Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe 6 Smart Changes
Craving a crispy, cheesy chicken dish? This Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe brings restaurant flavor home. Try it tonight!
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
- π Main Ingredients:
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Chicken breasts: 4 6-8 oz each β Boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness
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Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup β Acts as a flavorful binding agent
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Grated parmesan cheese: 1 cup β Freshly grated works best for this Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe
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Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup β For ultimate crispiness
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Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup β Adds flavor and texture
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Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon β Infuses aromatic depth
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Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon β Provides herbal notes
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Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon β For color and mild flavor
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Salt: 1/2 teaspoon β Enhances all flavors
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Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon β Fresh ground is best
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Butter: 4 tablespoons β For finishing and browning
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Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons β Finely chopped for garnish
βΆ 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 β this is the secret to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior. Gently sprinkle salt and pepper on each side.β· 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 β this will hold your coated chicken pieces.βΈ Coat the chicken:Working with one chicken breast at a time, dip it into the ranch dressing, ensuring itβs 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.βΉ Preheat your skillet:Place your oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°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.βΊ 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 β 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. β» 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. βΌ 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 165Β°F (74Β°C) at the thickest part, and the parmesan crust has developed a beautiful golden-brown color with a crispy texture.β½ Rest and serve:Once done, remove the skillet from the oven (remember to use oven mitts β 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.
Keyword dinner, chicken, parmesan crust, family meal, weeknight, copycat recipe, crispy chicken, comfort food, restaurant-style