Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Craving the delicious, cheesy goodness of LongHorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe brings the flavor of LongHorn’s famous dish right into your kitchen. With perfectly seasoned grilled chicken topped with a rich Parmesan and provolone cheese crust, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to recreate this restaurant favorite.

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What is LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

LongHorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines grilled, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful cheesy crust. The dish starts with perfectly seasoned chicken that’s grilled for a smoky, charred flavor. It's then topped with a creamy ranch spread, layered with provolone cheese, and finished with a crispy Parmesan crust that adds an extra burst of savory flavor. The combination of textures—tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a crunchy Parmesan topping—makes this dish stand out.

Ingredients List for LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. These ingredients will give you the same delicious, cheesy, and crispy experience as LongHorn’s original dish.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

For the Parmesan Topping:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for added color)

For the Cheese Layer:

• 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoon ranch dressing (or Caesar dressing)

Substitutions and Variations

Here’s the fun part—this recipe is super versatile, so you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have access to a grill, no worries! You can also pan-sear the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven for a healthier alternative. For a smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to your marinade.
• Cheese Variations: While provolone and Parmesan are traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar. Each will add its own unique flavor twist.
• Healthier Alternatives: To lighten up the dish, you can use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for the topping. For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or choose light cheese versions.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version and replace them with crushed pork rinds or simply omit them altogether.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect copycat version of LongHorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Rub the chicken with olive oil on all sides, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb into the meat.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill (or a grill pan) over medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you’re cooking in a skillet, follow the same steps but cook on medium heat. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the cheesy topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. This mixture will form the crispy crust on top of the chicken. Set it aside.

Step 4: Cheese Layer

Spread about 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing on each cooked chicken breast. Place a slice of provolone cheese over the ranch spread, then sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top. This forms the gooey, cheesy layer that melts over the chicken.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan Topping and Broil

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Spoon the Parmesan topping over the shredded cheese layer on each chicken breast. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Parmesan crust turns golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing if desired.

How to Cook LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process:

1. Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Grill the chicken until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
3. Prepare the Parmesan topping with Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
4. Layer the cooked chicken with ranch dressing, provolone cheese, and shredded Parmesan.
5. Broil the chicken with the Parmesan topping until golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your Parmesan Crusted Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Not seasoning the chicken enough: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken breasts before grilling. The spices are key to infusing flavor into the meat.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) without exceeding that temperature.
• Burning the topping: When broiling the cheese topping, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The cheese should melt and turn golden, not black.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This dish is impressive on its own, but with a few extra touches, you can elevate your plating to restaurant quality. Here’s how to serve and present your Parmesan Crusted Chicken like a pro.

How to Serve LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Serve the chicken alongside hearty sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Pair with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.
• For a more indulgent option, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy pasta or rice pilaf to soak up the cheesy topping.

Presentation Ideas for LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color.
• Drizzle a little extra ranch dressing over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Slice the chicken before serving to show off the juicy interior and the cheesy, crispy topping.

LongHorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can marinate and season the chicken in advance, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain the crispy topping.
• Freezer Tip: You can freeze the grilled chicken (before adding the cheese and broiling) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw, then top with the cheese layers and Parmesan crust before broiling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish without grilling?
A: Yes! You can pan-sear the chicken breasts on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
A: If you don’t have panko on hand, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for the Parmesan topping.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or omit the breadcrumbs entirely. The dish will still be delicious with the cheesy topping.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to grill or bake until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the Parmesan crust.

Conclusion

With this LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken copycat recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality chicken right in your own home. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, creamy ranch spread, gooey provolone, and a crispy Parmesan crust makes for an irresistible meal. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress family and friends. So, why not give this recipe a try tonight? You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are!

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