Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Bursting with rich flavors, this dish is inspired by the restaurant favorite, making it easy to recreate the indulgent dining-out experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a special dinner for loved ones or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this Parmesan Chicken is sure to impress.

The first time I made this dish, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to achieve such a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, cheesy coating adds the perfect crunch to the juicy chicken, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce ties everything together with a luxurious finish. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, and you have a complete meal that feels fancy yet comforting.

What I love most about Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is its versatility. You can customize the flavors by adding herbs like parsley or basil to the crust, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. It’s a dish that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Special occasions
Weeknight meals
Comfort food cravings
Italian-inspired dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken will win a spot in your recipe rotation:

Crispy Parmesan Coating: The golden, cheesy crust adds incredible flavor and texture to the juicy chicken.
Rich Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The creamy sauce elevates the dish with bold, savory flavors.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save time and money by recreating this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor and tender chicken make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
Pairs with Everything: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for added depth

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Breasts: Use thinly pounded chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, airy breadcrumbs create a crispy coating that stays golden and crunchy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is the star of this dish, providing bold, savory flavors.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of both the chicken and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Prepare the Coating:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Whisk the Eggs: In another dish, whisk the eggs with olive oil or melted butter.

Coat the Chicken:

Dredge in Egg Mixture: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides evenly.

Cook the Chicken:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Cook the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Cream and Cheese: Gradually whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg (if using) until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Assemble and Serve:

Top with Sauce: Spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce over the baked chicken breasts.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

Classic Pairing: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty meal.
Over Pasta: Spoon the sauce over fettuccine or linguine for an Italian-inspired dish.
With Salad: Pair with a Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
As Sandwiches: Serve on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato for a delicious chicken Parmesan sandwich.
For Entertaining: Plate with roasted asparagus and a glass of white wine for an elegant dinner.

Additional Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensures the chicken cooks at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked spots.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more robust flavor than pre-packaged varieties.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken creates a crispy crust and locks in moisture.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Recipe Variations

Herb-Crusted Chicken: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a tangy twist.
Crispy Chicken Strips: Cut the chicken into strips before breading for kid-friendly chicken tenders.
Buffalo Parmesan Chicken: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before adding the Parmesan sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
Mushroom Parmesan Chicken: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the sauce for extra flavor.
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken and broil for a bubbly, golden topping.
Spinach Parmesan Chicken: Add sautéed spinach to the sauce for a nutritious twist.
Grilled Version: Skip the breading and grill the chicken, then drizzle with Parmesan sauce.
Mediterranean Style: Top with sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven and add fresh sauce when serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and achieving a crispy, golden crust.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature (165°F).
Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to bread the chicken efficiently.
Deep Fryer: For an extra-crispy finish, a deep fryer can be used to cook the breaded chicken.
Rolling Pin: If you want to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading, a rolling pin works well.
Oven-safe Baking Dish: For finishing the Parmesan chicken in the oven, a baking dish is necessary to keep everything contained.
Grater or Food Processor: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Parchment Paper: Use this for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping and moving the chicken while breading or frying without losing the coating.
Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: For quickly cooking the chicken breasts to a juicy perfection before breading.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the sauce? Heavy cream is recommended for richness, but whole milk can work in a pinch—just reduce the amount slightly to maintain thickness.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off? Ensure the chicken is patted dry before breading, and press the coating firmly onto the chicken.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen. With its crispy Parmesan crust and creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory, cheesy goodness and rich, velvety sauce makes each bite irresistible.

Serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special night in or just craving a flavorful dish, this recipe will transport you to Longhorn Steakhouse without leaving your home.

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