Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 6 Smart Changes
📌 Introduction
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!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal with a crispy, savory parmesan crust that’s golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Our Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Budget-friendly compared to restaurant prices
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Perfect for meal prep
- Kid-approved and family-friendly
Don’t wait to experience this incredible dish – keep reading to learn how to make the best Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe in your own kitchen tonight!
🛒 Ingredients List
📋 Main Ingredients:
- ✅ Chicken breasts: 4 (6-8 oz each) – Boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness
- ✅ Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup – Acts as a flavorful binding agent
- ✅ Grated parmesan cheese: 1 cup – Freshly grated works best for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe
- ✅ Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – For ultimate crispiness
- ✅ Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – Adds flavor and texture
- ✅ Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon – Infuses aromatic depth
- ✅ Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Provides herbal notes
- ✅ Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon – For color and mild flavor
- ✅ Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all flavors
- ✅ Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Fresh ground is best
- ✅ Butter: 4 tablespoons – For finishing and browning
- ✅ Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons – Finely chopped, for garnish
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
🛠️ Tools and Equipment
Essential Kitchen Tools for this Recipe
Preparing this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe doesn’t require specialty equipment, but having the right tools at hand will streamline your cooking process and help achieve optimal results:
- ☑️ Meat mallet – For pounding chicken to even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and tenderness
- ☑️ Shallow dishes (3) – Creating an efficient dredging/coating station makes the breading process neat and organized
- ☑️ Oven-safe skillet – Preferably cast iron for superior heat retention and that perfect sear-to-bake transition
- ☑️ Instant-read meat thermometer – The unsung hero that ensures perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken every time
- ☑️ Baking sheet – A reliable alternative if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet
- ☑️ Parchment paper – For hassle-free cleanup when using a baking sheet
💡 Pro Tip: When executing this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, a quality cast iron skillet is worth the investment. In addition to producing a restaurant-quality sear, cast iron evenly distributes heat and shifts effortlessly from stovetop to oven, minimizing cleanup and improving flavor enhancement. The slight char it imparts on the crust is actually the secret “X factor” that separates good from great versions of this dish..
⏱️ Timing Guide for Prefect Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- ⏲️ Prep Time: 10 minutes (30% less than most similar recipes)
- ⏲️ Cook Time: 20 minutes
- ⏲️ Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
- Best Time to Prepare: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining
💡 Pro Tip: Additionally, the active cooking time for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe requires only about 20 minutes of your attention – the remaining time involves hands-off oven baking. This makes it an ideal dish for multitasking home cooks who need to prepare side dishes simultaneously or attend to other household tasks while dinner cooks to perfection.
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ 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.
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ 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.
6️⃣ 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.
7️⃣ 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.
8️⃣ 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.
👨🍳 Pro Cooking Tips
Master the 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. This simple yet often overlooked step ensures your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe cooks uniformly from edge to center. Love chicken? You’ll love our Easy Recipe for Alice Springs Chicken recipe too
🔶 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 finished product. This step prevents the dreaded soggy coating that plagues many homemade versions.
🔶 Fresh vs. pre-grated:
Always use freshly grated parmesan for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect both texture and melting properties. Freshly grated parmesan melts more consistently and contributes a more authentic flavor profile to the dish.
🔶 Even coating:
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken rather than just sprinkling it on. This compression creates an even, well-adhered crust that won’t fall off during cooking. The pressure helps the breadcrumbs bond with the ranch dressing for a cohesive coating.
🔶 Don’t crowd the pan:
Work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece of chicken has adequate space in the skillet. Crowding causes temperature drops and creates steam, resulting in a soggy rather than crispy coating. Give each piece of chicken at least 1-2 inches of space for optimal browning.
🔶 Let it rest:
The 5-minute resting period is not optional! Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking allows the juices to escape, resulting in drier meat. Patience during this brief resting period rewards you with perfectly moist chicken in your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings for Your 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
🥗 Recipe Variations
Creative Twists on the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
🔷 Caprese-Style:
Transform your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe with Italian flair by topping each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves during the last 3-4 minutes of baking. Once out of the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a chicken dish that captures the essence of caprese salad, Want a quick side dish? Our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect match for your next barbecue night.
🔷 Mediterranean:
Incorporate the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean by adding finely chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the parmesan mixture. This variation of the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a side of lemon-herb couscous and roasted vegetables.
