Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse, then you’ve probably tasted their famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken – a dish that’s juicy, tender, and packed with mouthwatering flavors. The good news is that you don’t have to visit the restaurant every time you crave it. With this detailed step-by-step guide, you can recreate the magic of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken right in your kitchen. The blend of herbs, juicy chicken, and the rich, cheesy crust make this recipe irresistible, and it’s easier to make than you might think! Read on to learn how to whip up this restaurant-style dish at home.

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What is Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken?

Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Chicken is a succulent grilled chicken breast topped with a savory, crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. It’s famous for its tender and juicy texture paired with a perfect balance of cheesy and crunchy layers. The chicken is seasoned and grilled to perfection, and the rich parmesan coating adds that extra punch of flavor, making it a favorite choice for many.

Ingredients List for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

To make the perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)

For the Ranch Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to change it up, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll be just as delicious, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheese Options: While Parmesan is traditional, you can mix it up with Asiago, Romano, or even sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Add some cayenne pepper for heat or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
• Low-Fat: You can opt for light ranch dressing and reduce the butter in the Parmesan crust to make a lighter version of the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. It’s quite simple, and we’ll break it down into easy steps for you to follow.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasoning sticks well and the chicken gets a good sear. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken

You can either grill the chicken or cook it in a skillet. If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). If you’re cooking on the stovetop, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook the chicken for the same time frame, flipping once.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Crust

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Parmesan crust. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture. If you’re adding mozzarella, fold it into the mixture at this stage for an extra cheesy topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Ranch Sauce

In another bowl, mix the ranch dressing with sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set this aside, as you’ll be using it to layer the chicken later.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Once the chicken is cooked, spread a generous layer of the ranch sauce on top of each chicken breast. Then, pile on the Parmesan crust mixture evenly across all the chicken pieces.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Preheat your oven to broil. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and broil them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust turns golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly!

How to Cook Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the cooking process:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, rub with oil, and season with spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
3. Make the Parmesan Crust: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, butter, and seasoning.
4. Prepare the Ranch Sauce: Combine ranch, sour cream, and spices.
5. Assemble the Dish: Layer the chicken with ranch sauce and the Parmesan crust.
6. Broil to Finish: Broil until golden and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking at home can sometimes lead to mistakes that could impact the final outcome. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep a meat thermometer handy to ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out. The perfect internal temperature is 165°F.
• Skipping the Broil: Don’t miss the final broiling step. It’s essential to achieving that crispy Parmesan topping.
• Using Stale Breadcrumbs: Fresh panko breadcrumbs make all the difference for the crust. Avoid using old or stale ones that have lost their crunch.
• Not Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding the toppings to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take this dish from everyday to extraordinary. Here are a few tips to make your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken look as good as it tastes.

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Side Dishes: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Plating: Serve each chicken breast on a large plate, and drizzle with a little extra ranch sauce for a restaurant-style finish.

How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for a wide variety of side dishes. You can serve it with:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or zucchini are great options.
• Pasta: A side of creamy alfredo pasta or even a simple spaghetti with marinara sauce can complement the dish.
• Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pilaf with a hint of lemon adds a nice balance.

Presentation Ideas for Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Presentation is key to creating a restaurant-like experience at home. Try these ideas:

• Layering: When plating, stack the chicken on top of mashed potatoes or rice for a height effect.
• Garnishing: Top the chicken with extra Parmesan shavings or a sprig of parsley for a visually appealing finish.
• Rustic Style: Serve the chicken on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of ranch for dipping to give it a rustic feel.

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Recipe Tips

• Double the Crust: If you’re a fan of extra crunch, feel free to double the Parmesan crust mixture for a thicker topping.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and Parmesan crust mixture in advance. Store the crust separately and assemble just before broiling.
• Leftovers: This chicken tastes just as good the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but make sure they are completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.

Q: Can I freeze Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken without the Parmesan crust. When reheating, add the crust and broil it fresh for the best texture.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a broiler?
A: If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the chicken at a high temperature (around 450°F) for a few minutes to get the crust crispy.

Conclusion

Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen. With a juicy grilled chicken breast and a perfectly crisp, cheesy crust, this recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the savory layers of ranch sauce, Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with a few handy tips, variations, and substitutions, you can tailor this dish to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Happy cooking!

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