Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

The Best Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Ever

Longhorn’s parmesan crusted chicken has been haunting my culinary dreams for months.

Crispy, golden-brown layers of cheese and perfectly seasoned chicken create an irresistible combination.

Restaurant-style magic happens right in your kitchen with this incredible recipe.

Tender chicken breasts get dressed in a remarkable coating that guarantees maximum flavor in every single bite.

Cheese lovers will absolutely swoon over the delightful crunch and rich Mediterranean-inspired profile.

My friends go crazy whenever I serve this restaurant-quality dish at home.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weekend dinner superstar.

Prepare to impress everyone around your dinner table with these mouthwatering chicken breasts.

FAQs For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • What makes this Longhorn chicken recipe special?

This copycat recipe captures the restaurant’s signature flavors by combining a perfectly seasoned chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust that’s both creamy and crunchy. The combination of Parmesan, provolone, and panko breadcrumbs creates an irresistible texture that elevates a simple chicken breast.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs. Just ensure they’re similar in size and thickness to maintain consistent cooking times. Adjust cooking temperature slightly and always check the internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, this dish is moderately indulgent due to the cheese and breadcrumb topping. To make it lighter, you can use low-fat mayonnaise and reduce the amount of cheese. Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.

  • What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven portion of cooking. The key is maintaining the initial sear and then completing the cooking in the oven.

Why Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tastes Like The Real Thing

  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Transform your home kitchen into a restaurant-quality dining space with minimal culinary skills, creating a sophisticated chicken dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delectable meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious yet hassle-free dinner option that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
  • Flavor-Packed Culinary Adventure: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of crispy panko coating, creamy Parmesan mixture, and perfectly seasoned chicken that delivers an explosion of textures and tastes in every single bite.
  • Versatile Meal Companion: Easily pair with multiple side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and meal occasions.

Ingredients For Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile with depth and complexity.
Cheese Mixture:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Provolone Cheese: Sharp and rich cheeses that create a luxurious, melty topping with nutty undertones.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Ranch Dressing, Mayonnaise: Creamy components that help the cheese mixture adhere to the chicken and add tangy richness.
Crunchy Topping:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide a golden, crunchy exterior.
Supplemental Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to distribute seasonings and promote even browning of the chicken.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the panko crumbs crisp up beautifully.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

How To Cook Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Heat oven to 400F. Grab chicken breasts and season them with a flavor-packed blend:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage olive oil over the chicken to help seasonings stick. Warm a large skillet on medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer skillet directly to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together these decadent ingredients:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded provolone
  • Ranch dressing
  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic powder

Blend until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Panko Layer

Combine these crispy components:
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated with buttery goodness.

Step 4: Build and Finish the Masterpiece

Pull chicken from the oven and lavish each breast with the creamy cheese mixture. Sprinkle panko mixture generously on top. Switch oven to broil and watch closely as the topping turns golden and bubbly (2-3 minutes).

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Complement the dish with:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Roasted seasonal vegetables
  • Crisp green salad

Enjoy your restaurant-quality chicken right at home!

Tips For Crunchy And Juicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and penetrate the meat with rich, aromatic spices.
  • Perfect Searing Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and create a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops a delicious exterior.
  • Cheese Mixture Consistency: Ensure the Parmesan blend is evenly mixed and spreadable, avoiding lumps for a smooth, creamy coating that melts perfectly over the chicken.
  • Prevent Burning Broil: Keep a close eye during the final broiling stage, rotating the skillet if needed to achieve an even, golden-brown crust without charring.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Store Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
  • Properly stored chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • When reheating, use the oven at 350F for best results to preserve the crispy parmesan crust.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy and compromise the delicious texture.
  • Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months by placing chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.
  • Always check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F when reheating to guarantee it's safe to eat.

Side Dishes To Match Parmesan Crusted Chicken

  • Enhance Chicken's Richness with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy parmesan crust, cutting through the rich cheese while highlighting the chicken's savory herbs.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad Pairing: Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a bright, peppery contrast to the heavy, cheesy chicken and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Match Comfort with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast colorful vegetables like brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and carrots with olive oil and rosemary to create a hearty, slightly caramelized side that echoes the golden, crispy chicken topping.
  • Complement with Creamy Potato Dish: Whip up garlic mashed potatoes or herbed potato gratin that mirror the dish's rich, cheesy profile and offer a smooth, comforting accompaniment to the parmesan-crusted chicken.

Fun Swaps For Copycat Longhorn Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herbal Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese to the Parmesan mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and cayenne into the seasoning mix. Top with pepper jack cheese and add crushed tortilla chips instead of panko for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Smoky Bacon Ranch Chicken: Mix crispy bacon bits into the panko topping. Replace regular ranch with smoked ranch dressing for deeper flavor complexity. Sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top before serving.
  • Herb Crusted Lemon Chicken: Zest one lemon into the Parmesan mixture. Add fresh chopped dill and chives to the panko topping. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over chicken just before broiling for bright, citrusy notes.
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Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Longhorn parmesan crusted chicken delivers a restaurant-quality feast right from home kitchens. Crispy parmesan coating and tender chicken create a delectable meal that will satisfy dinner cravings with restaurant-inspired elegance.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)

Seasoning and Cheese Mixture:

  • ½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (60 g) shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Dressing:

  • ¼ cup (60 g) ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Massage olive oil across the chicken breasts, then thoroughly coat them with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Warm a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and carefully sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
  5. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C).
  6. While the chicken bakes, whisk together Parmesan cheese, shredded provolone, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and garlic powder until a smooth, creamy mixture forms.
  7. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, additional Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and glossy.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and generously spread the Parmesan mixture over each breast.
  9. Sprinkle the prepared panko mixture evenly across the cheese layer, creating a textured topping.
  10. Switch the oven to broil and carefully return the skillet, broiling for 2-3 minutes until the topping turns golden and develops a slightly crispy texture.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version of the cheese topping.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
  • Make ahead tip: Prepare the cheese and panko mixtures in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • For a low-carb version, skip the panko topping and just use the cheese mixture for a crispy finish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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