As the sun sets, the smell of sizzling chicken and melted cheese fills the air. It’s time to head to the dinner table. You’re excited to make Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.
Creating this dish is a journey of flavors. You’ll start with tender chicken breasts and a crispy Parmesan-panko crust. This guide will help you, no matter if you’re a pro or a beginner. You’ll learn how to make it just like Longhorn Steakhouse.
Get ready to wow your family and friends with this dish. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and a bit of technique. You’ll serve a meal that’s just as good as Longhorn Steakhouse’s, all from your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Longhorn’s Signature Chicken Dish
Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a favorite. It has a crispy, cheesy crust on top of juicy chicken. This mix of flavors and textures is loved by both kids and adults.
Its fame comes from the perfect taste and the high-quality dining experience it offers.
History of the Famous Recipe
Longhorn Steakhouse started in 1981 and now has over 500 locations in the U.S. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken has been a mainstay on their menu. It’s known for its tender chicken and golden, cheesy crust.
Why This Dish Became a Restaurant Favorite
The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a hit at Longhorn Steakhouse. It’s not just tasty but also healthy. Each serving has about 450 calories and 40 grams of protein.
It’s also packed with calcium from the cheese and iron from the bread crumbs. This makes it a great chicken entree choice.
The dish’s popularity comes from its amazing taste, juicy chicken, and crispy, cheesy crust. It’s a true Longhorn Steakhouse signature item.
Essential Ingredients for Restaurant-Quality Results
To make the parmesan chicken like Longhorn Steakhouse, you need a few key items. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the base. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and provolone for the cheesy taste. Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a crunchy coating.
For the marinade, mix olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. This mix tenderizes the chicken and gets it ready for the parmesan crust. Add fresh parsley as a garnish for extra freshness.
Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. The additives can stop the cheese from melting and getting crispy. Grate the cheese yourself for the best crusted chicken breast results.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 breasts |
| Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup |
| Provolone Cheese | 1 cup |
| Ranch Dressing | ⅓ cup |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Unsalted Butter, Melted | ⅓ cup |
| Olive Oil | ¼ cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced Garlic | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Black Pepper | ¾ tablespoon |
| Fresh Parsley (for garnish) | As needed |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a chicken dinner that’s just like Longhorn Steakhouse’s.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home, you need the right tools. This dish requires specific items for top-notch results. Let’s explore the essential cooking utensils and optional equipment you’ll need.
Must-Have Cooking Utensils
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan for searing the chicken
- Baking dish for assembling and baking the parmesan-crusted chicken
- Mixing bowls for preparing the marinade and breading
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
- Garlic mincer or crusher for finely chopping the fresh garlic
- Sharp kitchen knife for slicing and dicing the chicken and herbs
Optional but Helpful Equipment
While the must-haves are crucial, some optional tools can simplify the process:
- Food processor for quickly shredding the parmesan cheese
- Meat tenderizer for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness
- Instant-read thermometer to ensure the broiled chicken or baked chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F
With these tools and equipment ready, you’re set to make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home. Next, we’ll dive into the preparation and cooking steps.
Chicken Preparation and Marination Process
Getting the perfect chicken entree begins with the right prep. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to make them even. This makes sure they cook evenly and get tender.
Then, add flavor to the chicken with a tasty marinade. Mix olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper in a dish or bag. Coat the chicken well with the marinade. For the best taste, chill it for 2 hours or overnight.
Before cooking, sprinkle salt on the marinated chicken. This boosts the flavor of this copycat recipe. Now, you’re ready to make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.
Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Try the famous Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. It’s perfect for impressing friends or family.
Marinade Components
The marinade is what makes the Longhorn taste special. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Mix them with Italian salad dressing. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even more taste.
Parmesan Crust Instructions
To make the Parmesan crust, mix grated Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, and ranch dressing. Coat the chicken with this cheese mix. Then, make a topping with panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and a bit of salt.
Cooking Temperature and Timing
Heat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Sear the chicken in a skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. This will give it a nice golden-brown color.
