Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Craving restaurant-quality chicken without leaving home? This easy recipe brings the delicious flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken right to your kitchen. Get ready for juicy, tender chicken breasts enveloped in a perfectly crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is surprisingly simple to create, perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is a game-changer for your dinner routine. Here’s why it will quickly become a family favorite:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need common pantry staples for a truly gourmet taste.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: From prep to plate, it comes together faster than you think.
• More Affordable Than Takeout: Enjoy a restaurant experience without the hefty price tag.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: Our method ensures perfectly cooked, moist chicken.
• Irresistibly Crispy, Cheesy Crust: The crunchy Parmesan topping is absolutely divine.
• Versatile for Various Sides: It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish you can imagine.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your own copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. Using quality components makes all the difference in this flavorful dish.

• For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of essential dried herbs.
  • ½ teaspoon fresh parsley: Finely chopped for freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Freshly minced offers the best aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground adds pungent flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Coarse grain salt for seasoning.
  • 4 chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, about ½ inch thick.
• For the Creamy Topping:
  • ¼ cup Ranch dressing: Full-fat for richness and creamy texture.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for smooth mixing.
  • 2-4 slices provolone cheese: Sliced, cut in half to fit chicken breasts.
• For the Parmesan Breadcrumbs:
  • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs: Essential for extra crispiness.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder: A savory boost to the crust.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the breadcrumbs.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for seasoning.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Grated, for a cheesy, golden crust.
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter: Melted, to bind and crisp the breadcrumbs.
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle adds visual appeal and a fresh finish.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs; adjust cook time as needed.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss, or Fontina cheese slices work well if you prefer them over Provolone.
• Marinade: Use dried herbs in the marinade if fresh parsley isn’t readily available.
• Ranch: Substitute with Caesar dressing for a slightly different, tangy flavor variation.
• Breadcrumbs: The unique structure of panko breadcrumbs contributes to a crispier texture in fried and baked dishes. Regular breadcrumbs can replace panko in a pinch, but panko provides superior crunch.
• Dietary: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this a delicious gluten-free option.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this amazing Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken even simpler.

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowls (2-3)
• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended for excellent heat retention)
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Meat thermometer (crucial for perfectly cooked chicken)
• Tongs or spatula

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. Precision makes for the best results!

1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, minced garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the mixture. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
2. Prepare Panko Mixture: While the chicken marinates, prepare the crispy topping. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the melted salted butter. Use a fork or spoon to combine these ingredients well until the mixture is evenly coated and crumbly. Set this breadcrumb mixture aside.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on the first side without disturbing it, allowing a beautiful golden-brown crust to form. Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of each breast reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Remove the skillet from the heat, leaving the chicken in the pan.
4. Preheat Broiler: While the chicken is resting slightly in the skillet, preheat your oven broiler to high heat. Position your oven rack to the middle setting for optimal broiling.
5. Prepare Creamy Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing with the remaining ¼ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will add a rich layer of flavor to your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken.
6. Assemble Chicken Topping: Take the skillet with the seared chicken. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the prepared ranch and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Next, place one half-slice of provolone cheese on top of the ranch mixture on each chicken breast.
7. Add Breadcrumb Crust: Generously spoon 2-4 tablespoons of the prepared panko bread crumb mixture over each chicken breast. Ensure the provolone cheese is fully covered with the panko mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs down to help them adhere to the cheese layer.
8. Broil to Finish: Carefully transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated broiler on the middle rack. Broil for 3-5 minutes, rotating the pan as needed to ensure even browning. Watch the chicken very closely during this step; the breadcrumbs can burn quickly under the high heat of the broiler. You are looking for a golden-brown, crispy crust and melted, bubbly cheese.
9. Serve: Once perfectly broiled, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is simple with these helpful pointers.

• Perfectly Crispy Crust: Ensure your broiler is fully preheated and hot before broiling. Keep a close eye on the chicken, as the crust can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
• Moist Chicken: Do not overcook the chicken during the initial searing. Aim for 160°F (71°C) as it will continue to cook slightly under the broiler.
• Even Thickness: Pound thicker chicken breasts to a uniform ½ inch thickness. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents one part from drying out while another finishes.
• Breading Adherence: Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto the melted cheese layer. This helps it stick better and form a solid crust.
• Flavor Boost: Marinating the chicken for the full two hours really deepens the flavor profile of the meat.
• Don’t Burn Garlic: If using fresh minced garlic in the marinade, ensure your pan isn’t too hot during searing to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with many sides and is great for meal prep.

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple pasta dish make excellent partners.
  • Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp fresh side salad offer a lighter contrast.
  • Serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up any delicious juices.
• Storage:
  • Store any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • For best results, reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps the crust regain its crispiness.
• Variations:
  • Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or the breadcrumb mixture for a pleasant heat.
  • Herb Twist: Experiment with dried oregano or thyme in the marinade for different aromatic notes.
  • Cheese Blends: Try a blend of Italian cheeses, like Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Asiago, instead of just Parmesan and Provolone.
  • Lemon-Herb: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the chicken marinade for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.

Nutrition

Nutritional information for this Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This dish is generally high in protein, providing essential building blocks for your body, and moderate in fat.

FAQ

Got questions about making this fantastic Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken? We have answers!

• How do I know when my Parmesan-crusted chicken is fully cooked? For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends a specific internal temperature for poultry. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part for cooked chicken.
• Can I bake this chicken entirely without searing? Yes, you can bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then add toppings and broil until golden.
• How do I prevent the breading from falling off? Ensure the provolone cheese is completely melted before you gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto it.
• Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, and prepare the panko mixture in advance, storing it separately.
• What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Simply sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a separate baking sheet for the broiling step.

Conclusion

You’ve now mastered the art of creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen! This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe proves that delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its juicy chicken, rich creamy topping, and irresistibly crispy, cheesy crust, it is sure to impress everyone at your table. Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy a fantastic meal that tastes like you ordered it out. Enjoy every savory bite!

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This recipe recreates the popular Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, featuring chicken breasts marinated in an herbed olive oil mixture, pan-seared, and then broiled with a creamy ranch-Parmesan topping, provolone cheese, and a crispy Panko crust. It's a flavorful and indulgent dish perfect for a restaurant-style meal at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Marinade

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic fresh or jarred
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 chicken breasts about ½” thick

Ranch Parmesan Topping

• 0.25 cup Ranch Dressing
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2-4 slices provolone cheese each slice cut in half

Crispy Panko Mixture

• 0.5 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoon salted butter melted

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

• Bowl
• Oven-safe skillet
• Heavy duty fork or spoon
• Small bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt in a bowl. Add chicken breasts, coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.

Panko Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, mix Panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until combined; set aside.

Cook Chicken

1. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then cook marinated chicken breasts for 5 minutes undisturbed on one side. Flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, then remove the skillet.

Broiler Prep

1. Preheat the oven broiler to high heat.

Ranch Topping

1. While the chicken cooks, combine ranch dressing with grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Assemble

1. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ranch mixture over each chicken breast, then top each with half a slice of provolone cheese.

Apply Panko

1. Distribute 2-4 tablespoons of the Panko bread crumb mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

Broil and Serve

1. Broil on the middle rack for 3-5 minutes, rotating the pan as needed, until the cheese melts and breadcrumbs are golden brown; watch carefully to prevent burning.
2. Serve the Parmesan chicken immediately with your preferred vegetables and side dishes.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning, as broiler temperatures can vary. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.