Craving that iconic restaurant flavor? Our copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe brings the magic right to your kitchen. You’ll create juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce and a perfectly crispy crust. This guide makes recreating a restaurant favorite simple and stress-free. Get ready for an impressive yet easy weeknight meal!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This recipe is a true game-changer for your dinner rotation.
- Authentic restaurant flavor: Enjoy the signature taste of Longhorn’s without leaving home.
- Perfectly crispy Parmesan crust: Achieve that irresistible golden crunch every time.
- Tender, juicy chicken: The marinade ensures succulent results.
- Simple ingredients, impressive results: Even beginner cooks will feel like a pro.
- Great for family dinners or guests: This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Making this delicious Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken requires just a few key ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. These components come together to create that signature creamy, crispy texture you love.
For the chicken:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 4 ounces provolone cheese (shredded or small diced)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
- For the best flavor, consider using homemade Italian and ranch dressings. They elevate the taste significantly.
- If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Provolone can be swapped with Munster, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese for a similar melt.
- Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Panko bread crumbs are crucial for that superior, airy crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs won’t yield the same texture.
- If using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt to the topping mixture.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to prepare this amazing dish. Gather these essential items to make your cooking process smooth:
- Large mixing bowls: For marinating and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend dressings and sauce components.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the creamy cheese sauce.
- Oven-safe skillet: A cast iron skillet is highly recommended for even heating and broiler-safe use.
- Meat thermometer: Crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
Instructions For The Best Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prepare to make this incredible Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with our simple, step-by-step guide. Follow these directions closely for the best results.
- Whisk together 1/2 cup Italian dressing and 1/3 cup ranch dressing in a large bowl to create your marinade.
- Add the 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts to the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight for maximum flavor.
- When ready to cook, start preparing the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 4 ounces provolone cheese, 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/3 cup ranch dressing. Stir them together well.
- Microwave the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the cheeses are mostly melted and smooth. Set this aside.
- Next, make the topping. In another bowl, stir together 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 3 Tablespoons melted salted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well coated, then set aside.
- Position your oven rack in the middle. Preheat the broiler on a low setting.
- On your stovetop, heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Allow any excess marinade to drip off the chicken breasts before placing them in the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, otherwise the chicken will steam instead of browning properly.
- Cook the chicken under the broiler for about 5 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step helps sear the chicken. CRUCIAL BROILER SAFETY: Never leave the broiler unattended. Stay close and focused, as food can burn very quickly under the broiler.
- Spread the melted sauce evenly over the top of each piece of chicken in the skillet.
- Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping generously over the sauced chicken.
- Return the skillet to the broiler. Continue broiling for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
The USDA recommends that all poultry reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
Serve your homemade Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is simple with these expert tips. Keep these in mind to ensure your meal is a success every time.
- Broiler vigilance: Always keep a close eye on your chicken when it’s under the broiler. It can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results.
- Crispy crust: Avoid overcrowding your skillet when searing the chicken. This allows for proper browning and a crisper exterior.
- Flavor boost: Use fresh garlic powder for the best aroma and taste; old spices lose potency.
- Moisture retention: Cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with these ideas for serving, storage, and exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
- A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
- Round out your plate with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Storage
- Store any leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a preheated oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or topping for a hint of heat.
- Herbaceous twist: Stir in some fresh chopped chives, thyme, or oregano to the topping mixture.
- Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations in the sauce, such as smoked provolone or a Monterey Jack blend, for unique flavors.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is provided as an estimate.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 830 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 61 g |
| Fat | 57 g |
| Sodium | 1499 mg |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredient calculations. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. Please consult a qualified health professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a broiler?
The broiler is truly key for achieving the signature crispy texture. Other methods won’t replicate the distinct crust and melting of the sauce in the same way. This recipe has not been tested for alternative cooking methods
Can I make this in the Crock Pot?
No, a Crock Pot is not recommended for this recipe. It will not achieve the desired crispy crust or the quick cooking time needed for tender chicken. The stovetop and broiler method is much quicker and delivers superior results for Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
What kind of chicken is best?
Thin-sliced chicken breasts or chicken cutlets pounded to an even thickness work best. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
What to serve with Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the art of creating your own copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken! This recipe delivers a perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce, and that irresistible crispy Parmesan crust. It’s a delicious meal that impresses guests yet remains simple enough for any busy weeknight.
Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your home. Give it a try tonight and share your fantastic experience!
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk Italian dressing and ranch dressing in a bowl to make a marinade. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Mix provolone, Parmesan, and ranch dressing in a bowl. Microwave in intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and melted butter in a bowl for the topping. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat broiler on low. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat with vegetable oil. Let marinade drip off chicken, then cook in skillet until lightly browned on both sides.
- Spread cheese sauce over chicken. Top with breadcrumb mixture. Broil 5–10 minutes until topping is golden and internal temp is at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes, salad, or vegetables.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Parmesan and provolone, and panko for the ultimate crisp.
- Nutrition values estimated from ingredient quantities.
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