🔷 Herb-Lover’s:
Enhance the aromatic profile of your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe by adding 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil to the breadcrumb mixture. The fresh herbs create bright flavor notes that permeate the chicken as it cooks, creating a garden-fresh adaptation.
🔷 Extra Cheesy:
For cheese enthusiasts, create a more complex flavor profile by incorporating equal parts romano and asiago cheese alongside the parmesan in your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe. This trio of Italian cheeses creates depth and nuance with their varying levels of sharpness and distinctive flavor notes.
🔷 Lemon-Pepper:
Brighten up your Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe by adding 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the breading mixture along with 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper. After baking, finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a refreshing, zesty variation.
Each variation maintains the soul of the original Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe while introducing new flavor dimensions that keep this versatile dish exciting meal after meal.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
Pitfalls When Making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- ❌ Skipping the pounding step: Results in uneven cooking and tough chicken.
- ❌ Wet chicken: Not patting chicken dry before coating leads to soggy rather than crispy breading.
- ❌ Wrong temperature: Cooking at too high heat can burn the parmesan coating before the chicken is cooked through.
- ❌ Overcrowding the pan: Reduces proper browning and creates steam, resulting in soggy breading.
- ❌ Not using a thermometer: Can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- ❌ Cutting immediately: Slicing into chicken without resting loses all the juices.
- ❌ Using cold chicken: Taking chicken straight from the refrigerator to the pan causes uneven cooking.
📊 Nutritional Information
🥗 Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
Macronutrients:
- ☑ 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
💡 Pro Tip: Understanding the nutritional profile of this recipe helps you incorporate it wisely into your overall meal plan. With 38g of high-quality protein per serving, this dish supports muscle maintenance and provides sustained energy. The moderate carbohydrate content (14g) makes it compatible with most balanced diet approaches.
❓ FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About this Recipe
Q: Can I make this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the breading stage and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking additives that can influence texture and melting characteristics. For optimal results, cook just before serving to maintain the crispy coating that makes this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe so special.
Q: How do I store leftover Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 3 days. Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to regain some crunchiness.
Q: Can I freeze this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: Yes, this dish freezes surprisingly well. After cooking and cooling completely, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. While not quite as crispy as fresh, the flavor remains excellent, making this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe ideal for batch cooking.
Q: What’s the secret to the crispy crust in this recipe?
A: The combination of both panko and regular breadcrumbs, plus the proper searing technique and finishing in the oven creates the perfect crispy texture.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may require slightly different cooking times. Use your meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
Q: Is the Longhorn Steakhouse version different from this recipe?
A: Our Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe closely mimics the restaurant version but allows you to adjust seasonings to your preference and uses fresh ingredients.
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 6 Smart Changes
Ingredients
- 📋 Main Ingredients:
- ✅ Chicken breasts: 4 6-8 oz each – Boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness
- ✅ Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup – Acts as a flavorful binding agent
- ✅ Grated parmesan cheese: 1 cup – Freshly grated works best for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe
- ✅ Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – For ultimate crispiness
- ✅ Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – Adds flavor and texture
- ✅ Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon – Infuses aromatic depth
- ✅ Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Provides herbal notes
- ✅ Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon – For color and mild flavor
- ✅ Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all flavors
- ✅ Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Fresh ground is best
- ✅ Butter: 4 tablespoons – For finishing and browning
- ✅ Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons – Finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- ❶ 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.❷ 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.❸ 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.❹ 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.❺ 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. ❻ 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. ❼ 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.❽ 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
Nutritional Information Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts
Macronutrients:
Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts- 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
Calories: 420 per serving🎯 Conclusion
The Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe we’ve shared delivers truly restaurant-caliber results right in your home kitchen with surprisingly little effort. The harmonious combination of a perfectly crispy, flavorful parmesan crust encasing juicy, tender chicken creates a versatile dish that satisfies both everyday family dinners and special occasions. By following our step-by-step guide and heeding the pro tips, you’ll create a meal that rivals – and perhaps surpasses – the famous steakhouse original.
We’ve demystified the process and highlighted the critical techniques that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe worthy of your regular cooking rotation. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its impressive flavor profile but also in its adaptability and approachable preparation.
🍽️ Try this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe tonight and share your experience in the comments section below! We’d love to hear about your results and any personal adaptations you made.
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