Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a savory, restaurant-worthy dish that brings together tender, juicy grilled chicken and a crispy, golden Parmesan crust. This fan-favorite recipe features perfectly seasoned chicken breasts topped with a creamy, ranch-infused sauce and a rich, garlicky Parmesan and breadcrumb topping that bakes to perfection. Every bite delivers a delicious combination of bold flavors, a satisfying crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness.

The first time I made this dish at home, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive it was. From seasoning and grilling the chicken to layering on the creamy sauce and crispy topping, every step built up to a dish that felt like something straight out of a steakhouse kitchen. The moment it came out of the oven, bubbling and golden, I knew it was going to be a hit—and it didn’t disappoint!

What I love most about this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is how versatile it is. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. You can even customize the crust by adding a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant classic or just looking for a new go-to dinner, this dish is sure to impress every time.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Comfort food cravings
• Meal prep
• Anyone who loves cheesy, crispy chicken

Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Here’s why Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken will become a staple in your home:

• Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate the famous Longhorn dish with simple ingredients.
• Juicy and Flavorful: The chicken is seasoned and grilled to perfection, then topped with a rich, cheesy crust.
• Crispy Topping: The combination of Parmesan cheese and toasted bread crumbs adds an irresistible crunch.
• Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps with a big payoff.
• Pairs Well with Everything: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or pasta for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded Provolone cheese

Crispy Topping:

• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, high-protein base for this dish.
• Parmesan and Provolone Cheese: The perfect combination of sharp and melty cheeses.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and enhances the flavors of the crust.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides a light, crispy texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil.
3. Cook the Chicken: Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Parmesan Crust:

4. Mix the Cheese: In a small bowl, combine shredded Parmesan and Provolone cheeses.
5. Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix Panko bread crumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble and Broil:

6. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to broil on high.
7. Spread Ranch Dressing: Evenly spread ranch dressing over each grilled chicken breast.
8. Add Cheese Mixture: Sprinkle the Parmesan and Provolone mixture over the ranch-coated chicken.
9. Top with Crispy Crumbs: Press the Panko mixture on top for extra crunch.
10. Broil Until Golden: Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• With Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes with garlic butter for a comforting, steakhouse-style meal.
• Over Buttered Pasta – Place the Parmesan chicken on a bed of buttered angel hair or fettuccine, and drizzle with extra Parmesan sauce for a rich, satisfying dish.
• With Roasted Vegetables – Pair with oven-roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots to balance the richness of the chicken.
• On a Toasted Brioche Bun – Turn it into a chicken sandwich by placing the crispy, cheesy chicken on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli.
• With a Caesar Salad – Slice the Parmesan chicken and serve it over a classic Caesar salad for a protein-packed, flavorful meal.
• Over Rice Pilaf – Serve with a side of seasoned rice pilaf or garlic butter rice to soak up the cheesy goodness.
• With a Side of Steakhouse Mac & Cheese – Pair with baked mac and cheese for a decadent, restaurant-style combination.
• Topped with Marinara Sauce – Transform it into a Parmesan Chicken Marinara by adding warm marinara sauce and extra cheese, then broiling for a bubbly, golden finish.
• With Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions – Add an extra layer of flavor by topping the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
• Wrapped in a Tortilla – Slice the chicken and wrap it in a flour tortilla with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing for a delicious wrap.

Additional Tips for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Pound the Chicken Evenly – Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor – Let the chicken marinate in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to enhance its tenderness and taste.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – Searing the chicken in a cast-iron skillet before baking locks in juices and gives it a restaurant-quality crust.
• Double Up on Cheese – For a richer, more flavorful topping, mix Parmesan with shredded provolone or mozzarella for that signature cheesy crust.
• Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs – Before adding them to the topping, lightly toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a crunchier, golden-brown finish.
• Broil for a Crispy Crust – After baking, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes to get the cheese topping extra golden and crispy. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Add a Touch of Ranch or Caesar Dressing – For an extra layer of flavor, mix a small amount of ranch dressing or Caesar dressing into the Parmesan crust topping before baking.
• Let the Chicken Rest – After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This helps retain the juices for a tender bite.
• Serve with a Signature Sauce – Drizzle the chicken with garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or a balsamic glaze for a steakhouse-style finish.
• Pair with the Right Sides – Complement your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Bacon Parmesan Chicken: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the topping for extra flavor.
2. Spicy Ranch Chicken: Mix buffalo sauce into the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
3. Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add Italian seasoning and fresh parsley to the bread crumbs.
4. Mozzarella Swap: Use mozzarella instead of Provolone for a gooey, stretchy cheese layer.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a GF-friendly version.
6. Extra Crispy: Double the Panko topping for a crunchier texture.
7. BBQ Parmesan Chicken: Spread BBQ sauce instead of ranch for a smoky-sweet variation.
8. Air Fryer Option: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes before adding the topping.
9. Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
10. Cheddar Ranch Chicken: Use a blend of cheddar and Parmesan for a bolder taste.

Freezing and Storage for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Freezing: Store cooked chicken (without the topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add the cheese and topping after reheating.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Grill or Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet
• Meat Thermometer
• Broiler or Oven

FAQ for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Can I bake instead of grill? Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding the topping.
2. What’s the best cheese substitute? You can use mozzarella, white cheddar, or Swiss cheese instead of Provolone.
3. Can I use chicken thighs? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add more juiciness.
4. Can I make it dairy-free? Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and vegan cheese alternatives.
5. How do I make it extra crispy? Add more melted butter to the Panko topping for extra crunch.

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Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With juicy, seasoned chicken, a rich layer of creamy ranch, and a crispy, cheesy crust, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit.

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. The golden, cheesy topping adds just the right amount of crunch, elevating every bite with bold, savory flavors.

I can’t wait to see your take on this Parmesan Crusted Chicken! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite sides and variations in the comments. Happy cooking!