Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a restaurant-style dish known for its juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy, cheesy crust. This recipe is a favorite among food lovers who enjoy a balance of rich flavors and crunchy textures. Whether you have tried it at Longhorn Steakhouse or are looking to recreate it at home, this guide will help you make the perfect parmesan crusted chicken with simple steps and ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

To make the best Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Buttery Ranch Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps in even cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Cooking the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Making the Parmesan Crust

In a bowl, mix parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, butter, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will form a crunchy, flavorful topping.

4. Preparing the Buttery Ranch Topping

In another bowl, combine melted butter, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and provolone cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Assembling and Broiling

• Spread the buttery ranch topping over the cooked chicken breasts.
• Sprinkle the parmesan crust mixture evenly on top.
• Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To create a complete meal, consider pairing Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken with delicious and complementary side dishes:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor complement the crispy parmesan crust.
• Steamed Broccoli – A light and healthy vegetable side that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus – A flavorful, slightly charred side that pairs well with cheesy dishes.
• Caesar Salad – The fresh, crisp greens with a tangy dressing enhance the overall meal.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls – Soft and fluffy rolls to soak up any extra sauce or cheese.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken

How to Achieve Restaurant-Quality Crispiness

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties for a richer taste.
• Toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before mixing with cheese for extra crunch.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking the chicken to maintain crispiness.
• Broil instead of baking for the final step to create a golden crust without making the chicken dry.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use a mix of almond flour and parmesan cheese for the crust.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegan butter.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

• Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
• Reheating in an Air Fryer: Set at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes for a freshly baked texture.
• Microwave Option: While convenient, it may soften the crust. Use a toaster oven instead for a better texture.

Conclusion

Making Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home is a delightful experience that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, golden parmesan crust, creating a mouthwatering balance of textures and flavors.

One of the greatest advantages of preparing this dish at home is the ability to customize ingredients to suit personal preferences. Whether opting for a gluten-free variation by swapping panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or creating a keto-friendly version by using cheese crisps, the possibilities for modification are endless.

For those seeking the perfect crispiness, ensuring the right cooking technique is key. Lightly pounding the chicken to an even thickness, using freshly grated parmesan, and broiling at the end enhances the crust’s crunch while keeping the chicken moist inside.