If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know their Parmesan Chicken is a standout dish. But what if you could recreate that crispy, cheesy goodness right in your own kitchen? Well, now you can! This homemade Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe brings all the irresistible flavors of the restaurant straight to your dining table. With tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy dressing, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of preparing this delicious comfort food—perfect for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or impressing guests with your cooking skills. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s face it: crispy, cheesy chicken is a comfort food dream come true. The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken hits all the right notes, combining a crunchy, golden breading with the creamy, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan topping. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe will deliver.
What makes this dish even more fantastic is the depth of flavor. The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika seasoning blend adds savory warmth to the chicken, while the ranch or creamy garlic dressing offers a touch of indulgence that takes it to the next level. The best part? You can make it right at home, saving you both time and money, all while enjoying that delicious restaurant-style meal in your own kitchen.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
¼ cup ranch dressing or creamy garlic dressing
2 tablespoons melted butter
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and they’re sure to result in a mouthwatering dish that rivals any restaurant!
Necessary Tools: What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
Meat mallet (or a heavy pan) to flatten the chicken breasts evenly.
Large oven-safe skillet to sear and bake the chicken.
Shallow bowls for breading the chicken.
Oven to bake the chicken until golden and cheesy.
Serving platter or plates for presentation and serving.
Having these tools will make your cooking process smooth and efficient, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
One of the best things about Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe to suit your tastes:
Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result. Thighs tend to stay tender and moist, even after baking.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! You could use a combination of mozzarella and provolone or try a sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
Bread Crumbs: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice crackers for the coating.
Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to the breading mix.
Feel free to get creative and adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or flavor cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Follow these detailed steps to recreate this delicious Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home.
1. Flatten the Chicken
To start, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (around ¾-inch thick). This will help the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using).
2. Coat the Chicken
In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another shallow bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using ranch or garlic dressing, spread a thin layer over the chicken breasts before dipping them in the breading mixture. This extra step creates an irresistible creamy layer beneath the crunchy breading.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the bread crumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it adheres well to the chicken.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The goal is to get a nice sear on the outside while leaving the inside tender.
Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Add Toppings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using ranch or garlic dressing, spread a thin layer of it over each chicken breast. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a bit of extra grated Parmesan on top.
5. Bake the Chicken
Place the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is essential for both searing and baking the chicken. It makes the process much easier and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
Pound the Chicken Evenly: Flattening the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly, ensuring the outside gets crispy while the inside stays tender.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Check the Temperature: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions: How to Make Your Meal Even Better
While Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is delicious on its own, you can elevate the dish with some fantastic sides:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic are the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: A light, healthy side like steamed broccoli or green beans balances out the richness of the chicken.
Crisp Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Parmesan chicken.
Buttery Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and butter complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well and can be enjoyed the next day!
Storing: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the breading.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken (per serving, assuming 4 servings total):
Calories: 400
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
FAQs: Common Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer juicier meat. They will require a slightly longer baking time.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken by breading it and refrigerating it until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your tastes.
4. Is there a gluten-free option for the breading?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice crackers for a gluten-free version of this dish.
5. Can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy twist, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Easy-to-Make Comfort Food
This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. It’s simple to make and can easily be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has you covered. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
