Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 6 Smart Changes

Did you know that the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is one of the most requested copycat recipes online, with over 9000 monthly searches? This perfectly crispy, cheesy chicken dish has captivated taste buds nationwide, but most home cooks get one critical step wrong. Our this recipe solves that problem!

What is Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a popular restaurant-style dish inspired by the LongHorn Steakhouse menu. It features juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy ranch sauce, a melted provolone-Parmesan cheese crust, and a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. It’s known for its bold, savory flavor and cheesy crust.

To Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: 4 (6-8 oz each)
• Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup
• Grated parmesan cheese: 1 cup
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ranch dressing with dairy-free ranch and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties
• Spicy Variation: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breading mixture
• Lower-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs in your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe

Time Needed to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

1. Start by positioning your chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag.
2. With your meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness all over. This crucial step ensures even cooking and tenderness in your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
3. Once pounded, pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this is the secret to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior.
4. Gently sprinkle salt and pepper on each side.

Step 2: Set up your coating station

1. Organization is key to a clean, efficient preparation process. Arrange three shallow dishes in a row to create an assembly line.
2. In the first dish, pour the 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
3. In the second dish, mix the cup of parmesan cheese with the two kinds of breadcrumbs (panko and Italian), garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix thoroughly with a fork to ensure even distribution of seasonings throughout the breading mixture.
5. Leave the third dish empty for now – this will hold your coated chicken pieces.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

1. Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip it into the ranch dressing, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides.
2. Allow excess dressing to drip off for a few seconds. Then press the chicken firmly into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, turning and pressing several times to coat both sides thoroughly. The coating should be substantial but not excessive.
3. Place the coated chicken on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.

Step 4: Preheat your skillet

1. Place your oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
2. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Allowing both to heat properly is essential for the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe to achieve its signature crust.
4. The skillet should heat for about 3-5 minutes until quite hot but not smoking.

Step 5: Sear the chicken

1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet.
2. Once the butter has melted and starts bubbling (but before it browns), carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the pan.
3. Ensure there is enough space between items – cramming causes steaming instead of searing.
4. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom side.

Step 6: Flip and finish

1. With tongs or a spatula, gently turn each chicken breast to reveal the raw side.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, distributing it around the chicken pieces as it melts.
3. The butter will help brown the second side and enrich the overall flavor of your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
4. Quickly place the whole skillet into the oven that has been preheated.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

1. Allow the chicken to bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
2. The exact timing depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts, which is why using a meat thermometer is highly recommended.
3. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, and the parmesan crust has developed a beautiful golden-brown color with a crispy texture.

Step 8: Rest and serve

1. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven (remember to use oven mitts – the handle will be extremely hot).
2. Allow your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe creation to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when cut.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before presenting to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips for the Best Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Temperature matters:

Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes prior to cooking. Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator will cook unevenly – the exterior may overcook before the interior reaches a safe temperature.

Don’t skip the pounding:

Even thickness is non-negotiable for this recipe. Beyond ensuring even cooking, pounding physically tenderizes the meat by breaking down muscle fibers. The outcome is a significantly more tender chicken breast that enhances your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe to a restaurant standard.

Pat dry thoroughly:

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Taking an extra 30 seconds to thoroughly pat your chicken dry with paper towels before applying the ranch dressing allows the coating to adhere better and results in a crunchier

What to Serve Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Side Dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus with lemon
• Creamy risotto
• Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli with butter

Sauce Options:

• Light marinara sauce
• Garlic butter sauce
• Lemon-herb sauce
• Alfredo sauce

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe on a bed of angel hair pasta
• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges
• Drizzle with high-quality olive oil before serving
• Serve with a side of warm marinara for dipping

Deadly recipes you’ll want to try

• baked chicken cutlet recipes
• Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
• Best Chick Fil A Sauce Recipe
• Alice Springs Chicken

Nutritional Information

Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 6 Smart Changes

By Nancy

Make juicy, crusted chicken like a pro! This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe includes tips for perfect texture. Learn how.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• Chicken breasts: 4 6-8 oz each
• Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup
• Grated parmesan cheese: 1 cup
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
• Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

• Start by positioning your chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag.
• With your meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness all over. This crucial step ensures even cooking and tenderness in your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
• Once pounded, pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this is the secret to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior.
• Gently sprinkle salt and pepper on each side.

Step 2: Set up your coating station

• Organization is key to a clean, efficient preparation process. Arrange three shallow dishes in a row to create an assembly line.
• In the first dish, pour the 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
• In the second dish, mix the cup of parmesan cheese with the two kinds of breadcrumbs (panko and Italian), garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix thoroughly with a fork to ensure even distribution of seasonings throughout the breading mixture.
• Leave the third dish empty for now – this will hold your coated chicken pieces.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

• Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip it into the ranch dressing, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides.
• Allow excess dressing to drip off for a few seconds. Then press the chicken firmly into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, turning and pressing several times to coat both sides thoroughly. The coating should be substantial but not excessive.
• Place the coated chicken on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.

Step 4: Preheat your skillet

• Place your oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
• Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Allowing both to heat properly is essential for the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe to achieve its signature crust.
• The skillet should heat for about 3-5 minutes until quite hot but not smoking.

Step 5: Sear the chicken

• Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet.
• Once the butter has melted and starts bubbling (but before it browns), carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the pan.
• Ensure there is enough space between items – cramming causes steaming instead of searing.
• Let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom side.

Step 6: Flip and finish

• With tongs or a spatula, gently turn each chicken breast to reveal the raw side.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, distributing it around the chicken pieces as it melts.
• The butter will help brown the second side and enrich the overall flavor of your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
• Quickly place the whole skillet into the oven that has been preheated.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

• Allow the chicken to bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
• The exact timing depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts, which is why using a meat thermometer is highly recommended.
• The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, and the parmesan crust has developed a beautiful golden-brown color with a crispy texture.

Step 8: Rest and serve

• Once done, remove the skillet from the oven (remember to use oven mitts – the handle will be extremely hot).
• Allow your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe creation to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when cut.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before presenting to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420 per serving
• Protein: 38g
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Calcium: 220mg
• Iron: 1.5mg

Keyword dinner, chicken, parmesan crust, family meal, weeknight, copycat recipe, crispy chicken, comfort food, restaurant-style

FAQ About Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe