Quick Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you whip up this copycat longhorn parmesan crusted chicken that rivals restaurant perfection.

My kitchen became an experimental playground after tasting this incredible dish last summer.

Cheese lovers will adore the crispy, golden exterior that locks in incredible moisture.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch with rich, melted parmesan coating tender chicken breasts.

Recreating restaurant favorites at home saves money and lets you control ingredient quality.

Precise seasoning and careful technique make this recipe shine brighter than any takeout option.

I guarantee this chicken will become your new weekend dinner superstar – so grab your skillet and let’s cook something phenomenal!

Why Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Is a Winner

• Recreate the popular Longhorn Steakhouse dish right in your kitchen, transforming an ordinary chicken dinner into a gourmet experience without professional cooking skills.
• Prepare this delectable chicken in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal that doesn't require hours of preparation or complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching up seasonings, trying different cheese varieties, or pairing with various side dishes to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that elevates the chicken from simple to spectacular, delivering restaurant-level texture and flavor in every bite.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich and tender meat for main dish, choose fresh, boneless, and skinless for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps season and create a golden surface, use extra virgin for better flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices to enhance chicken's flavor, use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy base for topping, select thick and tangy variety.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich flavor, choose full-fat version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty and salty taste, prefer freshly grated over pre-packaged.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy exterior, Japanese style breadcrumbs work best.
• Butter: Helps bind crust and adds richness, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Additional flavor boosters for crust, use dried herbs for concentrated taste.

How to Cook Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

• Grab chicken breasts
• Pat dry with paper towels
• Brush generously with olive oil
• Sprinkle seasonings
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Initial Chicken Cooking

• Heat skillet over medium-high temperature
• Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F
• Set cooked chicken on baking sheet

Step 3: Create Creamy Ranch Layer

• Grab small mixing bowl
• Blend ranch dressing
• Fold in shredded Parmesan cheese
• Mix until smooth consistency

Step 4: Craft Crispy Parmesan Topping

• Combine in separate bowl
• Grated Parmesan
• Panko bread crumbs
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Stir until crumbly texture forms

Step 5: Layer and Finish Chicken

• Spread ranch mixture over chicken
• Place provolone cheese slice on top
• Sprinkle Parmesan crumb mixture
• Broil 2-3 minutes until golden brown
• Watch carefully to prevent burning

Step 6: Serve Deliciously

• Remove from oven
• Let rest briefly
• Plate with preferred side dishes
• Enjoy immediately

Best Practices for Parmesan Crusted Chicken at Home

• Master Chicken Selection: Choose thick, uniform chicken breasts for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Dryness: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and achieve a crispy exterior without excess moisture.
• Control Broiling Time: Watch the chicken closely during the final broiling stage to prevent burning, as the Parmesan crust can quickly turn from golden to charred.
• Customize Seasoning: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing garlic powder and black pepper to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the Parmesan crust mixture and ranch spread in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and reduce cooking time when ready to serve.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

This copycat Longhorn chicken is surprisingly easy. Home cooks with basic kitchen skills can make it in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While provolone adds great flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella, Swiss, or white cheddar cheese. The key is using a cheese that melts well and complements the Parmesan crust.

• What if I don't have panko bread crumbs?

Regular bread crumbs work perfectly fine. If you’re out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or even crushed cornflakes can create a similar crispy texture for the Parmesan crust.

• How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

How to Save and Reheat Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crispy crust soggy and dry out the chicken. If needed, use low power and heat in short intervals.

Side Dishes That Go with Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the chicken's rich, cheesy flavor and cut through its creamy texture.
• Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent chicken dish.
• Prepare herb-seasoned roasted potatoes that echo the garlic notes in the chicken's seasoning and provide a hearty accompaniment.
• Choose an unoaked Chardonnay to provide a smooth, refreshing contrast to the parmesan crust's crispy, savory profile.

Flavor Variations for Copycat Longhorn Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace panko bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour to create a crispy coating suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Swap bread crumbs with ground pork rinds or crushed nuts for a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced alternative that maintains the original recipe's crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, replace provolone with dairy-free cheese alternative, and substitute ranch dressing with cashew-based ranch for a completely dairy-free version.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil into the Parmesan crust mixture to enhance the flavor profile and add an aromatic dimension to the chicken.

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in home kitchens, blending creamy parmesan coating with perfectly seasoned chicken. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this dish a delightful centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese and Coating:

• ½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 g) ranch dressing
• ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Initiate oven warming to a precise 400F (200C), creating an ideal culinary environment for the chicken transformation.
2. Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, then lavishly dust with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
3. Execute chicken cooking through either searing technique: grill or pan-sear at medium-high temperature for approximately 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature achieves a safe 165F (74C), alternatively bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
4. Craft a creamy ranch enhancement by blending ranch dressing with finely shredded Parmesan, creating a luxurious coating mixture.
5. Construct the crunchy crust by amalgamating grated Parmesan, panko bread crumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until achieving a delicate, crumbly texture.
6. Position perfectly cooked chicken breasts on baking sheet, generously spreading the ranch mixture across each piece.
7. Layer provolone cheese atop the ranch spread, creating a melty foundation for the upcoming crispy topping.
8. Distribute the prepared Parmesan crust evenly over provolone, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
9. Activate broiler, positioning chicken underneath for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and crust transforms into a golden, crispy masterpiece.
10. Allow chicken to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to harmonize before serving alongside complementary side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a vibrant garden salad.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispy exterior.
• Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking chicken.
• Substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-fat alternatives work well: use Greek yogurt instead of ranch, reduced-fat cheeses, and olive oil spray.
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the Parmesan crust’s flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest after broiling to help juices redistribute, keeping meat moist and tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg