Introduction
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a beloved favorite, known for its irresistible crunchy crust and flavorful chicken. It’s a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. You can now enjoy this restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
120g grated Parmesan cheese
100g panko breadcrumbs
60g all-purpose flour
100ml heavy cream
2 large eggs
10g Italian seasoning
5g garlic powder
5g onion powder
5g salt
3g black pepper
60ml vegetable oil
30g melted butter
10g chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs and heavy cream, and the third with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken on both sides until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 73°C. This should take about 5 minutes per side.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Pound the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. Once pounded, season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station using three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, combine the beaten eggs and heavy cream; whisk them together until well mixed for a rich, tasty coating. In the third bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, creating a robust, flavorful crust.
Breading the Chicken
Take each seasoned chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and cream mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, turning it to coat thoroughly. Ensure every part is covered to achieve that delightful crunch.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 73°C. This will result in juicy chicken with a beautifully crisp exterior.
Baking for Crispiness
Preheat your oven to 180°C. After pan-searing, transfer the chicken onto a baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the top of each piece, enhancing both texture and flavor as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the crust to become irresistibly crispy and ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. This aromatic touch elevates the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This decadent Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad. Consider adding a glass of white wine to complement the flavors.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken up to the baking step earlier in the day. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute regular breadcrumbs for the panko if needed, although panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture. Additional herbs like thyme or oregano can be added to the breadcrumb mixture for a personal twist.
Cook techniques
Pounding Chicken
To ensure even cooking and tenderness, pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1.5 cm.
Seasoning
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor before breading.
Breading Station Setup
Create a three-step breading station using flour, an egg mixture, and a Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a crispy coating.
Dredging Process
Dredge each breast in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture for maximum flavor and texture.
Cooking Technique
Cook the chicken in heated vegetable oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 73°C.
Baking for Crispiness
Finish the chicken in the oven at 180°C for added crispiness and to ensure thorough cooking after pan-searing.
Garnishing
Top the finished chicken with chopped parsley to add a fresh and appealing touch to the presentation.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used; just adjust cooking times accordingly as they may take longer to cook through.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook in an air fryer at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Consider pairing it with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Recreating Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home offers a delightful experience filled with rich flavors and crispy textures. This dish not only brings the taste of a restaurant favorite to your kitchen but also allows for customization to suit your personal preferences. The combination of tender chicken and a savory Parmesan crust makes it a perfect choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Swap out chicken for salmon fillets and use the same Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a delicious seafood variation that is equally satisfying.
Stuffed Parmesan Chicken
Add a filling of spinach and ricotta cheese inside the chicken breasts before coating them for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Vegetable Parmesan Bake
Use the same breadcrumb topping on layers of sliced zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian dish that showcases the same delicious flavors.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Slice the cooked Parmesan crusted chicken and serve it over spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, topped with additional Parmesan for an Italian-inspired meal.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Substitute chicken for bone-in pork chops, applying the same breading method to create a savory and satisfying pork dish.
Parmesan Potato Wedges
Toss potato wedges in olive oil, then coat them in a mix of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy side dish that pairs well with any main course.