Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken Perfect Dinner
If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know how incredible their Parmesan Crusted Chicken is. With its crispy, cheesy topping and juicy, tender chicken, it’s a dish that keeps you coming back for more.
Imagine bringing this restaurant-quality dish into your own kitchen – that’s exactly what this recipe allows you to do!
With this easy-to-follow Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken recipe, you’ll recreate that magical dining experience right at home. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
In this , we’ll walk you through every detail of preparing Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken. From step-by-step instructions and ingredient details to serving suggestions and storage tips, we’ve got you covered.
Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions and provide nutritional information to ensure you’re fully prepared to make this delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
A Perfect Combination of Textures and Flavors
The magic of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken lies in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each component of the dish – the juicy chicken, the creamy Parmesan topping, and the crispy, golden crust – complements the others perfectly.
The seasoning on the chicken helps to lock in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. The creamy topping made with ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese melts into the chicken, adding a rich layer of flavor. Finally, the crispy breadcrumb crust offers a delightful crunch with every bite.
Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its gourmet taste, Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 35 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for a special occasion, this recipe fits the bill. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and results in a restaurant-quality meal.
Versatile Pairings
The beauty of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is that it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Whether you prefer something hearty like mashed potatoes or a lighter option like a fresh salad, this chicken dish can complement any side to create a well-rounded meal. Roasted vegetables, pasta, or even a classic Caesar salad also make great accompaniments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
For the Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is simple! Follow these easy steps to achieve a flavorful, crispy, and juicy chicken dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain tender.
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender chicken breast.
Next, season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the spices into the meat to help them stick. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
This step is key for creating a flavorful crust on the chicken. Keep in mind that you’re not cooking the chicken all the way through at this point – just searing it for flavor. After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping
While the chicken is baking, prepare the Parmesan topping. In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir the mixture until smooth and well-combined. For an extra cheesy layer, you can stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will give your dish a gooey, melty texture that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Parmesan Crust
In another bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. The butter will help the breadcrumbs toast nicely and achieve that golden, crispy texture when baked.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and spoon the Parmesan topping evenly over each chicken breast.
Spread the topping to cover the entire surface of the chicken. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top, pressing gently to help it adhere. This creates the signature crispy, cheesy crust that makes this dish a standout.
Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish
Switch your oven to broil and place the skillet back in the oven. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
The goal is to achieve a golden-brown, crispy topping. Be sure to watch the chicken closely while broiling, as it can burn quickly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly broiled, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken hot alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad.
How to Serve Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the rich, cheesy chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great, healthy addition to the dish.
- Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of fettuccine Alfredo or marinara for an Italian twist.
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a garden salad or a refreshing Caesar salad.
Additional Tips for Success
To ensure your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Watch the Broiler: When broiling the chicken, keep a close watch to prevent the crust from burning.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the topping for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- BBQ Parmesan Chicken: Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce before adding the Parmesan topping for a smoky twist.
- Bacon Parmesan Chicken: Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles on top for a salty, savory contrast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the crispy crust, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Freezing: If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, wrap the cooled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the regular Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour for a gluten-free version of the crust.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can substitute ranch dressing with Caesar dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a mixture of sour cream and herbs for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. This is a protein-packed dish that satisfies without being overly heavy.
Conclusion
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, seasoned chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust. I admire this recipe too.
By following this simple recipe, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, impressing your guests and satisfying your cravings.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply as a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy this flavorful, indulgent dish tonight!
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