Put the chicken on a baking sheet. Top it with the Parmesan cheese mix and the breadcrumb topping. Broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Enjoy the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken right away. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that feels like it’s from a restaurant. The juicy chicken and the crispy Parmesan crust are a hit with everyone.
Creating the Perfect Parmesan Crust
To make your parmesan chicken or crusted chicken breast taste like Longhorn Steakhouse’s, focus on the Parmesan crust. It’s all about a mix of Parmesan and Provolone cheeses with creamy ranch dressing. This combo makes the crust crunchy and delicious.
Begin by spreading the cheese and ranch mix over the chicken. Then, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings like garlic or oregano. Sprinkle this on top for a great mix of textures and tastes.
- Grate Parmesan and Provolone cheeses, aiming for about 1/2 cup of each.
- Mix the grated cheeses with 2-3 tablespoons of ranch dressing until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
- In a separate bowl, toss 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and your choice of seasonings.
- Sprinkle the seasoned panko mixture over the Parmesan cheese layer, pressing it gently to adhere.
The secret to a perfect crust is finding the right mix of creamy Parmesan and crunchy panko. With these steps, you can make the Longhorn Steakhouse parmesan chicken or crusted chicken breast at home. Your guests will love it!
Cooking Methods and Techniques
Preparing the perfect Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is all about the cooking methods and techniques. Whether you choose pan-searing or oven-baking, the right steps will make your chicken dishes taste like they’re from a restaurant.
Pan-Searing Instructions
To get a golden-brown crust, start by pan-searing the chicken breasts over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side. This will give it a beautiful caramelized exterior. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can make the chicken steam instead of sear.
Oven-Baking Guidelines
You can also make delicious broiled chicken or baked chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After adding the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb toppings, broil for 4-5 minutes to get a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Whether you pan-sear or bake, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the juices are evenly distributed. With these tips, you’ll be able to make Longhorn Steakhouse’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Style Results
Want to make your Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken taste like it’s from the restaurant? Start by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded cheese. Make sure to pound the chicken to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
Marinating the chicken in the flavorful sauce overnight will make it taste even better. To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the breadcrumbs will give your dish a nice crunch.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use freshly grated Parmesan | Melts better and tastes more flavorful |
| Pound chicken to even thickness | Ensures uniform cooking |
| Marinate overnight | Enhances overall flavor |
| Don’t overcook the chicken | Keeps it juicy and tender |
| Add chopped nuts to the crust | Provides extra crunch and texture |
Follow these tips to make your Parmesan Crusted Chicken taste like it’s from Longhorn Steakhouse. Enjoy it in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish. It pairs well with many side dishes. You can choose classic or seasonal options to complete your chicken dinner or chicken entree.
Classic Pairings
For a traditional choice, try the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. These sides match the savory, cheesy chicken perfectly.
Seasonal Side Options
- Spring: Grilled asparagus with lemon and Parmesan
- Summer: Fresh tomato salad with basil and balsamic
- Autumn: Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts)
- Winter: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and herbs
A light and crisp salad is also great. It offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken entree.
| Side Dish | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for Parmesan Crusted Chicken. |
| Roasted Asparagus | Tender, roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon complements the dish beautifully. |
| Tomato Salad | A fresh, seasonal tomato salad with basil and balsamic adds a light and refreshing contrast. |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating can keep your copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken tasty for days. Here’s how to keep your chicken entree fresh:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven or use the microwave for speed.
For a head start, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing overnight. Then, sear it and cool it before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven and top with parmesan before serving.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
By following these copycat recipe tips, you can enjoy Longhorn’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken for longer.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
Looking to make the Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken fit your diet? There are many ways to do it. For a low-carb option, try using crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. If you’re allergic to dairy, use nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese for a tasty, dairy-free version.
Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheese. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to find your favorite taste. Add some spice with cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Vegetarians can enjoy it too, by using portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices as a base.
Whether you’re on a keto, low-carb, or bariatric diet, or just want to eat less, this recipe can be modified. Simple changes can help you enjoy the dish’s signature flavors while meeting your dietary needs.