conclusion

This LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe brings the restaurant’s signature dish to your home with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the creamy ranch spread and crispy Parmesan crust makes for a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

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